Transcript Operating on the “Cutting Edge” of Technology

Hand and Finger Injury
Prevention
A safety meeting to increase awareness
related to hand and finger injuries in the
workplace.
Are there really that many
hand/finger incidents?
 Think
about it! Most of the work we do
is done with our hands. It stands to
reason that they would be the most
frequently injured body part.
 Injuries to hands and fingers commonly
are the most frequent for our customers
and usually are about 25-30% more
frequent than the next closest category.
What are the primary causes?

Hand Tools
 Sharps in trash and
reject materials
(metal shavings,
broken glass, etc.)
 Pinch Point
incidents
 Handling abrasive
materials
How can we prevent them?

Engineering
Controls


Machine guarding
Safety devices on
tools (spring loaded
knives)
Is there anything else we can do?

Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
 Gloves
 Push Sticks for machine
operations
Safety rules to prevent injuries
to the hands and fingers



Use gloves where appropriate. Gloves should not be used
when working around rotating machines or in areas where
the glove fabric could become entangled and endanger
your hand.
Never use defective or damaged tools and always use a
tool for its intended purpose. (example—Do not use a
screw driver as a chisel)
When cutting or trimming with a knife:



Always place the item to be trimmed on a firm surface. Do not
place the items in your lap or support them with your arm for
trimming.
Keep you knife sharp. Sharp knives require less operating
hand pressure and therefore are less likely to result in
slippage and stray cutting.
Always trim in a direction away from your body. You are far
less likely to be injured by a stray cutting action if you follow
this simple rule.
In Summary:

One of the leading categories for workplace
injury is hand/finger incidents.
 These incidents are caused by a variety of
factors, the most serious are usually
associated with pinch points on machines
 A combination of good engineering controls
and use of PPE can be effective in reducing
this type of injury.
 Have a safe day.