Utah to launch amputation prevention initiative

Salt Lake City – Under a new Local Emphasis Program beginning Nov. 1, Utah OSHA will closely examine establishments in industries that use equipment or machinery – such as conveyors, drills or saws – known to cause amputations.

“The operation of machinery and equipment can be extremely dangerous,” the LEP directive states, noting that improved machine guarding and energy control compliance is needed throughout the targeted industries.

During inspections, compliance officers are instructed to pay close attention to worker exposure to points of operation during a machine’s regular use, cleaning, setup and clearing of jams.

In addition to enforcement, the emphasis program will include outreach, training and onsite consultation efforts.

The LEP is set to expire Oct. 31, 2019, but may be renewed.