Did you know that over 1 million workers are treated in an emergency room for hand injuries each year?
According to the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), fingers and hands are the most injured body parts among construction workers, accounting for 1/3 of all emergency room visits (yikes!) Not only can an occupational injury cause initial pain, it may also require weeks or months of rehabilitation.
Throughout the day, your hands come in contact with a multitude of hazards, including cutting tools operating at high speeds, fast/heavy machinery and equipment without machine guards to name a few.
To avoid suffering from a hand, wrist or finger injury, you must learn how to recognize potential hazards and then take the proper steps to avoid them. Please consider taking the following precautions:
- Develop a “safety first” attitude and take time to familiarize yourself with the hazards in your working environment.
- Become familiar with all equipment and know what others are doing around you.
- Concentrate on your current task and avoid distractions.
- Use common sense and remain alert for unexpected problems.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can also help protect you. Ensure that your gloves fit you properly as too big of gloves can get caught in equipment. Cut-resistant gloves can offer shielding from sharp-edged tools. Heat-resistant gloves offer protection against burns and barrier creams applied to the skin to provide an invisible protective coating against minor irritations. And do not forget finger guards that help protect against pinch hazards!
Avoiding a hand injury is critical because we use our hands for nearly every daily task, from personal care to professional work. A hand injury can lead to debilitating pain, prolonged rehabilitation, and a significant loss of independence and quality of life. Your full attention and focus are essential while on duty.
Have more questions?
For additional well-being guidance, please reach out to Jennifer Green, Vice President of Wellbeing & Engagement at Venbrook, our preferred benefits partners, at jgreen@venbrook.com