Pinch points exist anywhere a body part can become caught between moving objects, between a moving and stationary object, or between parts of equipment. On construction sites, these hazards are everywhere, and injuries can happen in an instant.

Hands and fingers are particularly vulnerable, but pinch points can also cause serious crushing injuries to feet, arms and other parts of the body. Recognizing where these hazards exist before beginning a task is one of the best ways to prevent an injury.

Where Are the Pinch Points?

Pinch point hazards can be found in many routine construction activities, including:

• Moving or rotating machinery and equipment
• Hinges, doors, covers and access panels
• Chains, belts, gears and pulleys
• Materials being loaded, unloaded or stacked
• Pipes, beams and other materials being positioned
• Equipment attachments and hydraulic components
• Loads being lifted, lowered or moved
• Hand and power tools
• Vehicles and mobile equipment operating near fixed objects

Before starting a task, identify where objects could move, shift, rotate, fall or come together.

Keep Your Hands Out

Never place your hands or fingers between materials or equipment that could move unexpectedly. When positioning materials, use handles, push tools, tag lines or other appropriate tools whenever possible instead of using your hands.

Be especially cautious when setting down heavy materials. A hand or finger underneath a load can become trapped before there is time to react.

Don't Put Yourself in the Line of Fire

Pinch point safety involves more than protecting your hands. Consider where your entire body is positioned in relation to moving equipment, suspended loads and materials that could shift.

Ask yourself: If this moves unexpectedly, where will it go?

If you are standing in that path, reposition yourself before work continues.

Watch for Stored Energy

Hydraulic pressure, compressed springs, suspended loads and materials under tension can move suddenly when energy is released. Never assume equipment is safe simply because it is not currently moving.

Follow proper lockout/tagout procedures when servicing or maintaining equipment and make sure stored energy has been controlled before work begins.

Communicate Before Moving

Many pinch point incidents occur when one worker moves equipment or materials while another worker is still positioning them. Establish clear communication before lifting, lowering, swinging or moving anything.

If you cannot see everyone involved in the task or are unsure whether the area is clear, stop the movement until you know it is safe to continue.

Gloves Aren't Enough

Work gloves can help protect against cuts, abrasions and minor injuries, but they cannot prevent a crushing injury. In some situations, loose gloves can also become caught in moving equipment.

The best protection from a pinch point is to eliminate the exposure and keep your hands and body away from the hazard.

Take a Second Before the Task

Pinch point injuries often happen during familiar, routine jobs when workers are focused on getting something into position. Before grabbing, pushing, pulling or guiding a load, take a second to identify where your hands and body will be if something moves unexpectedly.

Remember: If it can move, rotate, swing, shift or fall, it can create a pinch point. Keep your hands clear, stay out of the line of fire and never put any part of your body somewhere you cannot quickly move it to safety.