Across North America, more than 18,000 amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries, abrasions, and over 800 deaths each year result from machines and equipment that are not properly guarded.
Between 2014-2016 workers in Ontario suffered close to 650 amputations or enucleations (loss of an eye) related to the use of machinery.
According to data collected from employers in 29 states under OSHA’s Severe Injury Reporting Program, 4,672 workers suffered an amputation because of a workplace injury between Jan. 2015 through Sept. 2016. And, out of more than 14,000 companies reporting, two chicken and meat processing companies rank fourth and sixth in terms of the number of reported severe injuries.
The manufacturing industry had the highest proportion of accidents — it accounted for 57% of all amputations and 26% of all hospitalizations. Among the other industries with high rates were construction, transportation and warehousing as well oil and gas extraction.
Food slicers and meat grinders used in food service industries such as grocery stores, restaurants and delicatessens can cause serious cuts and amputations when workers operate, perform maintenance, or clean the machines. An average of 4,000lost-time injuries involving meat and food slicers occur every year.
These numbers are alarming to be sure, but not surprising given the fact that machinery and machine guarding is consistently among the Top 10 most cited standards in both the US and Canada.