When you think of Hand Safety - Think of Hand Safety First
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The Importance of Hand Safety in the Workplace
You may not realize it, but your hands are constantly in use at work. Whether you're holding a tool or typing on a keyboard, your hands are put to hard use every day. That’s why it’s so important to protect them! Hand safety is all about preventing injuries, and the best way to do that is to use the right equipment and follow proper safety procedures.
There are all sorts of hazards in the workplace, and if you’re not careful, you can easily get hurt. The most common injuries are cuts and abrasions, but more serious injuries such as burns and amputations do occur.
So take the time to learn hand safety measures and do all you can to protect yourself from injury. Your hands are grateful to you!
What are the general dangers of your hands?
It is important to know the dangers of hands at work and take measures to protect them. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 102,350 cases of hand injuries, the highest total of any injury to any other part of the body.
Some of the most common hand hazards include:
1. Pinch points
Pinch points are areas where a hand can become trapped or pinched between two moving parts of a machine, or between the material being processed and the machine itself. Some devices that have dangerous pinch points are:
Printing presses
Powered doors
Powered presses
Conveyors
Hatches
2. Hot and cold spots
These are points or areas that, when touched, can cause injury due to their extreme temperature. For example, machine hot spots found in equipment such as injection molding machines and welding tools can cause severe burns to the hands. At the same time, extremely cold temperatures and surfaces such as transmission lines in refrigeration systems pose the same degree of danger and can also cause serious burns.
3. Rotating equipment
These are machines or equipment that use rotating movements for functioning. Some examples include spins, clutches and fans. This is often considered dangerous because a loose glove can accidentally get caught in a rotating part on a worker's hand, causing injury while working.
4. Automation
Automation Machines that are programmed to start automatically are considered dangerous. If the machine starts to start on its own, workers may be caught off guard and hurt their hands. 
Other common hand injuries include:
Cuts – Sharp objects can easily cut the skin.
Bruises – Heavy objects coming into contact with the skin can cause bruising.
Burns – Chemicals and hot surfaces can cause burns.
Amputation – Sharp objects coming into contact with fingers or hands can cause amputation.
Crushing – Heavy objects can crush fingers or hands if not properly supported.
Hand Safety Rules
There are some basic rules for hand safety that everyone should know. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), if you are exposed to hand hazards in the workplace, you must follow standards 1910.138(a) and 1910.138(b). You can also follow these guidelines to protect your hands and avoid injury:
Always wear gloves when working with hazardous materials. This will protect your hands from harsh chemicals and sharp objects.
Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure that the area you’re working in is clear of any potential hazards, like tools or wires, that could cause an accident. Keep your hands clean: wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer whenever possible. This will help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
How to ensure hand safety in the workplace?
There are several ways to protect your hands in your workplace, depending on the type of work you do. As a general rule, here are some key points to keep in mind when implementing hand safety:
Always use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task at hand. This may include gloves, hand guards or other items.
Be aware of potential hazards in your workplace and take steps to avoid them. If you must work with hazardous materials, be sure to use proper safety procedures.
In any workplace, it is important to practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and avoid touching your face.
If you have cuts, wounds, or other injuries on your hands, seek medical attention immediately. In addition, they are advice on hand safety to keep in mind when working under specific conditions.
Use chemicals and other dangerous materials
It is necessary to take additional precautionary measures to protect your hands using specific gloves such as neophane, nitrile, latex, and vinyl gloves. These gloves are designed to compete with harmful chemicals that can contact our skin. OPERATION OF EQUIPMENT For added protection, always use appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and shields made from wire mesh, Kevlar, or durable synthetic yarns. Be sure to follow all safety precautions, such as keeping hands away from moving parts and using particular caution when using power tools.
