The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 5,486 fatal on-the-job traumatic injuries in the United States in 2022. BLS attributes 95 of these fatalities to crushing injuries, including being struck or caught in structure, equipment, or material. In a five-year period between 2018 and 2022, the number of crushing injuries each year ranged from 73 to 95. In addition to fatalities, many more workers suffered serious crush injuries.
Preventing a crush injury at work involves both the employer and the employee. The employer must evaluate the work environment to identify hazards, while employees must be aware of the potential dangers. They must be trained in how to respond when they recognize danger in a work culture that encourages them to be proactive for their own safety.
Understanding Crush Injuries
A crush injury is a traumatic injury resulting from force or pressure on the body. The body is compressed or squeezed beyond what it can withstand, resulting in cell and tissue damage.
Crushing injury can occur in any industry but may be most common in the following industries:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Logistics, transportation
- Installation, maintenance, and repair
- Maintenance, cleaning
- Aviation
- Farming
- Fishing
- Forestry
Common Causes of Crush Injuries in the Workplace
A crush injury may occur when a person is stuck:
- In machinery, such as when a hand or leg is pulled into a machine
- Between two objects
- Underneath a heavy object
- In contact with vibration
- By a rope or wire
Many crush injuries in the workplace occur as the result of something heavy running over or coming to rest on a person. In addition, a crush injury may result from being squeezed, even if the object is relatively small, like a rope.
Common causes of crush injuries in the workplace include:
- Dangling objects, such as an ID badge that can get caught in machinery
- A leg, foot, or hand being run over by a vehicle
- Tool or equipment malfunction
- Tool or equipment tip-over
- Heavy objects falling
- Being caught between a machine and a wall
- Safety protocols failing, allowing a heavy item to be out of place
- Structure collapse
These are the primary causes of crush injuries at work, but there are often indirect causes.
Examples include:
- Lack of situational awareness
- Failing to follow safety directives
- Inadequate staffing
- Lack of safety features like emergency stops
- Poor communication
- Inadequate training
- Hiring unqualified workers or poor retention of unqualified workers
- Neglecting routine maintenance
Employers must identify and mitigate potential risks in the workplace. Many crush injuries could be prevented by allocating the time, resources, and personnel to safe operations.
Safety Protocols To Prevent Crush Injuries
Safety protocols can have a significant impact in preventing crush injuries. Things that can be done include the following:
- Identification of potential risks. Employers and team leads should identify potential dangers in the workplace. These risks can be mitigated as needed, including by changing materials or equipment, changing the setup for work, or implementing additional safety controls.
- Safety shut-offs. People who work near equipment must know how to shut the equipment off when necessary.
- Clear communications. Developing written safety procedures can clarify expectations for workers. Written communications are less likely to be misinterpreted by being repeated than oral instructions. In writing, workers can confirm what they are supposed to do and follow best practices.
- Number of workers. To work safely, there must be enough employees for the task at hand. On the other hand, employees shouldn’t be crowded into a space.
- Prevention of unauthorized access. A person should be able to access and use a machine only when they are qualified to do so. Employees should be instructed not to use equipment that they are not approved to use. They must not be allowed or encouraged to operate equipment in violation of requirements and restrictions.
- Structural collapse. If a job involves a risk of structure collapse, the threat must be monitored and mitigated. If there are signs that a structure is unsafe, workers shouldn’t be on it or under it.
- Enforcement of safety procedures. Employers and workers alike must enforce a culture of safety. When violations occur, they should be reported and penalized appropriately. Retraining should be given when needed.
- Inspections and maintenance. Maintaining equipment is an important part of safety. Periodic inspections should take place as appropriate. Walk-arounds before use should be implemented. When there is a problem, maintenance should be addressed expeditiously.
- Replacement. Machinery may need to be replaced. It may be necessary to develop new ways to conduct activities. Preventing crush injuries should be an ongoing goal, with periodic reevaluation and development.
The ways to prevent a crush injury at work depend on the job. Safety must be an important part of how the employer defines success.
The Importance of Machine Guarding in Preventing Crush Injuries
People who work with machines are at an especially high risk of crush injuries. Guarding machines—preventing unauthorized access and use—is a key part of preventing crushing damage to the body.
Machine guarding protects the point of operation, controls, and power sources. Lockout/tagout procedures should be used to prevent unsafe machine use. Personal protective equipment may be beneficial, but it should never be a substitute for safe operational systems.
What To Do If a Crush Injury Occurs
If a crush injury occurs, workers should move to a place of immediate safety. They must shut off machines or take other needed steps to prevent secondary harm. Don’t assume that injuries are minor, even if the person doesn’t have visible signs. Crush injuries are often internal.
Summon emergency medical care providers and follow instructions until responders can reach the scene. In addition to calling 911, summon responders that may be available on site.
Prioritize care for the injured above continued operations. Save anything related to the injury, such as damaged equipment, supplies, and torn clothing. There may be a period where operations are stopped so that the accident can be investigated and documented.
Contact an Experienced Gastonia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you have been injured by a crush injury at work, you may deserve benefits and compensation.
Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys represent people who are hurt on the job. To talk to an experienced Gastonia workers’ compensation lawyer, contact us now.
