Last blog post we spent some time outlining one of OSHA's Focus Four hazards, so this week we're turning to a new one: Caught-in or -between hazards.
This hazard includes instances where employees are trapped between heavy construction equipment and fixed objects such as walls, trapped in trench collapses, or caught in parts of moving machinery.
Key ways to protect yourself from caught-in or -between hazards include:
1. Trench safety practices, such as soil classification, shoring, sloping, and benching. Make sure a trenching competent person is available to make the determination for which of these is the most appropriate for the trench you're working in. Remember also that air monitoring is required for any trenches deeper than four feet.
2. Lock-out Tag-out procedures for each piece of equipment that employees may need to perform maintenance on or otherwise need to have their hands or other body parts exposed to moving machinery. The equipment should have a step-by-step process to ensure that the machine cannot be accidentally turned on while the employee is engaged in the tasks that must be done while the machinery is powered off.
3. Line of sight with equipment operators - Employees on foot in a construction zone should attempt to keep within the line of sight of equipment operators. Similarly, equipment operators should not proceed with operating if they know a pedestrian is there and not currently visible. Hand signals should be discussed and agreed upon before work begins as well.
Check out this 1.5 minute video that summarizes how to keep yourself safe from caught-in or -between hazards:
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