Hand Safety For Heavy Equipment Use
The Importance Of Hand Safety
Hand safety is too important to ignore--and yet, by all too many Americans, "ignored" is exactly what it is. But consider this: In the private sector, over 250,000 serious hand, wrist, and finger injuries occur in the private industry annually. Approximately 111,000 workers miss days from work annually due to hand and finger injuries, as stated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The only other injuries that cause more days to be missed are sprain and strain.
Minimize The Risk By Being Aware Of Hand Safety
Employers must know the tools being used and the person using the tools. In doing so, the task of minimizing the risk and number of lacerations within the work place can occur. Many tools such as the post pounder or the manual posthole digger, with misuse, are a frequent cause of injuries. Correct training and proper attitudes play a key role in the safety within the workplace.
Important Factors To Consider
- The first step in hand safety involves managers and employers making the workplace as safe as possible.
- Proper equipment checks and inspections should be performed in order to minimize hazards.
- Also, to protect employees managers should rid of guard edges and surfaces that could potentially harm an employee.
- Overall, a neat and tidy work environment should be present at all times.
Another important factor for employers and managers to think about is the use of what personal protective equipment provides the most appropriate environment for the employee.
- For example, managers should distribute proper belts or carrying cases for workers who must move about with knives and other sharp objects.
- Puncture resistant gloves are also important, since the gloves guard the hands from lacerations--unless the gloves themselves are cut.
- And remember that when you're purchasing safety equipment, to buy only from dealers with solid reputations.
- Safety is not something to gamble with. One good choice is Stauffer Glove and Safety.
The next part of a safe workplace involves the employee.
- Personal training, behavior, understanding of hand tools is necessary when minimizing injuries within the workplace.
- Workers should be clear on which knives and cutting utensils is the correct choice when it comes to proper operations.
- Each employee must receive training on how to clean, use, carry, and store knives and other cutting tools properly.
- Knives and other cutting tools should be inspected on a regular basis and kept sharp at all times.
- Lastly, other substitutes for the hand knife should not be substituted. All knives and hand tools should be maintained with accordance to the manufacturer.
Availability Of First Aid
It is mandatory to report any injury in an appropriate timely manner. Employers should take time to ensure that first aid and adequate proper training has been provided if an accident occurs. First aid training courses include instruction, knowledge, and other specific skills. OSHA recommends that a person within the workplace should be in charge of first aid supplies and also maintaining those supplies. The assigned first aid individual should make sure first aid supplies are stocked, stored in an accessible are, and include all possible types of injuries that may occur.
Treatment Of A Wound
When treating small cuts, the cut should first be cleaned with soap and water. To stop bleeding, direct pressure must be applied to the wound. Next, antibacterial ointment should be applied to the wound. When the wound has ceased bleeding, an appropriate bandage should be applied that will not stick to the wound. Other medical attention may be required if the extent of the wound is severe.
Probably hundreds of businesses have posted some version of the saying "Safety First." But good safety goes beyond just clever slogans. Some effort must be put into it. Proper hand safety is not is not really difficult--and the little bit of effort required can pay off by preventing life-altering injuries.
