When you think of Hand Safety - Think of Hand Safety First
HSF - Hand Safety First - Hand Safety Tool
Top 10 Hand Safety Tips According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 110,000 hand injuries occur each year in the United States. OSHA estimates that 71% of hand injuries could be prevented with proper use of PPE, especially protective gloves. Hand safety is important! Follow these tips to reduce risks and better protect your hands.
1. Choose the right gloves for the job
Even within a single company, the wide variety of glove types available can be confusing. Different gloves are designed to provide optimal cut, impact, heat, chemical and abrasion resistance for specific scenarios and exposures. Wearing the wrong glove can be more dangerous than the danger itself. Make sure you know the purpose of each glove and always use the right glove for the task at hand. 2. Use gloves for their intended purpose and do not remove them.
If you feel you need more touch or dexterity while wearing gloves or find them uncomfortable, please consult your safety manager. Don't try to do your job without them. Chances are, an alternative glove will give you the dexterity and comfort you need without sacrificing protection. Your security manager will help you identify a solution.
2. Use gloves as intended and do not remove them.
If you feel you need more touch or dexterity when wearing gloves or if the gloves are uncomfortable, please contact your safety officer. Don't try to do your job without them on. Chances are that an alternative glove will give you the dexterity and comfort you need without sacrificing protection. Your safety manager will help identify a solution.
3. Ensuring a good fit
A poorly fitting glove is a dangerous glove. A glove that is too big will reduce dexterity and increase fatigue because your hand will have to work harder to keep it in place. A glove that is too small will restrict movement, create discomfort, and cause excess perspiration. Know your glove size. Measure your hands and make sure you choose gloves in the right size. If you can't find gloves that suit you, talk to your security manager. 4. Know when to replace the glove
You need to replace all gloves and even reusable gloves. Please pay attention to gloves for wear, according to the main principles of the amount used or each glove must be worn. Learn gloves before shifts when searching for snacks, traction and cleaning. If you see thin spots, holes, prints, tears or excessive saturation, throw it immediately and use a new pair.
4. Know when to change your gloves
All gloves should be replaced, even if they are reusable. Please pay attention to gloves for wear, according to the main principles of the amount used or each glove must be worn. Learn gloves every time you change to snacks, tractions and cleaning. If you notice any fine spots, holes, stretching, tears or excessive soaking, discard them immediately and use a new pair.
5. Follow donning and doffing instructions.
It is important to don and doff safety gloves carefully to ensure full skin protection. Always put on your safe gloves after putting on overalls, glasses, sleeves or other PPEs, and be sure to apply them before you are exposed to some chemicals, pollution or dangerous equipment and tasks. When the time has come to remove gloves, be careful not to make contact with any dangers. Follow the instructions for safe removal and be sure to dispose of the gloves properly if they are disposable, or clean and store them properly if they are reusable.
6. Remove jewelry from your hands and wrists
Remove rings and bracelets before putting on gloves. You may not notice it, but even subtle jewelry under the gloves can distort the fit and affect the protection and control of the gloves. Sharp edges of the ring settings and the busting fasteners are especially dangerous because they can create dexterids, traction and punctures. The smallest tug or piercing on the inside of the glove can significantly increase the risk of arm injury.
If you get tired or distracted by workers, the risk of hand damage will increase significantly. Fatigue can lead to slower reactions and impaired judgment, while distractions can lead to mistakes. Pay attention to your mind and body for signs of fatigue and distraction. Be alert and focused. Make sure your hand movements are conscious and deliberate. Take breaks to give yourself a chance to refresh, especially if you're performing repetitive tasks. Stretch your arms regularly to give your muscles and tendons a chance to recover. Never perform your job under the influence of drugs or alcohol and understand the side effects of prescription drugs.
7. Be alert and aware
The risk of hand injuries increases significantly when workers are tired or distracted. Fatigue slows your reaction time and impairs your judgment, while distractions can lead to mistakes. Pay attention to your mind and body for signs of fatigue and distraction. Be alert and focused. Make sure your hand movements are conscious and deliberate. Take breaks, especially if you’re performing a repetitive task, to give yourself a chance to refresh. Periodically stretch your hands to give your muscles and tendons the opportunity to recover. Never do your work under the influence of drugs or alcohol and understand the side effects of prescription drugs.
8. Use Tools and Machinery Properly
Always receive training in the safe use of all tools, machines and equipment and always follow operating guidelines. Don’t assume that you know how to use tools or equipment if you haven’t been trained, and never hesitate to ask questions. Identify safety features and emergency off switches. Never remove safety guards or perform maintenance or repairs while equipment is operating. Inspect tools and equipment to be sure they are in good working order before starting a shift, and store and maintain tools properly. 9. Avoid Unsafe Activities
No matter what your job is, certain activities should always be avoided, even if you are wearing protective gloves. Never place your hands near sharp or moving parts, or insert them into places you cannot see. Do not do something you know is dangerous to save time or effort, and do not rely on your reflexes to ensure your safety. 10. Report any injuries immediately.
If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Don't delay. Even minor injuries should be reported and treated as soon as possible. Never wait until the pain, bleeding, and discomfort subside. If the accident is assessed and treated promptly, the severity of the injury and the long-term effects on the health of your hand can be greatly reduced. Also discuss any past near misses, accidents or injuries with your supervisor to determine how best to avoid future risks.
9. Avoid dangerous actions
You have to always avoid any action, no matter what kind of work or a certain glove wears. Never put your hands near sharp or moving parts or insert them into places you cannot see. Do not do things you know are dangerous to save time or effort, and do not rely on your reflexes to ensure your safety. 10. Report any injuries immediately.
If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Don't shy away from this: even minor injuries should be reported and treated as soon as possible. Don't wait until the pain, bleeding, and discomfort subside: having the accident assessed and treated promptly can greatly reduce the severity of your injury and the long-term effects on the health of your hand. They also discuss any near misses, missteps or injuries that come close with their managers so they can identify the best ways to avoid future risks.
10. Report any injuries immediately.
If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Don't shy away from this: even minor injuries should be reported and treated as soon as possible. Don't wait until the pain, bleeding, and discomfort subside: having the accident assessed and treated promptly can greatly reduce the severity of your injury and the long-term effects on the health of your hand. They also discuss any near misses, missteps or injuries that come close with their managers so they can identify the best ways to avoid future risks.