By Josh Hostler

Picture this: A worker reaches into a machine lacking proper machine guarding to clear a jam. The machine is still energized. In an instant, a routine task becomes a serious injury risk.

Machine-related incidents can happen quickly if a business or crew fails to properly control or guard moving parts. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “Any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded.”

What are the hazards?

Machines without proper safeguards increase the risks of accidents and injuries, including:

  • Crushed extremities
  • Severed fingers or limbs
  • Cuts and abrasions
  • Burns
  • Blindness

These injuries occur when workers contact moving parts such as rotating components, cutting tools, belts, chains, or in-running nip points. OSHA notes these hazards are often found at the point of operation or other areas where machine movement creates exposure to injury.

Why does machine guarding matter?

OSHA requires properly guarding machines to protect workers from hazardous moving parts.

Designed to prevent contact with dangerous areas of equipment, guards reduce the risk of injury during normal operation, setup, and maintenance. In addition to these physical barriers, companies should install safeguarding devices that prevent or detect contact with a machine’s point of operation and stop hazardous machine motion when a worker nears a dangerous area.

Without proper machine guarding, workers may be exposed to:

  • Rotating parts
  • Flying debris or material
  • Pinch points and crush zones
  • Unexpected machine startup during servicing

Safeguarding serves as a critical step in preventing workplace injuries in both general industry and construction.

What is a good safety check?

Before operating or working near a machine, ask:

  • Is machine guarding in place and secure?
  • Are moving parts fully enclosed or protected?
  • Has the machine been properly shut down and locked out before maintenance?
  • Have workers been trained on safe operation and hazard recognition?

If you answer “no” to any of these questions, do not use the machine until enhancing and ensuring its safety.

Learn More About Machine Guarding

Explore our machine guarding safety training, OSHA #7100: Introduction to Machinery and Machine Safeguarding. Gain insights on identifying and explaining hazards, safeguarding methods, OSHA Machinery and Machine Guarding Standards, and violations and corrective actions.

If you find this information helpful, read our other posts on the Safety Blog.

Joshua Hostler is a safety manager at a manufacturing firm and an authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer.