Crush & Entanglement Labels

Machinery often has moving parts – whether it’s rollers, gears, belt drives, or conveyors – that create potential pinch point, entanglement, and crush hazards. Interaction with these hazards can be devastating: mangled fingers, broken bones, scalping, amputation, and crushed bodies. Crush and entanglement hazard safety labels help remind operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel on the safe use and maintenance of equipment to take proper precautions in the personal protective equipment (PPE) that they wear as well as in their procedures to avoid accidental injury. 

From industrial machinery like presses and stamping machines, to conveyor systems in manufacturing and distribution centers, as well as power tools, heavy construction equipment, and agricultural machinery, these labels play a crucial role in alerting operators and workers to potential risks. Material handling equipment such as forklifts, manufacturing machinery like robotic arms, and automated systems in various industries also require these labels to prevent accidents. Because the orientation of moving parts, and how someone could interact with them, vary greatly, we offer a variety of symbols to choose from to best fit your potential hazard.

OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.212 standard includes specific guidelines for machine guarding, including the use of visual warnings such as signs, labels, or color-coded markings to indicate areas where crush and entanglement hazards exist. These visual warnings alert workers to potential dangers, ensuring they exercise caution and avoid unnecessary risks. When implementing machine guarding measures to address crush and entanglement hazards, OSHA requires employers to consider all feasible means of protection, including using visual warnings in conjunction with physical barriers, interlocks, and other safeguarding methods. This holistic approach aims to minimize the risk of injuries related to crush and entanglement hazards in the workplace.

In 2020 alone, the United States witnessed approximately 2,450 reported cases of workplace injuries stemming from crush and entanglement hazards. The term "crush" refers to situations where workers are caught between moving parts or heavy objects, leading to severe injuries; "entanglement" involves getting caught or trapped in machinery or equipment, often resulting in injuries such as lacerations, fractures, and even amputations.

Manufacturers, in line with their role to ensure consistency, standardization, and safety across their products, are responsible for mitigating crush and entanglement hazards on the equipment they produce, as well as communicating about residual risks through warnings and instructions. Manufacturers possess intimate knowledge of the design, engineering, and potential hazards associated with the equipment they produce. Incorporating hazard labels during the design phase guarantees strategic placement and clear communication of risks. This approach is particularly vital for global distribution, as it ensures that equipment deployed in various regions carries the necessary warnings regardless of the locale. By including hazard labels, manufacturers uphold their accountability for product safety, reducing potential liability in the event of accidents or injuries related to crush and entanglement hazards. While manufacturers play a pivotal role, employers also share responsibilities in creating a secure working environment by ensuring proper equipment installation, maintenance, user training, and safety measures that collectively contribute to preventing crush and entanglement injuries in the workplace.