Anthony LaFaziaCEO, Atlantic Training · CEO at Atlantic Training | EdTech & Safety Compliance Leader

What to Do When a Coworker Gets Caught in a Machine

8 Sept 2026 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

2:15

In this instructional safety video, the speaker outlines a step‑by‑step emergency response for a coworker who becomes entangled in machinery. The protocol begins with immediately activating the machine’s emergency stop (e‑stop) to cut power, then refraining from touching the victim until the equipment has fully stopped. The next steps are to call for help, alert the control room, and activate the site’s emergency action plan, designating a person to meet EMS. The speaker stresses not attempting to reverse the machine unless specifically trained, as reverse motion can worsen injuries. First‑aid measures such as bleeding control are only to be performed if it is safe, while ensuring EMS is en route. Finally, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing the location of all e‑stops by heart, encouraging workers to mentally map them.

Chapters

Okay, worst case scenario time. You ready? Someone gets caught. You hear a scream, or you see someone pulled into a machine. Your instinct, your human nature, is to rush in and grab them. Stop! If you grab them while the machine's still turning, the force can pull you in too. Then we have 2 victims. Here's the protocol. First, hit the emergency stop. That's the e-stop. Immediately, you cut the power. Then you don't touch the victim. Until the machine has completely stopped. Seriously. Third, you call for help immediately. Alert the control room and activate your site's emergency action plan. If available, designate someone to meet emergency medical personnel— that's the EMS— and direct them to the scene. And fourth, you assess the entanglement. Now, listen carefully. Do not try to reverse the machine unless you are specifically trained and your company's emergency procedures call for it. In some cases, reversing drives can cause more severe damage, severing arteries or breaking bones that were just pinned. Follow your site's specific emergency and first aid procedures. Provide first aid or bleeding control Only, only if it's safe to do so. And make sure that EMS is on the way. And okay, just to emphasize this one more time, know where your e-stops are. You should be able to find them with your eyes closed, basically. Don't do it, but you should be able to know where they are. Practice that mental map today.