Q: What are the hazards
associated with wearing neckwear encircling the neck or jewelry near machines
having rotating shafts or spindles?
A: In the Hand and Power Tools
publication, paragraph (f) section (12) it states: “Wear proper apparel for the
task. Loose clothing, ties, or jewelry can become caught in moving parts.” In
the Basics of Machine Guarding publication, the last paragraph of chapter one
states: “Jewelry such as bracelets and rings, can catch on machine parts or
stock and lead to serious injury by pulling a hand into the danger area.”
OSHA’s general industry regulations on machine guarding and/or hand and power
tools do not specifically prohibit employees from wearing jewelry. However, if
the employer has recognized that wearing loose jewelry is a hazard likely to
cause serious physical harm, the employer would have an obligation to address
the hazard under the General Duty Clause.
