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What causes pinch point injuries?

On Behalf of | Apr 12, 2021 | Workers' Compensation |

A pinch point injury is one that is caused when a person is caught between two objects, and they are common on and off the job. If you have ever caught your hand in a drawer and pinched the skin, leaving a blister, you have had a pinch point injury. Unfortunately, when these injuries happen in a workplace setting, they can often be far more serious, leading to amputation or even death. North Carolina workers can help reduce the likelihood of pinch point injuries by understanding their causes and thus how to prevent them.

Pinch point injuries and employer errors

Your work should have certain policies and procedures in place for working with equipment that could prevent pinch point accidents, and it is important to follow those procedures. Of course, there are also situations in which an employer does not properly train employees for on-the-job safety. In other cases, equipment may be more dangerous because it is poorly maintained or because the machine guards have been removed.

Your role in avoiding pinch point injuries

There are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of getting one of these types of injuries. Loose clothing, jewelry or hair can all cause pinch point accidents. You also need to be aware of where your hands and feet are at all times and make sure the equipment operators know where you are as well. You should remain alert, identify any potential hazards before starting work and follow all necessary procedures for tagout or lockdown.

When you are working around the same equipment day after day, it can be easy to get careless and tempting to take shortcuts. However, understanding the causes of pinch point and other types of accidents is critical to avoiding them. If you are injured in a pinch point or another type of accident while at work, you are most likely eligible for workers’ comp. To access these benefits, you need to inform your employer before seeking treatment unless you require emergency treatment. You may want to consult an attorney regarding the necessary procedures and your rights.