Hand Safety - Get a Grip

Hand injuries consistently account for a large percentage of construction related injuries.  Your hands allow you to perform a variety of tasks that make you a skilled and valuable associate and allow you to perform many tasks that we normally take for granted.  What would it be like without the use of your hands? You would not be able to be employed as a construction worker, dress yourself, open a door, use a fork to eat, or hold a child’s hand.

The first step to hand safety and preventing injuries is being aware of the hazards and dangers involved in your job so you can avoid or control them.  Common hazards that you should be aware of include: pinch points, sharp edges on materials, rotating tools, hot objects and hand tools such as utility knives.

Some safety suggestions to help prevent hand injuries:

• Be rested, stay alert!
• Know the area you will be working in and the correct safety procedures for the tools or equipment you will be using.
• Inspect the tools and equipment prior to using them for defects and proper operation.  Use the right tool for the work you are doing.  Many serious hand injuries are the result of using the wrong tool for the job or using the right tool in the wrong way.
• Use push sticks, pliers or clamps to secure work; never put your hands into a danger zone.
• Ensure power is off prior to any repair work.
• Use your personal protective equipment including the appropriate gloves.

Here are a few safety hints for some o the common hand tools we use each day:

Hammers -  Grip handles tightly keeping your wrist straight.  Keep your eyes on the object you are hitting and strike it with a square blow.

Screwdrivers -  Use a vise, to ensure the object you’re working on is secure or place it on a flat surface so it doesn’t slip.  Never hold the object in your hand.

Knives -  Keep knife blades sharp.  Make cuts in a direction away from your body.  Retract or shield the blades when not in use.

Keep in mind that your hands are one of your most important tools; keep them safe and in good condition because at Bonitz Safe Work is No Accident!