This year, GBCA is participating in OSHA’s Focus Four Campaign, providing resources to avoid incidents involving OSHA’s Focus Four hazards. This month, we’re featuring resources on Caught-in/Between hazards and this week’s toolbox talk is about working safely near moving/energized parts. Scroll down to read it. Click below to download it as a printable Toolbox Talk.

 

Working Safely Near Moving/Energized Parts

Ask the following questions and give time for answers:

  • What are the hazards?
    • Bodily contact with moving and energized parts, potential and stored energy
  • What are the results?
    • Broken or crushed limbs and bones, suffocation, punctures, head injury, internal damage, amputations, and death
  • What should we look for?
    • Machine guards, moving and energized parts, nip-points, lockout/tagout, loose/hanging clothing, jewelry, and hair

Actual Incident:

In October 2017, a 25-year old employee was repairing a truck. He was replacing a damaged hydraulic line, which involved fastening and tightening fasteners on the new hose. The truck had a tip bed. The hose was located behind the cab. The bed was elevated, so that employee could access the hose. The employee was work between the frame of the truck and its bed. The bed was not secured or blocked to prevent unintentional, unexpected release of stored energy. The bed fell, striking the employee and pinning him between the frame and the bed. The employee was fatally injured.

Let’s talk about this site now.

  • How can you prevent accidental contact with energized equipment and moving parts?
    • Guard moving and energized parts of lockout/tagout
  • What should you do if you notice a missing or broken/altered guard?
    • Do not use equipment, shut it down when it is safe to do so and inform the supervisor of the danger.
  • Does your company have a machine guarding safety program? Have you read it?