Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Employees from Amputations

OSHA 3170-02R, Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Employees from Amputation. Amputations are among the most severe and disabling workplace injuries that often result in permanent disability. They are widespread and involve various activities and equipment. (The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2005 annual survey data indicated that there were 8,450 non-fatal amputation cases ? involving days away from work ? for all private industry. Approximately forty-four percent (44%) of all workplace amputations occurred in the manufacturing sector and the rest occurred across the construction, agriculture, wholesale and retail trade, and service industries). These injuries result from the use and care of machines such as saws, presses, conveyors, and bending, rolling or shaping machines as well as from powered and non-powered hand tools, forklifts, doors, trash compactors and during materials handling activities. Anyone responsible for the operation, servicing, and maintenance (also known as use and care) of machines (which, for purposes of this publication includes equipment) ? employers, employees, safety professionals, and industrial hygienists ? should read this publication. Primary safeguarding, as used in this publication, includes control methods that protect (e.g., prevent employee contact with hazardous machine areas) employees from machine hazards through effective machine guarding techniques. In addition, a hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout) program need to complement machine safeguarding methods in order to protect employees during potentially hazardous servicing and maintenance work activities. This guide can help you identify and manage common amputation hazards associated with the operation and care of machines.