Pinch Points Safety

Pinch Points

Make it a point to keep your hands out of pinch points

How do we prevent pinch point type injuries?

We have experienced first aid injuries in the past when a finger was placed in the line of a pinch point hazard. Also, jobsites have seen an increased number of first aids and OSHA recordable injuries related to hand placement in line of fire / pinch point hazards.

A pinch point is any place where there is potential for a person or a body part to get caught between two objects. Failing to recognize a pinch point hazard and failing to take action can result in an injury. 

Pinch point hazards exist in a lot of places so we need to recognize them so we can protect ourselves.

  • When walking down a job, we should highlight pinch points.
  • Whenever possible, work should be arranged so that you and others have room to maneuver to make adjustments to what you are working on.
  • Always maintain a clear line of sight (“eyes on task”) of the equipment or tools you are using, the materials you are working with, the structures you are working around, and your hands and other body parts.  Never place your hands or fingers in a blind spot.
  • When working with a crew to position an object, over-communicate.  Be sure that one person is directing the positioning of the object and everyone else is on-board with the actions taken to position the object before it’s moved.
  • If you see someone putting themselves at risk of a pinch point injury, speak-up.  Stop the work and address the hazard.  Make it safe before continuing.

Pinch point injuries are preventable, but only if you stay focused on where they can occur, and take action to safely manage the hazard.  So make it a point to keep your hands out of pinch points!