When using machinery, pinch points can catch workers when they are not looking. Pulleys and belts can form in-running nips, a type of pinch point that can draw the hand in and cause severe damage. Here’s what to do:
- Wear work gloves when handling rough materials and when hands are directly involved with lifting or moving objects.
- Remove or bend down protruding nails, splinters and sharp edges on materials before beginning work with them.
- Never wear gloves around in-running nips. The glove can be caught and the hand pulled in and hurt.
- Use machine guards -- always.
- Replace a removed guard and lock machinery before reaching into it -- always.
- Make sure that you have enough room to get through doorways and small spaces with clearance for cart and hands. Be cautious when setting down loads.
- Keep hands free of grease and oil – slippery hands can result in injuries. If you get grease or oil on your hands, clean them right away.
- Don’t wear any rings when working – a ring caught in machinery or on a protruding object can badly damage a finger.
- Wear gloves to pick up broken glass, nails or other sharp objects – including when sweeping up. Never attempt to handle these things with your bare hands.
Hands are bound to receive minor injuries from time to time. Report and treat these injuries promptly, so they don’t become infected.
Source: Julie Copeland CEO Arbill
http://www.arbill.com/arbill-safety-blog/bid/159540/Workplace-Safety-Avoiding-Hand-Injuries
