When you went online to read this article, chances are you didnt have to stop and think about how you were going to navigate your keyboard. What about when you buttoned your shirt, ate your breakfast or picked up your car keys this morning? Probably not. A hand injury can make the multitude of tasks that we take for granted a serious, if not impossible, challenge. Maybe for the short term, or perhaps, permanently.
According to the Safety and Health Council of North Carolina, the five most common hand injuries in the workplace include lacerations (63%), crushes (13%), avulsions or detachments (8%), punctures (6%) and fractures (5%). In the manufacturing environment, hand injuries generally result from physical or chemical hazards and result in burns, bruises,
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Hand injuries are painful and come with high costs, both personally and financially. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports, The average hand injury claim has now exceeded $6,000, with each lost-time workers compensation claim reaching nearly $7,500. According to the National Safety Council, stitches can cost up to $2,000, lacerations can cost up to $10,000 and repairing a severed tendon can exceed $70,000. The indirect costs to businesses can add up to 4.5 Times the direct costs and can include training replacement workers, increased insurance rates, lost productivity, paying overtime, administrative costs of accident investigations, legal fees and OSHA citations.
While hand injuries are common and costly, they are also PREVENTABLE. By developing a proper hand safety program, you can ensure the safety of your employees and prevent these life-altering injuries.
Below are five steps you can take today to prevent hand injuries in your workplace
1) Evaluate Injury Trends
The first step is to review your companys accident and injury records to detect trends and patterns. Some of the data to review includes first aid records, accident reports, near miss reports and OSHA 300 logs. Some of the questions you should ask include; what types of injuries happen most frequently (e.g. cuts from box cutters) and in what areas of the facility do injuries occur most (e.g. shipping).
If there is a trend, it is likely that something needs to change. The challenge is identifying what needs to change as injuries can result from,
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2) Perform a Hazard Assessment
The second step you should take is to perform a hazard assessment based on the results of the analysis. An EHS professional (which Arbil can provide) should conduct an assessment of your facility to identify the potential hazards and sources of hand injuries.
Some of the hand hazards that could exist include:
Chemical Heat/Cold Handling sharp edged materials Using knives or box cutters Working with equipment with pinch, crush or cut hazards Amputation Electrical
3) Determine Proper PPE and Safe Work Practices
Once the hazard assessment is complete, the EHS professional should provide suggestions on the proper PPE that should be used for the task at hand. This includes matching the proper glove to the hazards that are present in specific job functions within your company. Additionally, other protective measures such as machine guarding and safe work practices should be put in place.
Some safe work practices include:
Use proper tools to perform tasks instead of hands, where possible Inspect tools and repair or replace as needed Evaluate how chemicals are handled, transferred and applied, seeking ways to reduce the risk of splashes and spills Use the smallest quantity of chemical needed to get the job done Substitute safer products for more hazardous ones Opt for ergonomic tools and tools specifically designed for the task to be performed Dont wear rings or bracelets, as they may get caught on equipment and can cause serious injuries, such as avulsions
4) Implement a Training Program
The next step is to perform the proper training. An EHS professional should educate employees and make sure they understand the hazards their jobs present and how to protect themselves from those hazards.
Training should address though not be limited to:
Types of hand hazards in the workplace Types of injuries that can result Safe work practices to minimize exposure to hazards Proper types and fit of gloves
5) Communicate and Build Awareness
The next step is to effectively communicate and build awareness around your new program. Some ways to build awareness include verbal reminders and written communication such as posters, fliers and banners. As awareness builds, be sure to continue to monitor the effectiveness of your program and use audits and checklists to keep track of progress.
Reviewing injury trends, performing a hazard assessment, determining proper PPE and safe work practices along with training and effective communication are all key components of a hand safety program. Take these steps today to help protect your employees from preventable hand injuries. Your employees and your business will benefit.
Arbill has a nationwide network of expert EHS professionals who can provide the services and training you need to properly protect your employees and prevent injuries. Contact us today to evaluate your needs and build a customized program.
This article first appeared in our digital magazine Safer Every Day and was written by EHS expert Nicole Sheets. Click here to receive your complimentary subscription and get industry insights as well as all the information you need to keep your workers safe.
Have a Safe Day!
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