OSHA Issues Revised Amputation Guide

The guide – Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Employees from Amputations – will tie into OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on Amputations, which the agency released Oct. 27.

“Amputations are among the most severe and disabling workplace injuries that result in permanent disability. They are widespread and involve various activities and equipment,” OSHA Administrator Edwin Foulke Jr. said. “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.

“Our revised guide offers practical information for the small-business employer to identify and manage common amputation hazards associated with the operation and care of machines.”

The revised OSHA guide identifies eight mechanical motions and eight hazardous actions that present possible amputation hazards. The guide also sets forth steps employers can take to reduce these hazards.

According to OSHA, the material in Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Employees from Amputations is appropriate for anyone responsible for the operation, servicing and care of machines or equipment — employers, employees, safety professionals and industrial hygienists.

Topics covered in the latest document include hazard analysis, safeguarding machinery, awareness devices and hazardous energy (lockout/tagout).

Printed copies of OSHA’s revised guide are available by calling (202) 693-1888, or by writing U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA Publications, P.O. Box 37535, Washington, D.C., 20013-7535. It also is available on OSHA’s Web site.