SAFETY UPDATE

WHAT TO DO TO KEEP YOUR HANDS SAFE AT WORK

Safety gloves, as with any form of PPE, should be treated as a last line of defence in keeping your hands safe whilst working. What else can you do to ensure you don’t injure your hands?

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WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO TO ENSURE YOU DON’T INJURE YOUR HANDS?

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STEP ONE

CONDUCT A RISK ASSESSMENT. This is the first step that you should be doing in order to identify hazards that could put your hands at risk of injury.

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STEP TWO

ENGINEERING CONTROLS. Before using gloves, ask yourself if you can eliminate the hazard completely. If not, then consider if engineering controls can be used. Guarding is an excellent example of an engineering control.

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STEP THREE

CONSIDER ERGONOMIC RISKS. Are there any activities that may result in a repetitive strain injury, use physical force, is completed in an awkward position, or has prolonged exposure to vibration? These activities are rarely considered but are a leading culprit in hand injuries in the workplace.

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STEP FOUR

PROPER TOOL USE AND CARE. Ensuring that you are not only using the appropriate tool for the job but also making sure the tools are properly maintained and inspected before use will help in reducing the likelihood of injury.

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STEP FIVE

UNDERSTAND CHEMICAL USAGE RISKS. Ensuring you understand the risks involved in using chemicals and having the appropriate controls in place whilst using them.

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STEP SIX

A SUCCESSFUL AND ROBUST WHS SYSTEM. A WHS system with a positive safety culture is very important. This includes use of safe operating procedures and training to ensure tasks are completed safely as well as effective communication and feedback.

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STEP SEVEN

HOUSEKEEPING. An absolute guarantee in assisting in injury prevention. Construction debris can be odd-shaped and difficult to handle, not to mention containing sharp edges and puncture/pinch points. A bit of cleaning up can help save substantial injuries and improve morale on the worksite.