Safety Tips to Avoid Pinch Points
March 22, 2018
A pinch-related injury may not sound like a serious workplace injury, but it can be quite severe if a worker is caught between the moving parts of a machine. Pinch points are quite common in places like warehouses, where machines such as power presses, conveyors, robotic machines, and power transmission equipment are used on a regular basis. Injuries can range from broken bones and lacerations to amputations and even fatality. To protect employees from the risk of pinch point injuries, it is crucial that employers provide the appropriate training so that they know how to safely turn on, operate, and shut down the machine without getting hurt.
It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that all machines and equipment are safe, and that any potential pinch point hazards are identified. Once this has been done, the pinch point must be either guarded or eliminated so that the employee does not encounter the pinch point. In addition, the employer must train the workers on the importance of the guards, as they prevent workers from meeting a pinch point. Only trained employees should be able to remove the machine guard or alter it in any way. This should only be necessary for specific types of repairs.
Proper Lockout/Tagout Procedures Can Prevent Pinch-Point Injuries
Pinch-point injuries often occur when a machine is being cleaned or serviced. Therefore, it is crucial that employees follow the appropriate lockout/tagout procedures. Even when the machine is stopped, it can cause serious injuries if the equipment has not been de-energized.
Shortcuts Can Cause Long-Term Damage
To get work done more quickly, employees may decide to skip certain steps or bypass safety procedures. This is never a good idea. By taking shortcuts or bypassing the appropriate safety protocols, it can have devastating consequences. If an employee has been severely injured, he or she may not be able to return to work. Ultimately, both employers and workers are responsible for taking the following steps to ensure that pinch-point hazards are avoided:
- Review the potential dangers of pinch points and the safety procedures necessary to ensure a safe work environment.
- Conduct safety inspections on a regular basis to make sure that all guards are in place and that the appropriate safety procedures are being followed.
- Reward employees who have identified and reported pinch point hazards and take the necessary steps to resolve the hazards as soon as possible.
Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Victims of Pinch Point Accidents
If you or a loved one has suffered a pinch point injury while on the job, it is in your best interest to contact the highly skilled Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We understand how devastating this type of injury can be and we will seek the maximum financial compensation you deserve. We will guide you through every step of the claims process, addressing all your questions and concerns along the way. We will not stop fighting for you until we have secured the full benefits to which you are entitled. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
