HAND SAFETY

Your hands are your most important tool.

• Over 16 million people suffer hand injuries per year.

• Over a quarter million of those are serious & often disabling injuries each year.

• 25% of all industrial injuries involve the hand.

Facts

• The most common type of hand injury is a crushing or compression injury.

• Men are 9 times more likely to receive a hand injury than women.

• Most hand injuries involve a lack of adequate personal protective equipment.

Fact

• Each year, more than 15,000 workers end up in the emergency room as a result of hand-tool-related injuries.

Fact

• Some 30,000 persons are injured annually using hammers.

• 25,000 using standard blade screwdrivers & spanners.

Common Causes

• Use of unprotected or faulty machinery or equipment.

• Failure to use guards, kill-switches, or to follow appropriate lock-out procedures are among the leading hand hazards.

• Wearing jewelry, gloves, or loose-fitting clothing around moving parts can also lead to injury.

Causes• Chemicals, corrosives, & other

irritating substances can cause burns & skin inflammation unless appropriate hand protection is used.

• Improper use or maintenance of the hand tool.

• Lack of protective gloves or not using the appropriate accessories for the tool.

Typical Injuries

• Puncture wounds

• Severed fingers

• Broken fingers

• Contusions

• Temperature extremes

• Electrical hazards

Guideline’s for Hand Safety

• Be alert to potential hand hazards before an accident can happen.

• Be alert to possible unguarded pinch points.

• Always use guards, shields & other protective devices when appropriate.

• Do not remove guards.

Guidelines Continued

• Use brushes to wipe away debris.

• Inspect equipment & machinery before & after tasks to make sure that it is in good operating condition.

• Disconnect power & follow established lock-out procedures before repairing or cleaning machinery.

Guidelines Continued

• Never wear gloves, jewelry, or loose clothing when working with moving machine parts.

• Use the appropriate personal protective equipment.

• When wearing gloves, be sure they fit properly & are rated for the specific task you are performing.

NOT ALL GLOVES ARE THE SAME!!!!!!!

• Consult your Supervisor for proper glove type.

SELECT PROPER TOOLS

• Use the right tool for the job

• Select tools that will keep your wrists straight to avoid repetitive motion/overuse problems.

Take care of your hands.