Hand Protection

Hand Protection

Since our hands are our primary tools, it is logical that they are exposed to potential injury more than other body parts. There are three main

types of injury associated with the hand: traumatic, contact and repetitive.

1. Traumatic Injuries. These are cuts, abrasions, sprains and fractures and are often caused by improper use of equipment. Anything that

cuts, grinds, spins, crushes, pounds or punctures is a possible source of trauma to the hands. 

To reduce the chances of traumatic injury:

1. Pay attention.

2. Keep machine guards in place.

3. Remove jewelry when using machinery.

4. Always turn off the power before putting your hands inside a machine.

5. Make sure tool blades are sharp.

6. Use a push-stick to feed spinning and in running machines.

7. Keep hands away from moving parts.

8. Wear the proper protective equipment.

2. Contact Injuries. These are caused by a substance that damages the skin, such as chemicals, acids or harsh cleansers. Contact injuries

also include burns. Watch for dermatitis, which is marked by blisters, redness or flaking skin. The primary form of protection is frequent

washing and wearing the right kind of protective gloves for the work. 

Here are some options:

1. Rubber, neoprene and vinyl gloves protect against chemicals and corrosives.

2. Metal mesh fabric gloves protect against cuts from knives and saws.

3. Insulated gloves protect against electrical shock and burns.

4. Leather gloves protect from sparks, moderate heat and rough objects.

5. Lead-lined gloves protect against burns from conductive heat or radiation.

6. Ordinary cloth gloves protect from dirt, slivers, chafing and abrasions.

7. Plastic-film gloves protect materials from contamination from your hands, like in food service.

8. Hand pads, finger cots and forearm cuffs are helpful in special situations.

if you have a question or problem concerning any possible hazardous substance or your personal protection, see your supervisor.

3. Repetitive Motion Injuries. These often come from repeated or rapid movements over an extended period. Repeated motions, like keyboard

work, sorting, wrapping, twisting or any similar task, can cause numbness, pain, tingling and burning sensations in the hands or fingers.

Often the problem is caused by keeping the wrist bent for extended periods, reducing blood flow to the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a

common injury of this kind.

Protection against such injuries starts with keeping the wrists level as much as possible. Place the keyboard below your arms so your hands

work below the wrists. You might also place a resting bar along the front edge of the keyboard to keep your wrists from bending below