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TALK NO: TBT-94 DATE: 26 March 2022
Hand Safety and Injury Prevention
TALK TOPIC: TIME: 06:00 am
TALK PRESENTED BY: Alok Singh, Harikrishnan P LOCATION: Yard # 7
We use our hands for virtually every task we do at work and because of this fact, they are commonly injured
on the job. Keeping our hands and fingers out of harm’s way at work is critical. A serious injury to an
individual’s hands or fingers results in a huge negative impact on their ability to work and overall quality of
life. While gloves are the most common form of PPE found in the workplace, hand injuries are still the
second leading type of injury on the job.
Common Causes of Hand Injuries :
Hand injuries are associated with working with machinery or equipment, but the materials being used or the
job process might also be hazardous. You should also take into consideration that hand tools could be faulty
or not used correctly. The most common cause of hand injuries are:
Carelessness
Lack of awareness
Boredom
Disregard for safety procedures
Distractions
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Three Common Types of Hand Injuries:
Lacerations are the most common type of hand injuries. Lacerations are due to sharp objects or tools. Often
inadequate gloves are used during an activity that involves a sharp tool. A glove with Kevlar is effective in
protecting the hand against a cutting or slicing motion. A straight stab motion can still easily penetrate these
gloves. Caution needs to be used when using any tool that can easily penetrate the skin.
Crush injuries are usually due to employees placing their hands in the line of fire between two objects or in
a rotating piece of equipment. Pinch points on equipment or tools also commonly lead to crush injuries.
Fractures occur when there is a sudden blow to the bones in the fingers or hands. Motor vehicle accidents
often cause fractures to the hands. Another common cause of fractures is an individual extending out their
hands to catch themselves from a fall.
Other Injuries
Amputations
Stiff joints
Nerve damage
Burns
If you experience any type of injury, it is important that you let your co-workers and your supervisor or
foreman know as soon as possible.
Safe Work Practices:
You cannot possibly prevent every injury that could happen on a job site or know when the injury is going to
happen. You should however be prepared and know some safe work practices that can keep you and your
co-workers safe.
Always wear the proper gloves for whatever work task you are doing.
Understand the limitations of your gloves and what work tasks they are appropriate for.
Never work on an energized piece of equipment.
Use leather gloves, cut-resistant gloves or chemical-resistant gloves, depending on the task
Make sure the gloves are your size
Lock and tag out the equipment to ensure there will not be unintentional start-up while you are
working on the equipment.
Be aware of your surroundings and what others are doing.
Don’t hold a nail while hammering it, hold it with needle-nose pliers It’ll save your thumb and
index finger
Never put your hand in an area where you cannot see it.
If you are injured on a job site you should let your supervisor or foreman know as soon as possible. If you
need to seek medical help, also make sure you do so immediately. If you have questions about safety
hazards or how to perform a task safely do not be afraid to speak up and ask questions. It is your job to keep
yourself safe as well as others that are on the job site. Working together to be safe can keep everyone safe.
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ABAJA CONTRACTING EST. TBT Y7-9
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