Hand safety advice
How important are your hands?
One of the most complex parts of your body are your hands. Without your hands, routine simple tasks such as opening doors, using a fork, tying shoes, or even putting on clothes would be extremely difficult.
Because of the complexity of the hand, injuries are difficult to repair Often, after an injury, the hand may not function as it did before the injury. There may be loss of motion, dexterity, grip, and the ability to complete the simplest of tasks. In fact, it may affect your ability to earn a living.
Hand injuries can be associated when working with machinery or equipment. Hand tools or powered hand tools may be faulty or improperly used. However, the most common causes of hand injuries are carelessness, lack of awareness including boredom, disregard for safety procedures, and being distracted from the job task.
To avoid hand injuries, know the hazards and dangers associated with the task. Be aware of pinch points on machinery found between moving parts or objects and stationary parts or objects. Be aware of hot areas that could cause burns. Be aware of rotating or moving surfaces such as drills, saw blades, milling cutters and conveyors. Automated machinery may be remotely controlled or delayed timing devices may cause a machine to start automatically. Loose clothing and jewelry may be caught up in moving machinery. Never remove machine safeguards, and do not operate machinery with its safeguards removed.
The improper use or misuse of hand tools cause minor to serious hand injuries. When the wrong tool is used or the right tool used improperly, hand injuries are likely to happen. When using knives, keep the blade well sharpened. Cut away from your body. Control the process or do not be a part of the process.
Other helpful reminders:
- Be careful of slippery handles and door jams.
- Losing control of heavy objects may cause mashed fingers or hands.
- Protective gloves should be used when the job requires it. Use the proper gloves when working with rough surfaces. Use rubber or polymer gloves when working with chemicals. When chemical contact is made with bare hands, immediately wash or rinse the hands thoroughly or seek medical attention.
- Avoid using or wearing gloves when working on or with rotating objects or machinery.
