Preventing hand injuries at work: A multi-pronged approach
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Posted: Thu 1st Aug 2024
Hands are complex and essential tools that we use every day for countless tasks. From typing on a keyboard to gripping a hammer, our hands allow us to interact with the world around us.
However, due to their constant use, hands are also particularly susceptible to injuries in the workplace. These injuries can range from minor cuts and scrapes to serious fractures and nerve damage and can have a significant impact on a worker's ability to perform their job and their overall quality of life.
The high cost of hand injuries
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the UK's national regulator for workplace safety, in 2020-21, there were over 16,000 non-fatal workplace injuries affecting the hand and wrist. This translates to roughly 25% of all non-fatal injuries reported. Even more concerning, over 11,000 of these instances resulted in the worker needing over seven days' absence.
The financial burden of hand injuries is significant for both employers and employees. Direct costs include medical bills, workers' compensation payments and replacement worker costs. Indirect costs can include lost productivity, damage to equipment or materials and increased insurance premiums.
Preventing hand injuries: A multi-pronged approach
The good news is that most hand injuries are preventable. By following a few key safety principles, employers can significantly reduce the risk of hand injuries in the workplace.
1. Hazard identification and risk assessment
The first step in preventing hand injuries is to identify potential hazards in the workplace. This involves conducting a thorough risk assessment of all tasks and jobs performed by employees. Some common hand hazards include:
Sharp objects: Knives, blades, machinery with sharp edges, and other sharp objects can cause serious cuts, lacerations, and even amputations
Pinch points: Areas where hands can become pinched or crushed between moving objects, such as gears, conveyor belts, or closing doors
Electrical hazards: Contact with electrical equipment can cause burns, shocks, and nerve damage
Extreme temperatures: Working with hot or cold objects can cause burns or frostbite
Repetitive motions: Performing the same hand motions over and over again can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) such as carpal tunnel syndrome
2. Implementing control measures
Once hazards have been identified, employers need to implement control measures to mitigate the risks. Some common control measures for hand injuries include:
Using personal protective equipment (PPE): Wearing appropriate gloves can protect hands from cuts, abrasions, chemicals and extreme temperatures
Guarding machinery: Guards and safety shields can prevent workers from coming into contact with sharp edges, pinch points, and other moving parts of machinery
Practising safe work procedures: Developing and enforcing safe work procedures that minimise hand exposure to hazards is essential. This may include proper lifting techniques, lockout/tagout procedures for machinery maintenance and taking breaks to avoid repetitive strain injuries
Providing proper training: Workers should be properly trained on the hazards associated with their jobs and how to use PPE and safety equipment effectively
Maintaining a clean and organised work environment: Clutter and debris can increase the risk of slips, trips and falls that can lead to hand injuries
3. Promoting a culture of safety
Creating a culture of safety is essential for preventing hand injuries. This means encouraging workers to report unsafe conditions, participate in safety training and prioritise safe work practices.
By empowering workers to take ownership of their own safety and the safety of their colleagues, businesses can foster a more responsible and proactive approach to workplace safety.
Hands are irreplaceable
Hands are irreplaceable tools that allow us to perform our jobs and live our lives to the fullest. By prioritising hand safety in the workplace, employers can protect their workers from injury, reduce costs and create a safer and healthier work environment for everyone. Remember, investing in hand safety is an investment in your workforce and your company's success.
Here are some additional tips for preventing hand injuries in the workplace:
Encourage workers to report any pain, numbness or tingling in their hands as soon as possible. Early intervention can help prevent more serious injuries
Provide workers with stress balls or other ergonomic tools to help reduce fatigue and prevent repetitive strain injuries
Regularly inspect PPE for damage and replace it as needed
Lead by example! Supervisors and managers should set a positive tone for safety by following safe work practices and using PPE
By following these tips and integrating a comprehensive hand safety programme, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of hand injuries and keep their most valuable assets – their employees – safe and healthy.
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