Safety Corner: Crushing
Today we’re going to talk about a particularly important topic that can often be overlooked in the workplace but has the potential to cause serious harm – caught in or crushed incidents. These types of accidents occur when someone is squeezed, pinched, compressed, or crushed between two or more objects or parts of an object. This could happen due to unguarded stationary machinery or equipment, jewelry getting caught in moving parts, long hair becoming entangled with machinery, coat tails or shirt sleeves getting stuck, unsupported walls or large objects falling, or limited access zones not being used leading to being run over by vehicles and heavy mobile equipment.
It's important to note that most crushing accidents do not involve industrial equipment or steam rollers. Getting one’s foot caught under furniture, getting a finger pulled into a vacuum, or even smashing one’s finger in a door can all be considered crushing incidents. I can hazard a guess that every adult has suffered something like the above. When considered under this context, caught in and crushed incidents are a nearly daily occurrence. Even for those of us who don’t handle heavy equipment, it’s important to take the precautions discussed below.
To avoid these types of incidents from happening, it’s crucial to take certain precautions such as ensuring all stationary machinery and equipment are properly guarded according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, wearing personal protective equipment when using stationary machinery, covering up jewelry that could get caught in moving parts, tying long hair back, tucking coat and shirt tails into place, following regulatory standards during excavation and trenching work, inspecting work areas before starting, and utilizing controlled access zones with hazard tape or other markers. Additionally, always being aware of where our extremities are can go a long way to minimizing the risk of these incidents. taking these measures, workers can significantly reduce their risk of being caught in a crushed incident.
It is essential for employers to educate their employees on these potential hazards and take the necessary steps to prevent them from occurring. According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), there were 237 reported incidents due to getting caught in or crushed in 2022. And that only includes major incidents! That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of these risks and act to protect yourself and your coworkers. Remember, safety should always come first, so let’s all do our part to ensure we go home safely at the end of each day.
Caught in or crushed incidents can happen quickly and silently, but with proper precautions and education, they can be prevented. Employers must educate their employees on potential hazards and take steps to prevent them from occurring. By taking these measures, workers can significantly reduce their risk of being caught in a crushing incident and return home safely to their loved ones every night. And even for those who don’t work with machinery and equipment, it can spare you a lot of pain and doctor’s visits.