Amputations are some of the most serious workplace injuries and have long-lasting consequences impacting quality of life. Amputations can be caused by a variety of activities and equipment and occur most often when workers operate unguarded or inadequately safeguarded machinery.
Mechanical Motion Is Hazardous:
All mechanical motion is potentially hazardous. Points of operation, power-transmission apparatuses, and other moving parts present amputation hazard. In addition to “pinch points” the most common types of hazardous mechanical motion are rotating, reciprocating, traversing, cutting, punching, shearing, and bending.
Amputation Protection:
Work practices, employee training, and administrative controls can help prevent and control amputation hazards. Machine safeguarding with safety guards and devices is the best way to control amputations caused by stationary machinery. Training on machinery should be completed before working with the equipment.
Preventing amputation is a reality that can be accomplished by providing employees with everything they need to be safe. Educating employees on machine specific dangers, hazardous energy, and proper use is the crucial foundation to any program. Providing machine specific lockout-tagout procedures is not only the law, but a visual reminder of how to properly start-up and shutdown equipment. Keeping employees safe with guards and devices is required during normal operations.
Remember to stay alert for hazards, so you won’t become one more accident statistic: You can do a quality job without rushing. Maintain a positive attitude and keep your mind on your work. This is just common sense–something smart workers use!
KEEP YOUR ‘GUARD UP’…WHEN WORKING WITH MACHINERY!
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