Written by: Josh Hostler

A worker reaches into a machine to clear a jam. The machine is still energized. In seconds, a routine task becomes a serious injury risk.

Machine-related incidents can happen quickly when moving parts are not properly controlled or guarded. OSHA identifies several types of injuries that can occur when workers are exposed to unguarded machinery.

WHAT are the hazards?

OSHA identifies common machine-related injuries such as:

  • Crushed hands and arms
  • Severed fingers or limbs
  • Cuts and abrasions

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

Source: OSHA Machine Guarding Overview
https://www.osha.gov/machine-guarding

WHY machine guarding matters

OSHA requires that machines be properly guarded to protect workers from hazardous moving parts. Guards are designed to prevent contact with dangerous areas of equipment and reduce the risk of injury during normal operation, setup, and maintenance.

Without proper safeguarding, workers may be exposed to:

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

OSHA emphasizes that machine guarding is a critical part of preventing workplace injuries in both general industry and construction settings.

Source: OSHA Machine Guarding Standards
https://www.osha.gov/machine-guarding

QUICK SAFETY CHECK: MACHINE GUARDING

Before operating or working near equipment, ask:

  • Are all machine guards 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 the answer to any of these is “no,” the equipment should not be used until it is made safe.

NATIONAL FARM SAFETY & HEALTH WEEK (SEPTEMBER 21–25)

Machine guarding safety is not limited to factories and construction sites. Agricultural environments also involve tractors, augers, conveyors, and other equipment with serious machine hazards.

National Farm Safety & Health Week is observed September 21–25, 2026, with the theme “Safety Today, Success Tomorrow.” The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) leads this annual campaign to raise awareness of agricultural hazards, including machinery safety, rural roadway safety, and confined spaces.

Source: NECAS National Farm Safety & Health Week
https://www.necasag.org/nationalfarmsafetyandhealthweek/

This observance highlights the importance of recognizing hazards before work begins and using safe practices around equipment—principles that apply across all industries.

TRAINING CONNECTION

Understanding machine hazards is the first step. Applying OSHA standards in real workplace conditions requires structured training and hands-on hazard recognition skills.

This September, the OSHA Training Institute Education Center is offering:

OSHA #2045: Machinery and Machine Guarding Standards
September 22–25, 2026 | Zoom

This course covers machine hazards, safeguarding methods, OSHA requirements, and approaches to identifying and controlling hazardous energy in the workplace.

LEARN MORE