Caught-In or Caught-Between

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Caught-in or caught-between hazards refer to situations where workers or parts of their bodies may be trapped, caught, or crushed between objects or equipment. These hazards are common in various workplaces, including construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and agricultural settings. It's crucial to identify and address caught-in or caught-between hazards to prevent serious injuries or fatalities. Here are some common examples and prevention measures:

• Machinery and Equipment:

  • Workers can be caught in or between moving parts of machinery or equipment.

  • Examples include getting caught in gears, belts, rollers, or other moving components.

• Prevention Measures:

  • Implement machine guarding to prevent access to hazardous moving parts.

  • Ensure that machinery has emergency stop devices.

  • Train workers on safe operating procedures and the importance of staying clear of moving parts.

• Trenching and Excavation:

  • Workers can be caught-in or crushed by cave-ins or the collapse of trench walls.

  • Moving or falling soil and debris pose significant risks.

• Prevention Measures:

  • Use protective systems such as shoring, sloping, or trench boxes in excavations.

  • Conduct regular inspections of trenching and excavation sites.

  • Train workers on proper excavation procedures and hazards.

• Material Handling:

  • Workers can be caught-in or between loads being moved or transported.

  • This hazard is common during manual material handling or when using equipment like forklifts.

• Prevention Measures:

  • Provide training on proper lifting techniques and the use of material handling equipment.

  • Use tag lines or guide ropes to control loads during lifting operations.

  • Establish clear communication signals between workers involved in material handling.

• Collapsed Structures:

  • Workers can be caught-in or between building components during construction or demolition activities.

  • This hazard is significant when structures are unstable or inadequately supported.

• Prevention Measures:

  • Ensure proper structural stability during construction and demolition.

  • Use appropriate shoring and bracing to support structures.

  • Provide workers with fall protection equipment when working at heights.

• Conveyors and Equipment:

  • Workers may get caught in or between moving parts of conveyors or other industrial equipment.

  • Entrapment between conveyor belts and rollers is a common risk.

• Prevention Measures:

  • Implement machine guarding on conveyor systems.

  • Provide emergency stop controls and proper signage.

  • Train workers on the safe operation and maintenance of conveyor systems.

To prevent caught-in or caught-between hazards, it's essential to conduct thorough hazard assessments, implement engineering controls, provide adequate training, and enforce strict safety protocols. Regular inspections, clear communication, and a commitment to safety culture contribute to a safer work environment.