Machine Guarding
Overview
Moving machine parts have the potential to cause severe workplace injuries, such as crushed fingers or hands, amputations, burns, or blindness. Safeguards are essential for protecting workers from these preventable injuries. Any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded. When the operation of a machine or accidental contact injure the operator or others in the vicinity, the hazards must be eliminated or controlled. This page contains general information on the various hazards of mechanical motion and techniques for protecting workers.
Standards
Machine guarding hazards are addressed in specific OSHA standards for agriculture, general industry, maritime, and construction.
Hazard Recognition
Provides references that may aid in recognizing hazards from ineffective machine guarding.
Possible Solutions
Highlights references that provide possible solutions for machine guarding hazards.
Additional Resources
Provides links and references to additional resources related to machine guarding.
- Protect Yourself - Amputations. OSHA QuickCard™, (2015). Discusses amputations and the best way to prevent them.
- Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Workers from Amputations. OSHA Publication 3170, (2007). Provides information to help identify and manage common amputation hazards associated with operating and using stationary equipment.
- Hazards of Operating Unguarded Stone Cutters and Splitters in Landscaping and Other Worksites. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (January 25, 2013).