Hand, Wrist, and Finger Safety

There are multiple approaches to training employees in hand safety.

By Alexandra Walsh

Hands are used for nearly all tasks at work, making them more susceptible to injury. Hand injuries are one of the leading types of injuries on the job in the United States. That’s why it’s so important to protect them.

Hand safety is all about preventing injuries, and the best way to do that is by using the right equipment and following the proper safety procedures.

In addition, to keep your fingers, thumbs, wrists, and palms safe, it’s essential to understand the hazards in your workplace and the necessary methods to control them.

Importance of Hand Safety

Correct procedures for donning and doffing gloves, putting them on and taking them off, minimize exposure to the hazards affecting the hands.

Taking proper hand safety precautions can help prevent injuries and keep your hands healthy. There are all sorts of hazards in the workplace, and if you’re not careful, you can easily get injured. Cuts and scrapes are naturally the most common injuries, but there are also cases of more serious injuries like burns and even amputations.

Take the time to learn about hand safety and make sure you’re doing everything possible to protect yourself from harm.

Common Hand Hazards

It’s essential to be aware of the hand hazards in your workplace and take steps to protect yourself from them. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are as many as 102,000 cases and more of hand injuries annually, making it the highest total number among other injuries to body parts.

What then are some of the most common hand hazards?

Pinch Points

These are areas where hands can become caught and pinched between two moving parts of a machine or between material being processed and the machine itself. Some of the devices that have hazardous pinch points include:

• Drilling rigs, pump hoists, heavy equipment
• Powered doors
• Power presses
• Conveyors
• Hatches.

Hot and Cold Spots

These are spots or areas that, when our hands touch them, can cause injuries due to their extreme high or low temperatures.

For example, machinery hotspots located in equipment such as injection molders and welding tools can inflict severe burns on the hands.

Meanwhile, extremely cold temperatures and surfaces, such as pipes in refrigeration systems, pose the same level of danger and can also, oddly enough, cause severe burns.

Rotating Equipment

These are machines or equipment run by rotating parts and motions to function. Some examples include spindles, clutches, and fans. These are definitely considered hazards. For example, loose-fitting gloves can accidentally get caught inside the rotating parts of a machine—along with the worker’s hands!

Automation

Some machines are programmed to automatically start on their own and obviously pose a potential hazard. Workers may easily be caught off guard and injure their hands when the machine begins to start on its own.

Cuts and scrapes are naturally the most common injuries, but there are also cases of more serious injuries like burns and even amputations.

Entanglement

This happens when a piece of your clothing or jewelry gets caught in moving machinery. Their entanglement results in pulling a finger or your entire hand inside the machine!

Other common hand injuries include:

• Cuts: Sharp objects can easily cause cuts to the skin.
• Bruises: Heavy objects can cause bruising when they come into contact with the skin.
• Burns: Chemicals or hot surfaces can burn and disfigure the skin.
• Amputations: Sharp objects can cause loss of fingers or hands if they come into contact..
• Crushing: Heavy objects not properly supported can crush the fingers or hands.

Hand Safety Rules

There are a few basic rules of hand safety that everyone should know. According to the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA), the standard numbers 1910.138(a) and 1910.138(b) must be followed when exposed to hand hazards in the workplace.

Here are some additional guidelines to keep your hands safe and injury-free:

• Always wear gloves when working with hazardous materials. This will protect your hands from harsh
  chemicals and sharp objects.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure the area you’re working in is clear of any potential hazards, like tools or wires, that could cause an accident.
• Keep your hands clean. Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer whenever you can. This will help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.

Other controls are redesigning processes, using power tools instead of manual tools for highly repetitive tasks, and installing automation, which can reduce the worker’s need for manual dexterity and performing repeated motions. Likewise, rotating job tasks, varying work assignments, and providing sufficient breaks can help reduce workers’ exposure to ergonomic stresses.

Personal Protective Gloves

Choose gloves specifically designed for the task at hand: whether it’s cut-resistant, chemical-resistant, or heat-resistant gloves. Consider using wrist guards or braces for activities that involve strenuous wrist movements.

When your hands are exposed to hazards, it’s crucial to wear adequate hand protection. Again, select the appropriate type of gloves based on the task and hazards. For example, wear anti-vibration gloves when using tools like impact drills and gloves that protect against cuts, punctures, or abrasions when working with sharp tools or materials such as utility knives or glass.

Keep in mind that gloves have various ratings and levels of protection. An A1 glove is suitable for material handling and general purposes. An A4 glove is suitable for light glass handling and drywall work. Nitrile gloves are common when working with certain chemicals and oil. Always consult the safety data sheets (SDSs) or ask your supervisor to be sure you select the right type of gloves for the task.

Regardless of which glove, make sure they are inspected regularly for fit and protection. Good-fitting gloves are crucial for dexterity, comfort, and safety. Bad-fitting gloves can reduce protection and even increase the risk of injury. Regular inspection, cleaning, and replacement of gloves are vital. Workers should be trained to recognize signs of wear and tear and when to get rid of gloves.

Training

There are many approaches to training employees when it comes to hand safety. Hands-on training consists of practical exercises and demonstrations and is more effective than theoretical instruction alone.

Interactive learning can include role play, videos, and oral quizzes, which can enhance retaining and understanding what has been learned.

Certification programs officially recognize and ensure that individuals have demonstrated competency in injury prevention techniques.

Periodic reviews and updates on hand safety practices, particularly when new equipment or processes are introduced, are essential.

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Programs focusing on all the key aspects of hand safety that have been presented here can foster a safer work environment and significantly reduce the occurrence and severity of injuries to the hands, wrists, and fingers.

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Alexandra Walsh is the vice president of Association Vision, a Washington, D.C.–area communications company. She has extensive experience in management positions with a range of organizations.