Don’t Get Caught in the Crush

Crushing accidents occur when the body or any part of the body is squeezed between two moving objects or caught between one moving and one stationary object. Minor crushing accidents can cost workers in many ways, in pain, disability, and the loss of a job. Major crushing accidents can even cost a life.

There are some simple things workers can do to lessen their chance of experiencing crushing injuries. The first, and most important thing, is for workers to know when they are placing themselves or any of their body parts in a situation of possible injury.

Workers must always be aware of where they are in relation to moving equipment around them. When in these situations, workers must allow enough room to compensate for equipment failure or operator error. Workers should stay within the equipment operators vision at all times.

Workers should make it their business to stay out from under any load to avoid the possibility of being crushed from above. “If its in the air, its dangerous.” Employers should never permit a load to be raised, lowered, or swung over a workers head. It is also the workers responsibility to shut-off, lock-out, or tag-out all energy sources, and to test to assure that they are dead, BEFORE attempting to work on or clear equipment capable of any movement or activation.

Workers are the most important pieces of equipment in the workplace; make sure they are kept safe and in good operating condition.

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The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.