When you think of Hand Safety - Think of Hand Safety First
HSF - Hand Safety First - Hand Safety Tool
Your hands are one of your largest assets and should be protected. Protecting your hands and fingers is important for your work and quality of life.
Why is hand safety so important?
It is estimated that nearly 20% of all workplace injuries resulting in disability involve the hands.
Without your fingers or hands, your work will decrease significantly.
Your hands are one of your biggest assets and must be protected.
Why is PPE necessary for arms and hands?
Hand-sign Despite the precautions we take, your hands will occasionally sustain minor injuries. Hands are exposed to many hazards including cuts from sharp objects, crushing or pinching from moving machinery, joint and nerve pain, contact with the environment (heat, cold, plants, insects), and chemicals.
Common causes of hand injuries include:
Improper use of tools or use of inappropriate tools
Incorrect lifting or application of force
Using the wrong PPE or failing to utilize PPE
Distractions or lack of awareness/concentration due to carelessness
Improper assessment of risk
Avoiding safety procedures
Cutting corners or rushing
How can I protect my hands from injury at work?
Wear protective clothing and do not remove it.
Use appropriate work gloves when handling rough materials or when directly contacting hands when lifting or moving objects. Make sure your gloves provide the right combination of dexterity and protection needed for the job or task.
Take the time to remove or bend away any exposed nails, splinters, or sharp edges on the material before working with it.
Always use a technical guard.
When moving an object using a handcart or truck, make sure there is enough space to pass through a door or small room with a sufficient amount of basket and hand.
Avoid getting grease or oil on your hands, as slippery hands can cause trouble. If you get grease or oil on your hands, clean them immediately.
For safety, do not wear a ring when working -the ring taken on a machine or a remarkable object can severely damage your finger.
Wear gloves to pick up broken glass, nails, or other sharp objects -including scanning. Do not handle these objects with bare hands.
Keep your hands in sight. Don’t lose sight of them.
Work smarter, not faster.
Don't rely on your reflexes to save your hands and fingers.
How can I make sure I don't hurt my hands at work?
Before each task, ask yourself these questions:
Are you aware of the dangers to your hands as you perform the task?
What dangers exist where your hands and fingers rest.?
Are the right tools for the job being used?
Are you trained in the proper use of the tools you are using?
Have you considered unexpected movement of tools, parts or materials that could cause injury in the line of fire?
Have you ever asked yourself what could go wrong? What happens if the tool slips?
Is there a risk of hitting something?
Can you cut yourself off for something Can you burn?
If there is liquid, could it cause skin or bodily harm?
Are you protecting your hands and fingers with the proper personal protective equipment?