Preventing Pinch Point Injuries on Construction Sites

Pinch points happen when any two objects come together, potentially posing a risk to fingers, hands, or other body parts. The word “pinch” here could dampen the severity of these injuries. Sure, sometimes these incidents result in relatively minor traumas, but pinch points can also cause catastrophic, life-altering construction injuries.

What Are Pinch Points?

A pinch point is any area where a body part can be caught between two moving parts, a stationary object and a moving object, or two stationary objects that move together. These hazards are common in the construction industry due to the heavy equipment and tools used daily. Examples include:

• Machinery. Pinch points often occur around gears, rollers, and conveyor belts.
• Doors and panels. Heavy doors or access panels on equipment can crush fingers if not handled carefully.
• Hand tools. Tools such as pliers, clamps, or hammers can create pinch points during operation.
• Heavy materials. Workers handling large objects like pipes or beams risk pinch injuries if the materials shift unexpectedly.

Recognizing and addressing these hazards is the first step toward preventing injuries.

Common Causes of Pinch Point Injuries

Pinch point injuries can occur for various reasons, often due to a lack of workplace safety precautions or proper awareness. Some of the most common causes include:

• Inadequate training. Workers who are not properly trained on the safe operation of machinery and tools are at greater risk of pinch point accidents.
• Lack of machine guarding. Machinery without adequate guards exposes workers to moving parts, increasing the risk of injury.
• Distractions. Workers distracted by their surroundings or other tasks may not notice a hazard until it is too late.
• Improper use of equipment. Using tools or machinery for unintended purposes can create pinch point risks.
• Crowded work areas. Cluttered or confined spaces make it difficult to maintain safe distances from machinery and tools.

Types of Injuries Caused by Pinch Points

Pinch points can result in injuries that range from minor to severe. The most common types of injuries include:

• Crushed fingers or hands. Contact with heavy or fast-moving objects can crush bones and cause significant trauma.
• Lacerations. Sharp edges or rapid movements can lead to deep cuts and tissue damage.
• Amputations. In severe cases, pinch points can lead to the loss of fingers, hands, or other body parts.
• Fractures. Bones may break under the pressure of being caught in a pinch point.
• Nerve damage. Even minor incidents can cause long-term nerve injuries, affecting mobility and sensation.

Immediate medical attention is crucial after a pinch point injury to minimize complications and improve recovery outcomes.

Preventing Pinch Point Injuries

Preventing pinch point injuries requires a proactive approach to safety. Employers and workers can take several steps to minimize risks on construction sites:

• Identify hazards. Conduct regular inspections of the worksite to identify potential pinch points in machinery, tools, and work areas.
• Install machine guards. All moving parts of machinery should have proper guards in place to prevent contact with workers.
• Provide training. Workers should be trained on recognizing pinch point hazards and the correct operation of tools and equipment.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Gloves, safety glasses, and other PPE can provide an additional layer of protection against pinch injuries.
• Maintain equipment. Regular maintenance and inspections of machinery ensure that guards and safety features are functioning correctly.
• Create clear work zones. Establishing designated areas for machinery operation and material handling can reduce the risk of accidental contact with pinch points.
• Promote awareness. Toolbox talks and safety briefings focused on pinch point hazards can reinforce safe practices and remind workers to remain vigilant.

OSHA Requirements and Safety Standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established guidelines to help prevent pinch point injuries on construction sites. Key requirements include:

• Machine guarding. OSHA mandates that employers install guards on machinery to protect workers from contact with moving parts.
• Hazard communication. Employers must provide information about potential hazards and train workers to recognize and avoid them.
• Regular inspections. OSHA recommends regular assessments of tools, equipment, and workspaces to identify and address hazards promptly.

What to Do After a Pinch Point Injury

If you or a coworker is injured by a pinch point, take the following steps:

1. Seek medical attention. Even minor injuries can have long-term effects, so it is important to consult a medical professional.
2. Report the incident. Notify your supervisor immediately and ensure the injury is documented in an accident report.
3. Gather evidence. Take photos of the equipment, tools, or area involved in the incident. Collect witness statements if possible.
4. Consult an attorney. If the injury was caused by negligence or unsafe conditions, an experienced construction accident attorney in Portland can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Speak to a Construction Accident Attorney

Pinch point injuries are a serious hazard on construction sites, but they are also preventable with proper safety measures and vigilance. If you or a loved one has suffered a pinch point injury, the team at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC is here to help.

Contact us today through our online form for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.