OSHA Focus Four: Caught-in and -Between Construction Hazards

Construction is among the most dangerous industries in the US and caught-in or caught-between hazards are one of the top areas of focus. These tips will help keep workers safe on the job site.

OSHA Standard Section 5(a)(1) Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.

• To prevent injuries and possible fatal incidents you must recognize the potential hazards.
• Look for any places where your hands, feet, or body could be trapped between moving parts.
• Never place yourself in a dangerous area or position.  

• Never take shortcuts behind, or around heavy equipment.
• Ensure all back-up alarms and horns are working.
• Avoid the swing areas of excavators and cranes.
• Always approach heavy equipment in operation cautiously and be certain that the operator can see you.
• Never place yourself in between moving equipment.

• Make sure all guards and covers are placed correctly and are not damaged.  
• Keep gloves, loose clothing, jewelry and long hair away from any moving gears and rotating shafts.  

OSHA Standard 1926.300(b)(2) Belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, sprockets, spindles, drums, fly wheels, chains, or other reciprocating, rotating or moving parts of equipment shall be guarded if such parts are exposed to contact by employees or otherwise create a hazard.

• Excavation walls can collapse and trap a worker under thousands of pounds of soil or rock.
• Never climb into an unprotected trench or excavation.
• Always follow trench safety and cave-in protection rules.

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