Slips, trips and falls

 

Slips and falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries. 

What do experts recommend as the single most important step to take in preventing slips and falls? Simple...keep floors clean, dry, and free of obstruction. When it comes to safeguards against slips and falls, nothing is more important than good housekeeping.
 
When you walk through a work area, look for spills, grease spots or dust (flour and machine byproducts can be highly slippery). Water spilled by drinking fountains or tracked in on wet or snowy days can create a major hazard. Look around and be aware of wet areas or objects on the floor. Then take the time to do something about it. Clean up the hazard or place cones or hazard signs nearby, warning of the danger. People can walk on extremely slippery surfaces by modifying their speed and stride, provided they know about the dangerous condition. It’s the lack of warning that can cause problems. An unexpected shift from a smooth to a slick surface heightens the likelihood of a slip or fall.
 
A Slip…A Trip…A Hospital Trip

Slips, trips and falls are a serious safety concern in the workplace, taking over 700 lives and inflicting over 300,000 serious injuries every year.
Don’t become a statistic…The most common kinds of accidents at work are slips, trips and falls. 

Be safe and look before you leap.
 
Look for signs of flooring change. Changes in lighting and floor color can conceal a change in friction or angle between adjacent surfaces. Wherever possible, waxes and polishes should cover an entire area, extending to natural breaks in flooring. Choose footwear according to floor surface.
 
Consider slips and falls when you’re doing a job. Some tasks, such as pushing loads, may require special attention to slip-resistant floor surfaces or carefully selected sole material and treads. For some jobs, better lighting or a stable brace is helpful. Carefully placed and mounted hand rails, poles or hip bars may help operators brace themselves. This reduces reliance on foot/floor friction, which thereby reduces the potential for slipping.
 
Slips can occur because of how you walk on a surface. Some simple things you can do to minimize your chance of slipping and falling would be to wear appropriate footwear; watch where you’re going; take slow, short steps where slip potential is high; and use hand holds where possible.

Protect Your Head, Wear Your Hard Hat

Your head is the most important part of your body. 

You think, feel, talk, smell, and hear with your head. Therefore, it makes sense that you should protect your head from any injury.

Wearing a hard hat is the first line of defense against head injuries on the job. A hard hat can protect your head against the hazard of falling material and guard against accidental bumping. The hard hat softens any blow to the head. It resists and deflects the blow and distributes the impact over a large area. The hat’s suspension acts as a shock absorber. Even if the hat dents or shatters, it still takes some of the force out of the blow and off your head. It can also shield your scalp, face, neck, and shoulders against spills or splashes. Choose the hard hat most suitable for the work being performed and only wear approved hard hats manufactured to meet required standards. These are made to give your head maximum protection. Make sure your hat fits correctly. Hats that fit right provide you with the most comfort and protection.

The ability of a hard hat to protect a worker depends on the shock absorbing space between the shell and head by the suspension provided. Therefore, it is important that sweat bands and suspension straps by properly adjusted to obtain the maximum protection. Sunlight and heat can rot the sweatband and straps, so don’t leave your hard hat on the window ledge of your car. Take good care of your hard hat. Don’t drop it, throw it or drill holes in it. Inspect your hard hat every day for cracks, gouges, and frays or breaks in the straps.

Colors can be used to identify different crafts and supervisory personnel, and should be encouraged and given consideration when purchasing such equipment. All levels of supervision should set the example by wearing hard hats. Observe and comply with "Hard Hat Area” sites.

Remember! A hard hat is a status symbol; it identifies a safe worker, one who believes in and practices safety.

Warehouse Safety

An orderly, efficient warehouse is a key to a safe successful operation; the warehouse plays an essential role in the way goods are sent, received, stored, and circulated throughout the project. With so much going on and so much to keep track of, a warehouse may also have more potential for incidents than areas with more limited functions. 

So it's especially important to pay close attention to safety in the warehouse.

General Hazards 

One of the most common hazard groups is slips, trips, and falls; when you carry and move materials on different levels, and on different types of floor surfaces, it's all too easy to lose your balance or stumble over an out-of-place item. 

You also have to worry about being struck by falling objects in a warehouse; items that aren't carefully stacked on floors, shelves, and other surfaces can fall on the head, body, or foot.

There's an added risk when you place items in storage—or remove them; a slip or fumble can send those items flying—and you could go right along with them. 

Warehouse equipment can also pose hazards; forklift trucks, and pallet jacks can all cause incident or injuries if you're not careful. Your own body can be a hazard if you lift and carry materials improperly, risking back injuries.

You also have to be cautious with the equipment we use to load, pack, and unpack—skids, pallets, strapping, and cutting tools, for instance. 

Materials stored in a warehouse can also pose dangers; as you know, we have to protect ourselves from both physical and health hazards when we work in a warehouse that contains hazardous substances or flammable or combustible materials 

Practice Safety - Do not learn in through Accidental Experience

Types of injuries - How workers get hurt

 

Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. Many workplace accidents and injuries can be prevented if workers know the causes of accidents and they are taught how to protect themselves to avoid injury. Although no one wants to get hurt at work, there are four major causes for injuries on the job.

Back injuries

The number one cause of on-the-job injuries is physical overload. These injuries are cause by lifting (too heavy a load or lifting improperly), straining, overreaching, bending, and twisting. To protect your back against injury, learn and use proper lifting techniques, never bend or twist while lifting or carrying, and whenever possible, use a mechanical aid or get help with the load from another worker.

Hitting or striking against

The second most common cause of worker injury is being hit by or hitting against an object. The best way to protect against these accidents is to be alert to the potential hazards and to use appropriate protective equipment (hard hats, eye protection, gloves). Be aware of your body and the space around you. Give yourself enough clearance when passing by or ducking under equipment or going through a passageway.

Falls

To avoid injuries from falls, be sure that your footing is firm and wear slip-resistant soled shoes. Watch where you’re walking, don’t walk backward to direct equipment or leap from one level to another. Make sure you can see over the load you carry and that walkways are well-lighted and clear of obstacles. Clean up spills or grease spots and use handrails when walking on stairs.

Machine Accidents

The fourth major cause of on-the-job injury is machine-related accidents, that is, getting caught by moving machine parts. When working around any moving equipment (a machine that rotates, slides, or presses) always use safety shields, guards, and lock-out procedures. Only work on a machine that you have been trained to use. Never wear jewelry or loose-fitting clothing that could get caught in the moving equipment.

Be alert to the hazards you face on your job and learn what you should do to protect yourself against accidents and injuries and follow your company’s established safety guidelines.

Be alert to the hazards you face on your job!

Why Take a Chance?

 

Are you willing to risk losing your ability to see? Thousands of people take that chance every day by not wearing needed eye protection. In fact 3 out of 5 workers who experienced an eye injury were not wearing their eye protection.

A survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that nearly 70% of the injuries were the result of flying or falling objects. Most of the material striking the eye was reportedly moving at speeds faster than something being thrown by hand.

What can you do so you are not added to these statistics?

• WEAR PROPER EYE PROTECTION AT ALL TIMES. It is estimated that 90% of eye injuries can be prevented through the use of proper protective eyewear. Manufacturers of eye and face protection have greatly improved their products to help encourage more willing and more consistent use. Considerable advancements have been made in the design of this protection to improve the comfort, durability and fashion.

• MAKE SURE THE EYE PROTECTION IS RIGHT FOR THE HAZARD and that it fits correctly. Also know when to wear goggles and/or a face shield especially when doing high hazard work such as grinding, chipping or working with corrosive compounds.

According to the University of Washington Ophthalmologists, Inc., most eye injuries are rated either mild or severe, with few being in between. Mild cases usually require only simple outpatient care such as irrigating and antibiotic treatment. Severe cases may require multiple surgeries and in most cases the eye sight will not be as it was before the accident… if vision can be saved at all.

Protecting your eyesight should be one of your greatest concerns whether you are on the job or not. Your company may provide you with eye protection and have a 100% eye protection policy; however, it is your individual responsibility to wear the eye protection. Without your commitment, you put yourself at risk of losing your eyesight.

Often people will think nothing of spending a hundred dollars or more for a pair of name brand fashion sunglasses. Some of the best safety glasses cost less than $10. Fashion eyewear looks great and protects your eyes from the sun. But they are typically not safety-rated, and not designed to protect your eyes from objects impacting the lenses.

Remember! There are no good excuses for not protecting your eyesight

Ten Keys to Accident Prevention

 

The following are 10 keys to accident prevention:

• Ownership. Give employees responsibility for planning and conducting inspections, for analyzing their own data on work hazards, and for designing safety checklists.

• Goals. Set clear standards for workplace behavior—and enforce them.

• Leadership. Set an example. Make sure you, personally, take necessary steps to prevent accidents. That means wearing proper PPE and taking the same precautions as your workers. Be on the lookout for potential hazards and point them out to your workers.

• Involvement. Use every opportunity to encourage employees to play an active role in workplace safety and accident prevention. If you see a hazard, do more than just correct it. Use it as a learning experience to help workers become more alert and more sensitive to potential danger on the job.

• Understanding. Emphasize that hazards put employees’ personal health and safety at risk. Understanding the “why” of safety is a strong motivator.

• Commitment. Work to get commitment to the idea that safety is a number one priority from every one of your employees.

• Competence. Train employees well so that they have the information and develop the skills they need to work safely and avoid accidents

• Feedback. Praise employees who identify and correct hazards or who report problems they can’t fix.

• Persistence. Remember that accident prevention is an ongoing challenge. It’s something you have to focus on every day, always improving, always setting new safety objectives, and always making steady progress toward achieving them. 

• Responsiveness. Make sure you respond promptly to identified hazards and take immediate steps to correct them.

Safety Has Many Shapes and Colors

 

Everywhere you look you see signs. You might be far from the nearest town or highway and somebody still wants to tell you where you can drive, where you can’t park, what you should wear and where you should buy dinner.

The number of signs and the information they are intended to convey is overwhelming. Even in your workplace, words, pictures and symbols likely are plastered on the walls and equipment. You could be tempted to ignore them all rather than sort out what is important and what is not. That would not be a good idea, because some of them might contain information on how to protect you and others from injury and illness.

“Sign fatigue” is how some people describe the state of mind where you have seen so many signs you don’t pay attention to them anymore. Inaccurate signs contribute to this condition, such as a lockout tag remaining on a machine after it has been returned to service or a warning sign mistakenly left behind when a road work crew has packed up and gone home for the day. When you find out a sign is wrong, you might be inclined to ignore a similar sign when you see it later. Don’t give in to sign fatigue. 

No matter how many signs are vying for your attention and no matter if inaccurate signs have fooled you in the past, it is important that you continue to watch for safety signs at work, on the road and wherever you are. Drivers who ignore highway construction signs continue to plow into heavy machinery and run over workers. Workers who fail to take workplace safety signs seriously continue to be injured and killed by on-the-job hazards. 

Safety information is often conveyed by way of colors, shapes and symbols designed to stand out from the crowd. In many cases these elements are standardized so you can recognize them easily, such as highway signs throughout the United States and Canada. 

Signs are for your safety. Consider these tips for making them work for you:

• Make a habit of observing safety signs. Watch for information about speed limits, traffic patterns, container contents, emergency equipment and any other precautions and hazards.
• Learn to recognize the standard shapes, colors, lettering and pictograms on signs. You’ll get better with practice and you’ll understand the messages more easily.

Good safety signage is the result of cooperation. If you see a problem with a safety sign, report it. A damaged, worn or unlighted sign should be repaired or replaced. Inaccurate signs should be removed or corrected. If a sign has become obscured (such as a stop sign overtaken by tree branches) make sure someone clears it. Remove clutter and unnecessary postings on walls and equipment so important safety information stands out. If you see the need for a safety sign where none exists, make sure it is placed. 

Hand Protection - Handle With Care

 

Next to our eyes, our hands are probably the most important part of our body when it comes to doing our work.

Our hands are involved in almost every thing we do. Yet many of the things we do with our hands are done without any deliberate thought. Your hands have no fear. They’ll go anyplace they’re sent and they only act as wisely as the person they belong to; so before you use your hands think of their safekeeping.

Here are the most common types of hand injuries and what you can do to prevent them:

Traumatic injuries often occur from careless use of machinery or tools. Hands and fingers get caught, pinched or crushed in chains, wheels, rollers, or gears. They are punctured, torn or cut by spiked or jagged tools and edges that shear or chop. Safety precautions should include using shields, guards, gloves, or safety locks; handling knives or tools with care; and keeping hands, jewelry and clothing away from moving parts.

Contact injuries result from contact with solvents, acids, cleaning solutions, flammable liquids and other substances that can cause burns or injure tissue. To protect against these injuries, read the product labels, use the right glove or barrier cream, and wash hands frequently. 

Repetitive motion injuries happen when tasks require repeated, rapid hand movements for long periods of time. Manufacturing, assembling, or computer work may lead to these injuries. Change your grip, hand position, or motion. If possible, rotate tasks to give your hands a rest. 

You can protect yourself from hand injuries by remembering the following basic safety rules:

• Recognize hazards.
• Think through each job before you begin.
• Follow safety rules.
• Avoid shortcuts.
• If an accident happens, seek prompt treatment.
• Report injuries to your supervisor. 

Healthy hands are built to last a lifetime. Injuries can last a lifetime, too. 

Be aware of your hand placement and take precautions to guard them. 

Prevent accidents

Have you ever wondered what you can do to prevent accidents? Remember accidents don’t just happen. They are caused eliminate the cause you eliminate the accident.  

Something to think about:

Here's something to think about. Statistics show that in many cases an accident could have been revented by the victim. And, in other cases, by a co-worker.  In other words, that person or someone else working on the job could have prevented it.  

Seven Suggestions

• Make accident prevention a part of your daily routine: Plan safety in advance. Before beginning a job, be sure your tools are in good condition. Also, see that you have the required protective equipment.” Let safety be a habit”  

• Report unsafe acts or conditions to your supervisor: If you see something that's dangerous or someone working in an unsafe way, do something about it. If it's an unsafe condition, correct it if you can. Otherwise, report it to someone who has the authority or ability to do so. If you see someone committing an unsafe act, warn that person in a friendly way.   

• Avoid horseplay: Aren't you always telling your kids to knock it off before someone gets hurt? Well, horse- play is dangerous for kids of any age. On a job you can easily be injured if you're not strictly business all of the time. Often a person is killed or hurt when a "harmless" prank or a practical joke backfires.   

• Follow instructions: You'd follow instructions if you were dismantling a time bomb - and very carefully at that. Well, take the same attitude on the job. When we give you instructions, it's only after we've considered the safest and best way to do it. Sometimes doing something just a little different from what you were told can get you or someone else in a lot of trouble. 

• Make suggestions: If you see a better way to do something, let someone know. Check it out and if it's practical, use it. But first make sure it's safe.   

• Practice good housekeeping: Nobody likes a slob .its upsetting to see someone with a messy work area. And it goes even further than that. A sloppy work area is not only hard on the eyes, but a breeding ground for accidents. Trash and materials strewn around can result in trips, falls, and fires.   

• Dress for the job: In addition to wearing protective equipment, dress so that you won't get hurt. Don't wear floppy clothing (such as loose sleeves or cuffs) or jewelry that can catch on something or become entangled in machinery. 

Best habit to have is safety!

Communicate

 

How many times have you been in trouble for something you never said? At one time or another, it’s happened to everyone. When we multiply that by the number of people we interact with at work, it is reasonable to conclude that miscommunication goes on all the time. Unless you become involved with accident investigations, you probably can’t imagine how often we hear, “I told the worker to do it this way, but he/she did it another way. If only he/she had followed the directions or procedures.” Then from the injured worker we hear, “No one told me “, or “I didn’t know.” 

What is the problem?    -   Miscommunication.

Miscommunication occurs when one person’s thoughts are not clearly received or understood by the second party. If you think about this, it’s easy to see how this occurs. Studies have shown we actually retain very little of what we hear. After all, when was the last time you hung onto every word spoken by your five-year-old, your spouse, or your boss?

The job of understanding gets even more difficult as more information is added. We probably would not have any problem understanding and retaining all of this instruction, “Go to the store.” But what if the instructions were, “Go to the store and get the following ten items …” How many of those ten items would you remember? Very likely not all ten!

That defines the problem. What is the solution to miscommunication? First, you should be aware of the problem. Create a two-way street of communication. Be willing to ask questions about whatever is being communicated either by you or to you. Humans are mostly visual. So, write down instructions to see them on paper. Either the sender or the receiver of the communication could do this. Then, review these instructions together to be certain they are fully understood.

If using verbal instructions, remember that only so much information can be absorbed and accurately recalled. In giving instructions, summarize the job so there is a clear picture of all that is to be done. Then break the job into several small steps. Have the recipient of the instructions repeat them back to be certain there is no misunderstanding. The instructions given should be carried out to the point where new instructions need to be issued. The giver of instructions then issues additional new directions in retainable-sized increments until the job is completed.

Whether you are the one giving the instructions or the one receiving them, questions are of utmost importance. Questions generate a mutual give and take, which makes up effective communications between individuals. The single greatest cause of miscommunication is failure to communicate at al

Dangers Overhead

 

More and more contractors are using mechanical means to lift loads to the working area; it saves time and avoids injuries. But there is still a hazard. If it takes a piece of equipment to lift materials, then you can bet that if the load falls, it can seriously injure or kill you. Always be aware of overhead operations and remember basic safety rules.

Guide for Discussion

• Always be sure loads are carried close to the ground
• Use tag lines on loads whenever possible
• Use only one signal person
• Be sure the signal person can clearly observe the load and operator at all times
• Never hoist over other workers; keep the hoist area clear
• Be sure loads are properly rigged
• Make sure the hoisting and rigging equipment is in good workable condition
• Hoisting speed should never proceed too fast as to risk losing control of the load
• Monitor weather conditions, especially during winds

During excavation operations, special care must be taken to insure no employee is under a load handled by digging or lifting equipment. 

Remember: 

It is important that the overhead danger of moving materials across a worksite be watched by all assigned to this task. It is important that all workers are aware of the overhead hazard. Once a load begins to free fall, that load is difficult to avoid. 

Prevent Hand and Power Tools

 

The danger of hand and power tools is evident in the 400,000 emergency room visits they account for each year. But many of those emergency room visits are caused by misusing tools and not working safely. When used correctly and with the proper safety measures, you can significantly reduce the chance of an accident.

Power tools operate at very high speeds, so when things happen, they tend to happen fast. A sudden tool start-up after a voltage drop or power interruption can suddenly fling a work piece at the operator. Fingers may be drawn into a cutting blade, or the tool may move toward other body parts that are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

General safety tips for hand and power tools:

• Buy quality tools. Many tools, including cutters and hammers, should be made of steel and should be heat-treated.

• Make sure tools are stored in a safe place.

• Regularly inspect tools to make sure they are in good shape and fit for use.

• Be sure to maintain your tools by performing regular maintenance, like grinding or sharpening. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Dress for the job by avoiding loose clothing or articles that can get caught in a tool’s moving parts, like jewelry.

• Make sure that your feet are planted on a stable surface.

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, like leather gloves.

• Use the right tool for the job. In other words, don’t try to use a wrench as a hammer

• Be aware of the people around you and make sure they stay clear of the tools you are using.

• Never carry tools up a ladder by hand. Instead, use a bucket or bag to hoist tools from the ground to the worker.

• When working at heights, never leave tools lying out in the areas where they could present a hazard to workers below.

• When appropriate, secure work with a clamp or vise to keep it from slipping.

• Never carry pointed tools in your pocket. Carry them in a toolbox or cart instead.

• Inspect your tools on a regular basis, checking for damage. Report damaged tools to your supervisor.

• Make sure to keep extra tools handy in case the tool you had planned to use is damaged.

Safety tips for electric power tools:

• Keep floors dry and clean to avoid slipping while working with or around dangerous tools.

• Keep cords from presenting a tripping hazard.

• Do not use electric tools in wet conditions unless they are approved for that use.

• Never carry a power tool by its cord.

• Use appropriate PPE.

• Use tools that are double-insulated or have a three-pronged cord and are plugged into a grounded receptacle.  

• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or an assured grounding program.

Safety Gloves has qualities that you need

 

People need security in their workplace and for that they should be aware of the substance that meets their needs. Sector workers and professionals as well as the medical field should cover their hands to stay away from all possible dangers. Also, care givers and household gloves personnel suitable material so that they can use liquid chemicals without fear of harm. The most important thing knows the facts that you can choose a good pair of gloves for a specific job. A brief description is divided by the manufacturers and buyers guide and is clearly written. Wants to have the properties of a worker these gloves in use are as follows.

Get on your hands

Gloves should not be impossible to prevent hand movement during labor, the draft, so they have to be fit and available in different sizes. As employees in almost all areas, and it is therefore necessary to create gloves for women. It is clear difference in the magnitude of the hand of a woman and man so that the manufacturers of safety gloves offer different sizes for them. Stretch gloves are better than the workers do not need to be a certain size to them fits request.

Set the security against all odds

Each class of the others, and humans, the risk is quite different, so that the security requirements are not the same. Gloves are made ​​from many animals that are used under different conditions. Its sole purpose is to protect the owner from injuries in order to avoid that they are putting on the right kind of hand covers. Warranty against all odds by using gloves in the workplace provided.

Comfort

Workers must for Palm comfort mainly because they feel fatigue in the game after long hours of work. That's why they prefer to offer the gloves also offer no protection but lonely comfort. Sometimes food is for this purpose that the skin breathe holding out and soothes the painful sensation made ​​available. Cotton and polyester gloves are the best choice for the lining.

Durability

For users of gloves, it is important as long as they remain useful for their work. It is directly related to the cost and durability it is profitable. Although it after it is quite expensive at first, but it for months, it is obvious that they are. A low cost solution to security problems are during working hours People must gloves be done only gloves for their work in a better manner and without any kind of fear , therefore, meet all these requirements.

Hand safety is up to you

Teamwork prevent incidents and Accidents

 

Teamwork keeps workers safe and production high at any job. Teamwork prevents accidents. All we have to do is: think of the other person’s safety as well as our own. Think about driving as one example of teamwork for safety. Safe drivers not only look out for their own safety, but make sure they do not endanger the lives of the other drivers. They give up their right-of-way to help another driver. They slow down to let a driver cut back in after that driver has tried to pass and discovered a vehicle coming in the other direction. It is not just a matter of one driver having the right of way or being in right; it is a matter of a little teamwork to prevent accidents.

The safe driver knows that someday, it may take teamwork from some other safe driver to prevent accident.

It is not just a matter of your working safely and following all the rules yourself; you must think about the other person’s safety, too. You must lend a hand once in a while to prevent or avoid an accident that may involve another worker.

You can never tell what kind of situation will require teamwork to prevent an accident. You must solve each situation by working together and helping other people on the job. We all know what teamwork means when we think of team sports, but do we know what teamwork means when we think of work?

Good team leaders know what makes a successful team and good team members make it happen.

• Communication: Team members always talk to each other. They know they are part of a team and they communicate with their teammates
• Responsibility: Team members are thinking about the safety of people who work at their sides, and  he rest of the project, and doing the best job they can, safely
• Coordination: Coordination means the team functions like clockwork. Every member does their part  to bring out the best in the team
• Safety: Teamwork means that on and off duty the safety of your team should be number one on your list; your safety is the team’s safety

What characteristics make a team unsuccessful?

• Taking unnecessary risks: Focusing on getting the job done, no matter the risk to your fellow employees
• No Participation: Lack of participation by the leader or employees within the group
• Complacency: Knowing the team’s weaknesses and not taking steps to improve or eliminate those shortcomings

Hand safety advice

 

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.