OSHA’s Fatal Four: Caught-In or Between - The Crushing Danger

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! We've covered falls, struck-by hazards, and electrocutions. Today, we address the fourth of the Fatal Four: Caught-In or Between incidents – a category of hazards that can result in devastating crushing injuries or suffocation.

Imagine being trapped, squeezed, or pulled into machinery, between objects, or within a collapsing structure. These "caught-in or between" incidents often involve immense pressure and can lead to severe trauma or death in a matter of moments.

What are the common caught-in or between hazards that pose this crushing danger on construction sites?

• Trench collapses: Unprotected or improperly shored trenches can collapse suddenly, burying workers alive.

• Getting caught in machinery: Contact with rotating parts of machinery, such as gears, belts, and augers, can pull workers in and cause severe injuries.

• Being crushed between objects: Workers can be crushed between heavy equipment, materials being moved, or collapsing structures.

• Cave-ins: Similar to trench collapses, cave-ins can occur in excavations or stockpiles of materials.

The consequences of being caught-in or between objects are often catastrophic. Think about the immense pressure, the inability to escape, and the potential for life-altering or fatal injuries. These incidents highlight the critical need for preventative measures.

The call to action to avoid these crushing dangers demands strict adherence to safety protocols and a proactive approach to hazard identification:

• Proper trench shoring and sloping: Always ensure trenches are properly shored, sloped, or benched according to OSHA regulations before entering. Never enter an unprotected trench.

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures for machinery: Implement and strictly follow LOTO procedures before performing any maintenance, repair, or inspection on machinery to prevent unexpected startup.

• Maintaining safe distances from moving equipment: Be constantly aware of the swing radius and movement of heavy equipment and never position yourself in a potentially hazardous area.

• Proper rigging and load securement: Ensure loads being lifted are properly rigged and secured to prevent them from shifting or falling and crushing workers.

• Avoiding pinch points: Be aware of potential pinch points when working with heavy objects or equipment and keep hands and body parts clear.

• Proper stacking and securing of materials: Stack materials in a stable manner to prevent them from collapsing or falling.

We must cultivate a culture of awareness around moving equipment and unstable environments. Never take shortcuts when it comes to excavation safety or working around machinery. Your vigilance and adherence to procedures can prevent a tragic crushing incident.

Don't forget to sign your friends up for Full Brim Safety for your daily dose of construction safety tips!

-The Safety Man