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A caught-in or -between hazard is when someone is crushed, squeezed, pinched, or compressed between two or more objects. These hazards are a leading cause of fatal injuries for construction workers and why OSHA includes them in their FOCUS FOUR. Each quarter, we will highlight one of these hazards for you to review with all employees of your company.
Examples of Caught-In or -Between include:
- Getting your hand caught in a machine's moving parts
- Being buried by a trench collapse
- Getting trapped between two objects
- Being struck by falling materials or equipment
Causes of Caught-In or -Between Incidents
Some of the working conditions that contribute to caught in- or –between hazards include:
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Machinery that is not locked out during maintenance or has unguarded moving parts.
- Unprotected excavations and trenches.
- Working between moving materials and immovable structures.
- Heavy equipment that tips over.
- Collapsing walls during demolition.
- Distracted workers.
Prevention of Caught-In or -Between Incidents
Key strategies to prevent caught-in/between hazards can be addressed through engineering controls, administrative controls, or personal protective equipment (PPE) as follows:
Engineering controls:
- Guards and barriers: Install machine guards at all pinch points, ensuring they are properly secured and cannot be easily removed.
- Interlocking guards: Utilize guards that automatically disengage the machinery when opened.
- Emergency stop buttons: Ensure readily accessible emergency stop buttons are clearly labeled and functional.
- Design modifications: Modify machinery to eliminate pinch points or hazardous areas where possible.
Administrative controls:
- Training and awareness: Train employees on identifying caught-in/between hazards, proper machine operation, and emergency procedures.
- Work permits: Implement work permits for high-risk tasks requiring additional safety measures.
- Safe work practices: Establish procedures for accessing and working around machinery, including proper positioning and maintaining a safe distance.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Clothing and footwear: Wear tight-fitting clothing and sturdy footwear to prevent entanglement. Be mindful that hooded sweatshirts can have the hood or drawstring cords easily caught in machinery.
- Gloves and safety harnesses: Use appropriate gloves and harnesses depending on the work task.
Safe Practices for Workers
Important considerations for all employees to understand include:
- Identify pinch points: Understand where potential pinch points are located on all machinery you operate.
- Never bypass safety devices: Always use guards and safety devices as intended.
- Maintain clear escape routes: Ensure there is a clear path to exit from a hazardous area.
- Shut down machinery before maintenance: Always turn off and de-energize machinery before performing any maintenance or adjustments.
- Report hazards: Immediately report any malfunctioning equipment or potential caught-in/between hazards.
- Teach situational awareness: Teach employees about the potential dangers in their surroundings and how to avoid injury.
Visit the link below for OSHA training materials on the Caught-In or -Between hazards.
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