Safety Tip of the Week – Pinch Point Safety

Each year workers suffer approximately 125,000 caught or crushed injuries that occur when body parts get caught between two objects or entangled with machinery. These hazards are also referred to as “pinch points.” The physical forces applied to a body part caught in a pinch point can vary and cause injuries ranging from bruises and cuts to amputated body parts and even death.

When you think of the word ‘pinch,’ would you automatically think of it as something that could cause a disabling injury to your hands, toes, or body?

You may have worked around a pinch point hazard for some time, but don’t ignore them. Eventually, if they are not made safe, someone will get caught in the bite.

Common Causes of Injuries from Pinch Points:

• Not paying attention to the location of hands and feet;

• Walking or working in areas with mobile equipment and fixed structures;

• Loose clothing, hair, or jewelry getting caught in rotating parts or equipment;

• Poor condition of equipment and guarding;

• Dropping or carelessly handling materials or suspended loads;

• Not using the proper work procedures or tools; and

• Reaching into moving equipment and machinery

Safe Practices:

• Make sure all covers and guards are in place.

• De-energize, lockout, and tagout equipment being repaired.

• Be on guard on the placement of your hands, fingers, feet, etc.

• Be aware of clearances when working in tight spaces and identify all hazardous places prior to working.

• Wear gloves appropriate for the task, but keep in mind that gloves may cause an additional hazard during some tasks if they get caught in moving parts

• Avoid wearing jewelry, and loose fitting clothing that could be caught in moving parts and tie back long hair.

  Safety is everyone’s responsibility and should not be learned by accident!!