TOOLBOX TALKS
Topic: Pinch Points
How to Avoid Pinch Point Injuries
A worker, who was not properly trained, was operating an aged multi-punch press that was
malfunctioning and did not have proper safeguarding. These three unsafe factors all contributed to the
worker reaching across a pinch point to reposition the malfunctioning part. When the punch press cycled,
the worker’s hand was caught between the top of the ram and the machine housing. He suffered crushing
injuries to three of his fingers.
What is a Pinch Point?
A pinch point is any point where a body part can be caught between two objects coming together.
Generally people associate pinch point hazards with power presses, conveyors and other moving
equipment, but really a pinch point can exist anywhere. For example, a pinch point is created between a
closing door and its jamb or between materials being unloaded and the surface they are being placed onto.
Nipping your fingers with a pair of pliers would be considered a pinch point injury. Pinch point injuries
can be as minor as a bruise or as serious as an amputation, or even death.
How to Avoid Pinch Point Injuries
Here are some ways you can protect yourself against the risk of a pinch point injury:
• Identify potential pinch points before starting a task and before using any tool.
• Never operate equipment or machinery without the required machine guards.
• Do not reach around, under or through a guard.
• Follow the company’s lockout/tagout procedures and ensure that equipment is de-energized before
repairing, unjamming or adjusting any equipment.
• When working, notice where you place your hands and feet. Are they between anything?
• Notice objects around you. What would happen if a load moves or shift unexpectedly? Will you be in
the way?
• Pay attention when walking or working in areas that have mobile equipment and fixed structures.
• When working in areas with mobile equipment, make sure the operators see you and acknowledge
your presence.
• Do not use your feet to brace or chock objects, such as holding open a door.
• When placing a heavy object down, ensure your feet and hands are safely out of the way first.
Conclusion
Potential pinch points are widespread. Discuss with your supervisor and co-workers potential pinch point
hazards in your workplace and pay attention when performing even a small task. Pinch point injuries
often occur when a worker is distracted.
Questions:
1. Pinch point hazards exist only in worksites with rotating machinery.
The information presented herein has been compiled from various sources believed to be reliable; however, it cannot be assumed that all acceptable
safety measures are contained in this publication or that other additional measures may not be required under particular or exceptional circumstances.
While every effort is made to ensure that information and recommendations contained within this publication are the best current opinions on the
subject, no guarantee or warranty is made by Health Safety and You as to the absolute correctness or sufficiency of any representation contained in
this publication herewith.
TOOLBOX TALKS
True or False
2. Pinch point injuries often occur when a worker is _____________.
a. trained
b. following LOTO procedures
c. distracted
d. All of the above
3. When working in areas with mobile equipment, you should __________.
a. make sure the operator sees you
b. stay close to the wall
c. stay in the middle of the pathway
d. A and B
4. Slamming a drawer on your fingers would be considered a pinch point injury.
True or False
5. Pinch point injuries are generally minor.
True or False
Answers:
1 False, 2c, 3a, 4 True, 5 False
The information presented herein has been compiled from various sources believed to be reliable; however, it cannot be assumed that all acceptable
safety measures are contained in this publication or that other additional measures may not be required under particular or exceptional circumstances.
While every effort is made to ensure that information and recommendations contained within this publication are the best current opinions on the
subject, no guarantee or warranty is made by Health Safety and You as to the absolute correctness or sufficiency of any representation contained in
this publication herewith.
