OSHA Focuses on Amputation Hazards in Manufacturing Industries

OSHA has announced it will focus agency inspections on amputation hazards in manufacturing industries.

The agency recently issued an updated National Emphasis Program that targets industrial and manufacturing workplaces with machinery and equipment that can potentially cause amputations.

The change updates the 2015 NEP on amputations.

“The National Emphasis Program was developed to assist employers in your industry in identifying and eliminating workplace hazards created by machines and equipment typically found in manufacturing,” said OSHA’s Paul Mangiafico.

“These hazards include but are not limited to rotating parts, ingoing nip points, and pinch points that expose workers to potential amputation injuries.”

NEP Updates

The updated NEP: 

• Revises targeting methodology to include data from amputation reporting requirements
• Revises coding requirements for amputation inspections in the OSHA Information System
• Adds new appendices on amputations targeting methodology and North American Industry Classification System codes

The NEP includes three months of education and prevention outreach through March 10.

During this time, OSHA will continue to respond to complaints, referrals, hospitalizations, and fatalities.

Enforcement activities will begin after the outreach period ends March 10 and will remain in effect until canceled.

Employers are already required to ensure their machines are properly safeguarded to prevent amputations and other fatal injuries.

Hazard Identification

OSHA provides information on machine guarding to help employers identify amputation hazards and follow procedures to properly guard stationary and portable machinery.

Mangiafico said OSHA offices serving the Hartford and Bridgeport areas provide resources to employers to address safety hazards.

Compliance assistance is also offered through CONN-OSHA, the state labor department’s consultation program.

The service is free and there are no citations or penalties in this program that’s designed primarily for smaller employers. Contact the consultation program at 860.263.6900.

In addition, an OSHA duty officer can answer questions weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm at 860.240.3152 or 860.579.5581.

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For more information, contact CBIA’s Phillip Montgomery (860.244.1982).