This week's safety share is on hand safety and over the last 17 years I have seen this particular injury far more than any other injury. I have personally injured my hands multiple times since I started mining and looking back, I can say that they were all avoidable.
In 2023 MSHA reported 42 fatalities and 20 were related to hand injuries. When you hear those numbers, it makes you really think about how important hand safety truly is, and according to Copilot...
Hand safety is crucial in any workplace, and personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a vital role in safeguarding our hands from injuries and hazards. Let’s delve into why PPE matters for hand safety:
- Risk Prevention: Your hands are constantly in use during work tasks, whether you’re gripping tools, typing, or handling materials. PPE helps prevent injuries by acting as a barrier between your hands and potential hazards. Properly fitted gloves, hand shields, and other PPE can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
- Common Hand Hazards:
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- Pinch Points: These occur where hands can get caught and pinched between moving machine parts or materials. Examples include printing presses, powered doors, and conveyors.
- Hot and Cold Spots: Extreme temperatures can cause burns. Machinery hotspots (e.g., injection molders) and cold surfaces (like refrigeration pipes) pose risks.
- Rotating Equipment: Machines with rotating parts (spindles, clutches, fans) can trap loose-fitting gloves and hands, leading to injuries.
- Automation: Machines that start automatically can catch workers off guard and cause hand injuries.
- Hand Hygiene: Proper hand hygiene is essential. Clean hands reduce the risk of contamination and infection. Regular hand washing and using PPE when cleaning and disinfecting are crucial, especially in the context of communicable illnesses like COVID-19.
- Statistics Speak: According to OSHA, 70.9% of arm and hand injuries could have been prevented with proper PPE, specifically safety gloves. Compliance with PPE regulations is not only good practice but also legally mandated.
Remember, your hands are valuable assets. By using appropriate PPE and practicing good hand safety, you can keep them healthy and injury-free!
Stay Safe My Friends!
