Hand Protection: The human hand is the most used tool on site. Even in our homes, our hands are always for activities.
Hands are easily exposed to danger because they are always in use.
An injury to the hand can result in reduced hand ability to work and even affect the quality of work.
Most times, it’s advisable to wear hand protection to secure hands from impacts of hazards.
More than 1 million workers treat hand injuries from work annually. The statistics alone are something that calls for immediate attention.
Our hand can get injured due to the following.
- Failure to follow the work procedure.
- Carelessness while at work.
- Distracted worker.
- Boredom.
Hand gloves do not prevent an accident from happening. It will only reduce the impact of the accident when it happens.
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However, many types of hand injuries can occur while working.
- Fractures– Having a break in your hand following an accident.
- Lacerations-Deep cut on hand or finger.
- Amputations– Injury resulting in the removal of the hand or finger.
- Stiff joints-Not being able to bend your hand following an accident.
- Paralysis– Disruption of nerve endings and making the hand unable to make a voluntary movement.
- Burns-Injury as a result of a heat from fire emergency.
- Nerve damage-The hand nerve is affected by the incidence.
Hand Protection; What can we do to promote hand protection safety today?
- Ensure you have a routine inspection for all hand tools.
- Dispose of all damaged hand tools.
- Do not use a blade that has no handle for work.
- Ensure you don’t use your hand where you can’t see it.
- Your hand gloves must be handy for you at all times.
- Wear the right and appropriate hand glove.
- Avoid working with your hand on energized equipment. Use lockout and tag out before you work.
- If you have an injury to the hand while working, walk up to the site clinic for immediate treatment.
- Report to your supervisor or foreman about any hand injury
- Always be aware of what is happening around you while on site.
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
