Crush Injuries
Workers get pinned under falling loads, between equipment and walls, under vehicles, and in machinery. Besides broken bones and bleeding, a long crush can cause dangerous changes in the body when the pressure is released. Getting EMS there fast is the most important step.
- Construction
- General Industry
- Warehouses
Photo: coworkers placing cribbing and using a jack under a load while waiting for EMS after a pinning incident
Make the scene safe
- Stop the machine: hit the E-stop, shut down equipment and lock out if possible. See Emergency Stops.
- Don’t become a second victim: make sure the load can’t shift or fall further before reaching in.
- Call 911 right away and say someone is trapped.
Freeing the person
- If they’ve been pinned only briefly and it’s safe, removing the weight quickly is usually best.
- Use jacks, pry bars, airbags or equipment with cribbing placed as the load is raised, so it can’t drop back. See Blocking & Cribbing.
- If they’ve been trapped for a long time, tell the 911 dispatcher and follow their instructions. Releasing a long crush can release toxins from damaged muscle into the bloodstream (crush syndrome), and paramedics may want to treat the person first.
After they’re free
- Control bleeding with direct pressure or a tourniquet for severe limb bleeding. See Bleeding Control.
- Treat for shock: lay them down, keep them warm, don’t give food or drink. See Treating Shock.
- Don’t move them if a spine injury is possible. See Neck & Spine Injuries.
- Note the time they were trapped and released, for EMS.
- Watch breathing; start CPR if needed.
Chest compression: a person pinned across the chest can’t breathe. Removing weight from the chest is urgent.
Afterward
Secure the scene so it can be investigated, and report the incident. Severe injuries must be reported to OSHA (hospitalization or amputation within 24 hours). See Injury Recordkeeping & Reporting.
Standards & references
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