Hazard:
All VSC employees are exposed to hazards that can cause injuries to hands. These types of injuries can happen while performing routine tasks such as using hand tools & equipment, when handling material, and from job siteconditions such as sharp points of wires used to support suspended ceiling tiles. Because our hands are the most functional tool we use, an injury cantake longer to heal. Without the use of one hand you lose a lot of your ability to perform simple job tasks.
In the past six years 32 VSC employees have had hand injuries requiring medical care. In addition to the employee’s inability to perform functions of the job, VSC’s financial impact has exceeded $45,000.
Can you identify the potential hand injuries in these photos? What are the types of injury? i.e. lacerations, pinching, puncture, or strain.
Preventative Measures:
For each hazard seen here, there is a solution to prevent injuries:
- Wear, at minimum, Cut-Rated Level 2 Gloves
- Use Tools & Equipment per the manufacturer’s guidelines
- Do Not Remove a Tool’s Safety Device
- Avoid Distractions When Operating the Tool or Performing the Task.
What are other ways you can prevent a hand injury?