Hand Injury Prevention

By Greg Summerhays - Workers Compensation Fund

No matter what we’re doing, we generally use our hands all the time. Because we use our hands so often, our hands can be cut, bruised, punctured, fractured and burned. This can occur during the course of work, at home, and during recreation. By recognizing hazards, using personal protective wear and following established safety rules and procedures, you can save your hands from injury and yourself from an unnecessary disability. There are times when it can be unsafe to wear gloves, such as when working with machinery with exposed moving parts. However, there are many activities where using a proper glove will prevent an injury or at least minimize the severity of the injury. 

When involved in material handling activities, take the time to put on a good pair of leather gloves. Without the use of gloves, rough or sharp edges, burrs, protruding bolts, and wood splinters can all cause minor to severe lacerations and punctures. Prior to handling chemicals, read the material safety data sheet (MSDS) to know what, if any protection is needed, and follow the instructions. For example, if a butyl rubber glove is recommended, then a butyl glove should be used. Substituting a regular rubber glove, unless recommended, could prove disastrous. If unsure as to the proper protection, ask your supervisor.

When handling hot or extremely cold materials, a proper thermally protected glove will guard against burns. If handling glass or metal with very sharp edges or if using cutting materials, a cut resistant glove would be best. 

The Right Tool
Always use the right tool for the right job. Never substitute a wrench for a hammer, a screwdriver for a chisel, a pocketknife for a utility knife, etc. In addition to using the right tool, keep tools and equipment in good repair and maintain sharp cutting blades.

§  Periodically inspect tools for cracks, wear, and proper function.

§  Repair or replace worn or cut power cords. Tools such as sockets and wrenches that are worn should be replaced to prevent slippage.

§  Dull utility knives or saw blades take more effort and force to cut the material. This can cause slipping or kickbacks. Keep blades sharp! Don’t use broken tools! 

Safeguards

When working with machinery, make sure all guards are in place and properly adjusted. Some machinery such as presses and shears are equipped with two hand actuation controls that are designed to keep your hands out of harm’s way.  

§  Never remove or circumvent guards as they are designed to protect you from coming in contact with potentially dangerous moving parts.

§  Never bypass safety controls in order to speed up work. Always be aware of where you put your hands. Areas without guard protection can still be dangerous. 

Repetitive Strains

Hand strains can be caused from force, frequency of motion, hand position and static grip. You can avoid strains by observing the following: 

§  Periodically change your grip and wrist position.

§  Take mini-breaks for periodic hand, finger and wrist stretches.

§  Utilize tools with a properly designed ergonomic grip.

§  Rotate through different job tasks. 

Do’s and Don’ts

§  Do turn off power and do utilize lockout procedures where appropriate, especially when cleaning, repairing and inspecting machinery.

§  Do use a push-stick when cutting on a table saw.  Don’t wear rings, watches or bracelets, especially around machinery.

§  Don’t grab for dropped tools. 

Focus
It only takes a small distraction when using a tool or piece of equipment to lose concentration. Focus on what you are doing and don’t let yourself become distracted. When engaged in an activity involving tools or equipment, don’t talk to anyone until you’re done and don’t interrupt your co-workers when they are involved in an activity that demands their full attention. Never become distracted by other things going on around you. 

Conclusion

§  Before you start a job, take a minute to think through the task. Ask yourself:

§  What hazards are involved? (chemical, thermal, mechanical).

§  What precautions need to be taken? (gloves, tools, push stick).

§  Then follow through without taking shortcuts.

Greg Summerhays is Director of Public Relations at Workers Compensation Fund. WCF offers ongoing safety training and UMA members are eligible for a 5% premium discount through a partnership with WCF. Visit www.wcfgroup.com for more information.