This document discusses hand safety and common hand injuries. It states that over 16 million people suffer hand injuries each year in the US, with over a quarter million being serious or disabling injuries. The most common types of injuries involve crushing, cuts, broken bones, and burns. Proper use of protective equipment and following safety guidelines can prevent many hand injuries, which are often caused by unguarded machinery, improper tool use, lack of gloves or guards, and hazardous chemicals.

1. HAND SAFETY

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 115,000 Americans 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 & crescent wrenches.

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.

8. Typical Injuries Puncture wounds Severed fingers Broken fingers Contusions Temperature extremes Electrical hazards

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 products MSDS or 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.

14. Take care of your hands.