Handy Tips for Hand Safety

Every year, about one million US workers receive emergency hospital treatment for acute and serious hand, finger, and wrist injuries. Unfortunately, in one recent year, almost 8,000 of these injuries resulted in amputations. 

Many employers have found success in having their employees conduct their own hazard assessment for hand safety. It makes sense that involving employees in the assessment process increases their safety awareness. For example, when opening up a discussion about hand safety, ask the employees to list all the ways their hands might be injured on a particular job. This might include  

A study by the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety found that wearing gloves reduced hand injuries by 60 percent. Although gloves will help protect against many of the above hazards, not just any kind of glove protects against all hazards. 

Identify the substances (particulates, liquids, and gases) present in the work site and the hazards associated with these substances. Survey the work site and list all physical and environmental hazards such as sharp instruments, rough surfaces, or machinery. Also, make a list of employees who will be wearing the gloves, the work each person will do, and what equipment will be used. Keep in mind that some hand iqjuries (lacerations, crushing, broken bones, amputations) cannot be prevented by gloves. 

Select gloves that offer the optimal combination of features and performance. Periodically reevaluate your choices with your employees. 

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