PINCH POINTS!!

  • HTML tutorial

PatriotT4R

Rank VI
Launch Member

Influencer III

3,984
Lillington, NC 27546
Member #

14619

Pinch Points are one of the most common injuries, but also one of the least talked about. So you ask, “What exactly is a Pinch Point?”. A pinch point is any point at which a person’s body can caught in between. Examples would be slamming your hand in a door or closing your finger in a file cabinet. People may see these as little or insignificant injuries but in the most extreme cases you could lose a finger or may have to miss time from work to recover from these injuries.

At one point in time "No PUN" intended we have all been the victims of our body parts being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Caught- in and caught-between between accidents a body part was caught, crushed, squeezed, compressed or pinched between two or more objects.
This can be especially true when using a High lift, jack stand fails, changing tires, working with tools even getting caught between vehicles or other types of machinery, standing within the swing radius of rear tire carries and other equipment, and being caught between a piece of equipment and a fixed object – all of these are examples of caught-in or caught-between incidents that can occur at anytime without warning. Caught-in or Caught-between injuries and deaths are preventable and should be on the forefront of our minds on and off the trail.

Below are a few hazard examples and safety solutions.

Unstable Roads, Trails and Grounds: A cave-in can occur when the soil is unstable; too much weight is too close to the sides of the soft shoulder; rushing and eve standing water on the road or at a camp site; or conditions change because of weather, including heavy rain, freezing, and melting.
Solutions: Designate a competent person to be on the lookout or scout for potential dangers in the area while establishing a campsite or preparing to perform on the road maintenance . This person must be highly knowledgeable in recognizing hazards that exist and could occur, and must have the authority to take corrective action if necessary.

Caught in a piece of Equipment or Machinery

Unguarded Machinery
: Having a part of your body or clothing pulled into machinery, resulting in a severed/lost limb or even death is always a hair raising scary moment. Likely areas where this could happen is in the engine bay while the vehicle is running. There are many moving parts, pulleys, fan and belts where clothing can get caught. Also while performing body work modifications ie.. sanders, cutting tools and pullers which increase the risk of an accident.

Solutions: Never use a piece of machinery that is not properly guarded, and should be trained to recognize and avoid unsafe machinery conditions. Recognize that you may have to change your loose clothing in an effort to escape getting caught up in moving parts.

Caught Between Objects: (Rigs, Tow Trucks, Wreckers, Trailers) and a fixed object, such as a tree, rock or wall.

Solutions: Do not stand or pass between swinging equipment, tilers or vehicles. Barricades or warning triangles can be used to keep people out of the danger zones. Turning off vehicles and equipment before beginning repair or maintenance work. Vehicles should be stopped with wheels blocked/chocked to prevent movement, and other similar equipment should have their blades lowered before making repairs or when not in use.

What are some of the ways I can protect myself from pinch points?

Situational awareness is our most valuable prevention tool for pinch points. Make sure you’re always looking out and know where you are. This will probably keep a lot of pinch point incidents from taking place. Guards are also a good protector against pinch points. They are specifically intended to create a physical barrier to prevent anyone from reaching into, over, under, or around the guard and making contact with the pinch point.

By taking the time to be aware of pinch points and being on the lookout for hazards your Overland adventures will be a much safer place.
 

12C20

Rank V
Launch Member

Trail Mechanic II

1,500
South Jordan, Salt Lake County, Utah, United States
First Name
John
Last Name
Ellis
Member #

6385

This is an excellent write up.

I see many Jeeps with their doors off and drivers dangling a foot out. I've even seen them with foot pegs. Those rigs are heavy and getting your foot between the Jeep side and a rock or tree will result in serious injury. The softest thing (flesh and bone) in the equation will lose.

Keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times!
 
  • Like
Reactions: GrahamHolmes