Employee exposure to unguarded or inadequately guarded machines is prevalent in many workplaces. Consequently, workers who operate and maintain machinery suffer approximately 18,000 amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries, abrasions, and over 800 deaths per year. Amputation is one of the most severe and crippling types of injuries in the occupational workplace, and often results in permanent disability.
Many hazards are created by moving machine parts. Safeguards are essential for protecting workers from preventable injuries.
OSHA has established the following standards to ensure the safety of machine operators and other employees in the area:
- Machine guarding
- Point of operation guarding
- Additional guarding
- Barrels, containers, and drums
- Exposure of blades
- Anchoring fixed machinery
- Eye and face protection
- Lockout/Tagout
CLICK HERE for a sample employer self-inspection checklist for machine safeguards and other hazards.
OSHA’s Machine Guarding eTool focuses on recognizing and controlling common amputation hazards associated with the operation and use of certain types of machines.
Upcoming OSHA #7100 Introduction to Machinery and Machine Safeguarding Classes