OSHA Looks to Update Decades-Old Regulation for Metal Presses

Aiming to modernize safety requirements that are older than many factory workers, OSHA issued a request for information from manufacturers of mechanical power presses and companies that utilize the machines.

Power presses are used for shaping, cutting, and bending metal sheets. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s current standard, established in 1971 and amended several times, doesn’t address newer forms of the machinery, such as hydraulic or pneumatic power presses, or electronic components, according to the agency.

The revisions being considered could reduce dangers to workers including amputations of hands and arms while a machine is being operated or ...