Credit : Safety and Victims Advocacy Foundation (The Gambia)

Protecting your hands and fingers is essential for both your work and your overall quality of life. Work-related hand injuries are a leading cause of emergency room visits and lost time at work.

Despite our best precautions, minor hand injuries frequently occur. Hands face numerous hazards, including cuts from sharp objects, crushing and pinching from moving machinery, joint and nerve pain, exposure to environmental factors (like heat and cold), and contact with chemicals.

Serious injuries—such as nerve damage, amputations, burns, or other soft tissue injuries—can significantly affect your productivity and even end your career.

Common Causes of Hand Injuries

1. Improper use of tools or using the wrong tool.
2. Incorrect lifting or application of force.
3. Inadequate or improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
4. Distractions and lack of focus due to complacency.
5. Insufficient risk assessment.
6. Bypassing safety procedures.
7. Cutting corners or rushing tasks.

Types of Injuries

Punctures, Cuts, or Lacerations: Caused by contact with sharp or jagged edges on equipment or materials.

Crush Injuries, Fractures, or Amputations: Resulting from contact with heavy objects or moving machinery.

Entanglement: Rings, gloves, or clothing caught in machinery.

Musculoskeletal Injuries: Strains and sprains from using inappropriate tools or those that are improperly sized.

Burns: From hot surfaces or chemicals.

Skin Disorders: Rashes caused by chemical contact.

How to Protect Your Hands from Injury at Work

1. Always use machinery guards.
2. Stay alert and focused on hand safety throughout your tasks.
3. Wear appropriate gloves and PPE when handling rough materials or lifting objects.
4. Ensure gloves provide the right balance of dexterity and protection for the task.
5. Remove nails, splinters, and sharp edges from materials before starting work.
6. Ensure adequate space when moving objects with hand carts or trucks.
7. Keep hands clean and free of grease and oil to maintain grip.
8. Avoid wearing rings or jewelry to prevent them from getting caught in machinery.
9. Use tools designed for the specific tasks and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
10. Keep hands away from moving parts of power tools and equipment.
11. Ensure machinery and tools are off before replacing, cleaning, or repairing parts.
12. Maintain distance from sharp edges (blades, protruding nails, etc.).
13. Never cut toward your palm.
14. Choose ergonomic hand tools that fit comfortably and allow for natural wrist position.
15. Use gloves when picking up sharp objects, even while cleaning.
16. Keep hands visible to avoid accidents.
17. Work smarter, not just faster.
18. Don’t rely on reflexes to protect your hands.
19. Check that tools and equipment are in proper working order before starting tasks.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of hand injuries and maintain a safer working environment.