There are a number of 'safety of machinery' and 'safe machine design' standards and guidelines that require a machine designer, builder, owner, and operator to do what is necessary to ensure a machine is safe (when used in the intended manner). Like most standards these are prescriptive rather than descriptive. A proper risk assessment (documented) is one way of identifying the hazards and controls. Controls might include whip checks, hose-burst valves, guarding, braided hose, reroute the hoses, a higher safety factor in your hose spec, or best of all it might be possible to eliminate the hoses by redesign. You can hard-pipe machines in locations where hoses would be subject to damage.
If an injury, or damage occurs then the designer, builder, owner, or operator might have to show that they acted with prudence and diligence. Compliance with standards and codes of practice is just one part of one's liability. That is the case in Oz and I am sure the situation would be similar in the US. You might have to dig deeper to find what you are looking for in black-and-white.
I think you might have answered your own question when you say, "I realise it is a good idea...".
Why do you think it is a good idea? Do you need to point to a standard so your manager lets you guard the hoses?
The machine designer and builder's task is onerous and is carried from the cradle to grave for the machine.