09 Jul Hand Injury Prevention

Hand Injury Prevention

Our hands are involved in nearly every task we perform, which also means they are frequently exposed to workplace hazards. Cuts, punctures, burns, crushing injuries, caught-in hazards, and amputations can occur in seconds and may result in permanent loss of function.

Most hand injuries can be prevented by recognizing the hazard before beginning the task, keeping hands out of danger zones, using proper tools, and wearing appropriate hand protection.

Recognize the Hazards

Before starting work, identify anything that could injure your hands or fingers. Common hazards include:

• Sharp edges, blades, burrs, splinters, and protruding objects.
• Pinch and crush points between equipment, materials, doors, or other objects.
• Rotating, reciprocating, or moving machinery.
• Hot surfaces, molten materials, and open flames.
• Chemicals that can burn, irritate, or be absorbed through the skin.
• Electrical hazards.
• Heavy or awkward materials that can shift unexpectedly.
• Broken glass and other sharp debris.

Think about where your hands will be throughout the entire task, not just where they are when the work begins.

Stay Clear of Pinch Points

A pinch point exists anywhere a hand, finger, or other body part could become caught between moving objects or between a moving and stationary object.

To prevent injuries:

• Keep hands away from moving equipment and suspended or shifting loads.
• Never place your hand where you cannot see it.
• Use handles, push sticks, tongs, pry bars, or other appropriate tools instead of your hands when practical.
• Never use your fingers to test alignment between holes or moving components.
• Secure materials before cutting, drilling, or working on them.
• Be aware of doors, equipment, stacked materials, and other objects that can unexpectedly move or shift.
• Communicate with coworkers before moving or releasing materials being handled together.

Choose the Right Gloves

Gloves must be selected based on the specific hazard. No single type of glove protects against every hazard.

Depending on the task, protection may be needed against:

• Cuts and punctures.
• Abrasions.
• Chemicals.
• Heat or cold.
• Electrical hazards.
• Rough or sharp materials.

Inspect gloves before use and replace them when torn, punctured, excessively worn, or contaminated.

Gloves can also create an entanglement hazard around rotating machinery. Do not wear gloves around equipment where they could become caught and pull your hand into moving components unless the task and equipment have been evaluated and their use is appropriate.

Machinery and Hand Safety

Machine guards are designed to prevent contact with dangerous moving parts. Never remove, bypass, modify, or defeat a machine guard or safety device.

If equipment must be cleaned, adjusted, serviced, repaired, or unjammed and unexpected startup or release of stored energy could cause injury, follow the company’s lockout/tagout procedures before placing any part of your body in the danger zone.

Never reach into operating machinery to retrieve a dropped object, remove material, or clear a jam.

Jewelry and Loose Items

Rings, watches, bracelets, and other jewelry can become caught in machinery or equipment and may cause severe injuries. Remove jewelry when it could create an entanglement, electrical, or other workplace hazard.

Keep loose clothing secured and long hair restrained when working around moving equipment.

Safe Work Practices

Protect your hands by following these basic practices:

• Inspect tools and equipment before use.
• Use the correct tool for the job rather than your hands as a substitute.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and cut away from your body.
• Never pick up broken glass or sharp debris with bare hands; use a broom, brush, tongs, or other suitable tool.
• Keep guards and protective devices properly installed.
• Maintain good housekeeping to eliminate sharp objects and other hazards.
• Keep hands clear when loads are being lowered, positioned, or released.
• Stop and reassess the task if conditions change or your hands must enter a hazardous area.
• Report damaged equipment, missing guards, and unsafe conditions immediately.

Remember

Your hands are irreplaceable. Before beginning a task, identify where your hands could be cut, caught, crushed, burned, or otherwise injured—and keep them out of the line of fire.