Because the hand is such a highly evolved and constantly used instrument, it can be injured in a variety of ways. Nearly 20 percent of disabling occupational injuries involve fingers and hands—second in frequency only to back injuries.
- Wear gloves when you work with caustic chemicals, rough surfaces, harp instruments and other materials that might injure your hands. Keep the gloves clean and in good condition and replace them if they are worn out or damaged by chemicals.
- Never wear gloves when you work on machines such as drills, saws, grinders or other rotating equipment. These types of equipment can catch the glove and pull the hand into danger.
- Do not wear rings, watches, bracelets and even necklaces, when working on machinery or anything on which the jewelry might be caught.
- Use your machine to do the job for which it was intended. Do not try to squeeze an additional task out of it. It may squeeze your hand.
- Before you use a machine that is guarded, double-check to ensure the guard is in place and the machine itself is working correctly.
- Remember, machines are guarded for a very good reason — your protection. Never put your fingers or your hands through, under, over or around the guard.
- Watch what you grab. How can it hurt your hand?
- Keep your work area clean and well arranged so you do not place a hand in a miscellaneous pile and come away with a cut. Any time you have been working with sharp instruments, put them away in their cases, out of harm's way.
- Use your brain as well as your hands when performing housekeeping tasks in your area. For example, do not push trash down into a trashcan with your fingers; someone else may have thrown in broken glass, hardware or a solvent-soaked rag or towel.
- Keep your hands clean, washing them often with soap and warm water to help prevent dermatitis. Barrier hand creams applied before beginning a job can protect against skin irritants.
One careless moment can result in a hand injury that could change your life.
