To help keep workers safe from experiencing pinch and crunch point injuries, employers should carefully evaluate all machines and equipment and work to identify these hazards. Once these hazards have been identified, you should work to eliminate or guard the pinch and crunch points to help prevent employee contact, thus preventing injuries.

Here are a few tips on how you can prevent pinch and crunch injuries within your workplace:

Awareness

Identify and communicate possible pinch points – OSHA Orange is typically used to identify pinch points.

Physical Barriers

Make sure to properly use guards, shields, barriers, chocks, etc. Do not more or remove these unless you have discussed with the team member responsible for placing them in set location.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Use proper tools and equipment as well as PPE that is in good condition. PPE also helps other recogn ize your extremities and helps to protect them.