Caught-In Or Between

According to OSHA, the term “caught-in or between” is defined as injuries resulting from a person being squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched or compressed between parts of an object. In the oil and gas industry, this is usually being caught in machinery or equipment, or being compressed or crushed between rolling, sliding or shifting objects.

Caught in machinery or equipment

Being pulled into or caught in machinery or equipment can cause amputations, broken bones, internal injuries and strangulation. Floor hands can be caught in spinning chain or parts of the rotating system (the kelly or the rotary table) and in the draw-works.

To prevent this type of accident, do not remove machine guards unless lockout/tagout procedures have been implemented. Do not wear loose clothing when working around revolving spindles, drums or drive shafts. Train new employees on the hazards of working on the drill rig.

Being compressed or crushed between rolling, sliding or shifting objects

Some examples of how this hazard occurs are when an employee is:

• Caught between a vehicle and another object,
• Pinched between equipment and the rig’s substructure, and
• Crushed between a load of pipe that fell off a trailer and forklift.

Instruct workers to be alert and aware of their surroundings at all times and to understand the hazards associated with the task they are performing.