OSHA launches stand-down on preventing amputations in Arkansas

Bentonville, AR – OSHA has launched a campaign in Arkansas aimed at educating workers on amputations and raising awareness of the dangers associated with using machinery without proper guards or training.

The Arkansas Amputation Prevention Stand-Down began Sept. 14 and will run through Sept. 29. It includes a Sept. 15 OSHA event that will feature machine guarding demonstrations and training at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.

So far in 2015, 46 Arkansas workers have suffered workplace amputations resulting in the loss of fingers, toes, hands and legs, according to an OSHA press release.

“We’re hoping employers and workers will come away from this event with a better understanding of amputation hazards and how to correct them before they cause a permanent, debilitating injury,” Carlos Reynolds, OSHA’s area director in Little Rock, said in the release.

The Natural State is the first to host an amputation prevention stand-down, which is expected to reach more than 5,000 workers.

On Jan. 1, an OSHA rule went into effect requiring employers to report to the agency within 24 hours any workplace amputations.