Construction is among the most dangerous industries and in recent years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there are more than 800 fatal on-the-job injuries to construction workers annually, more than any other single industry.
OSHA has identified the 4 leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry and Caught-in Hazards are one of the Focus Four.
Caught-in or Caught-between hazards are defined as Injuries resulting from a person being squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched, or compressed between two or more objects, or between parts of an object.
In this incident, as reported on CBS Pittsburgh, a worker in a hydraulic lift was crushed against the underside of an overpass while his crew was patching the bridge. The operator became trapped between the lift and the concrete ceiling, and coworkers quickly realized he was no longer breathing. Paramedics performed CPR, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Caught-in hazards are not limited to situations where a worker’s glove gets pulled into machinery or when employees stand too close to the swing radius of cranes or excavators. These hazards can occur anywhere on a job site, and powered lifts are no exception.
Every crew member must be trained to recognize caught-in hazards and understand the specific equipment they will be operating. Not all lifts are the same, and workers need to know the limitations, controls, and safe-use requirements for each type.
To help prevent caught-in incidents:
- Always inspect all machinery and equipment before operation.
- Never attempt to operate equipment unless you have been trained and authorized to use it.
- Maintain safe distances from potential hazards, including overhead structures, moving parts, and tight spaces.
Caught-in hazards can appear suddenly and without warning. Proper training, equipment inspections, and situational awareness can help ensure that incidents like this one never happen again.
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