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Amputation Prevention

Machine Guarding | 15-20 min

Summary

Approximately 10,000 amputation injuries occur in American workplaces each year, with most involving fingers, hands, and arms. Interesting fact: The machinery most commonly involved in amputation injuries includes power presses, conveyors, printing presses, food processing equipment, and meat grinders. The vast majority of these devastating injuries are preventable through proper guarding and procedures.

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Key Points to Cover

  • Most amputations involve unguarded or improperly guarded machinery
  • Never remove or bypass machine guards
  • Follow lockout/tagout procedures for all maintenance
  • Keep hands and loose clothing away from moving parts
  • Report missing or damaged guards immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should this safety talk take?

Plan for about 15-20 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.

Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?

Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.

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