2. Your hands are your most
important tool.
• Over 16 million people suffer
hand injuries per year.
• Over a quarter million of those are
serious & often disabling injuries
each year.
• 25% of all industrial injuries
involve the hand.
3. Facts
• The most common type of hand injury
is a crushing or compression injury.
• Men are 9 times more likely to receive
a hand injury than women.
• Most hand injuries involve a lack of
adequate personal protective
equipment.
4. Fact
• Each year, more than
15,000 workers end up in
the emergency room as a
result of hand-tool-related
injuries.
5. Fact
• Some 30,000 persons are injured
annually using hammers.
• 25,000 using standard blade
screwdrivers & spanners.
6. Common Causes
• Use of unprotected or faulty machinery or
equipment.
• Failure to use guards, kill-switches, or to
follow appropriate lock-out procedures are
among the leading hand hazards.
• Wearing jewelry, gloves, or loose-fitting
clothing around moving parts can also
lead to injury.
7. Causes
• Chemicals, corrosives, & other
irritating substances can cause burns
& skin inflammation unless
appropriate hand protection is used.
• Improper use or maintenance of the
hand tool.
• Lack of protective gloves or not using
the appropriate accessories for the
tool.
9. Guideline’s for Hand Safety
• Be alert to potential hand hazards before
an accident can happen.
• Be alert to possible unguarded pinch
points.
• Always use guards, shields & other
protective devices when appropriate.
•
Do not remove guards.
10. Guidelines Continued
• Use brushes to wipe away debris.
• Inspect equipment & machinery
before & after tasks to make sure that
it is in good operating condition.
• Disconnect power & follow
established lock-out procedures
before repairing or cleaning
machinery.
11. Guidelines Continued
• Never wear gloves, jewelry, or loose
clothing when working with moving
machine parts.
• Use the appropriate
personal
protective equipment.
• When wearing gloves, be sure they fit
properly & are rated for the specific
task you are performing.
12. NOT ALL GLOVES ARE THE
SAME!!!!!!!
• Consult your Supervisor for
proper glove type.
13. SELECT PROPER TOOLS
• Use the right tool for the job
• Select tools that will keep
your wrists straight to avoid
repetitive motion/overuse
problems.
