WRITTEN BY GARY SMITH, APARTMENT BUILDING MANAGEMENT WORKERS COMPENSATION SELF INSURED FUND
According to the National Safety Council, 20 percent of disabling workplace injuries involve the hands1. The injury types to the hands breakdown as follows:
- Lacerations 63%
- Crush 13%
- Avulsion 8%
- Puncture 6%
- Fracture 5%
Additionally, the Apartment Building Management Self Insured Workers’ Compensation Fund reports that the highest frequency claim type is injury to the hands at 1,281, or 25 percent of all claims made. The total severity of these hand injury claims is $1,888,897.
Causes of Hand Injuries
- Punctures, cuts or lacerations – caused by contact with sharp, spiked or jagged edges on equipment, tools or materials.
- Crushed, fractures or amputations – caused by contact with gears, belts, wheels and rollers, falling objects, and rings, gloves or clothing getting caught and putting your hand in harm’s way.
- Strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries – caused by using the wrong tool for the job, or one that is too big, small or heavy for your hand.
- Burns – caused by direct contact with a hot surface or a chemical.
- Dermatitis and other skin disorders – caused by direct contact with chemicals in products and materials.
Preventive Measures2
- Do exercises that strengthen your hand and arm muscles.
- Always stay alert and focused on keeping your hands safe – not just at the start of work or a task.
- Keep guards on machinery and power tools in place – Don’t remove or reposition them.
- Use tools and equipment designed for the work being performed and use them as instructed by your supervisor and/or the manufacturer.
- Don’t put your hands or fingers near the moving parts of a power tool or equipment. Make sure machinery, equipment and power tools are completely off before you try replacing, cleaning or repairing parts – follow lock-out/tag-out procedures.
- Identify safety features on tools and equipment before you use them, such as emergency off switches.
- Check tools and equipment to make sure they are in proper working order before beginning a task.
- Keep hands and fingers away from sharp edges (blades, protruding nails, etc.). Never cut toward the palm of your hand.
- Select hand tools that are ergonomic for your hand (the right size, lowest weight, and have features such as grips, anti-vibration handles, handles angles that allow you to work without your wrist bent.)
- Wear gloves that fit your hand and are right for the work being performed –
not all gloves protect against all hazards. Consider wearing gloves that support the wrist and have vibration-absorbing padding when working with tools that vibrate. - Do not wear rings, other jewelry or lose articles of clothing that could get caught on a moving object.
- When using a keyboard, keep your forearms parallel to the floor or slightly lowered, and keep your fingers lower than your wrists. Allow your arms and hands to move freely. Take frequent breaks to stretch your fingers, hands, wrist, shoulders, and neck. If you use a wrist pad during breaks from typing, it’s best to rest your palm or the heel of your hand on the support, rather than your wrist.
Remember, your hands will obey any commands your brain sends them. So, use your brain to avoid dangers and protect your hands3. Be sure to share these preventive measures during your next employee safety meeting!
Should you require additional assistance with hand injury prevention in your workplace, please contact Gary Smith, CRM, at (517) 338-3367 or gary.smith@yorkrsg.com.
Resources:
- National Safety Council: Hand Safety in the Workplace PowerPoint Presentation.
- Choose Hand Safety: Protect Your Hands Tool Box Talk; www.choosehandsafety.org
- MIOSHA CET Division: Hand Protection Five Minute Safety Talk No. 3