Of the many tools that we have available, our hands are the most valuable. They provide us with the dexterity necessary to perform precise maneuvers that even the most advanced technology cannot replicate. Even the simplest tasks are difficult for a person that does not have full use of his or her hands. Many everyday tasks put your employees’ hands at risk. Hand injuries on the job are quite common, but many are preventable. There are many precautions employees can take to keep their hands safe. Here are a few of the most common.
Make Use of Machine Guards.
Never operate machinery that does not have a working guard to protect their hands. Always
use a lockout device on machinery when they
must reach into it for any reason. Immediately
replace guards when it’s necessary to remove
them and initiate lockout/tagout if not operable. When safety guards are missing from machinery, hands, fingers and arms can easily be caught, amputated or crushed.
Wear Gloves.
Employees should always protect their hands
by wearing work gloves when handling rough
materials or performing operations where they
are using their hands to lift or move objects. An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) study revealed that 70 percent of workers experiencing hand injuries were not wearing gloves. The remaining 30 percent were making use of damaged, inadequate or inappropriate types of gloves for the job. Choose the right gloves for the task and inspect them thoroughly before use.
Be Cautious of Sharp Objects.
Utilize the correct safety procedures when
handling knives, box cutters and other sharp
objects. Never attempt to pick up broken glass, nails or other sharp objects not meant for handling with bare hands; always use appropriate gloves or a broom.
Remove Rings.
No matter how much sentimental value they
carry, rings can put employees’ hands in grave danger on the job. They can very easily catch on machinery and other objects, resulting in lacerations, amputations or broken bones. Remind employees to be cautious and remove rings before beginning work that may cause serious injury to their hands.
