Selecting the Proper Hand Protection

• Selecting the proper glove to protect busy hands is important, Princeton University reports. General work gloves will protect the hands from minor hazards such as splinters or scrapes, but they do not protect from lacerations and punctures as specialized gloves. Gloves that protect against cuts, scrapes and punctures provide little to no protection against chemical or biological exposures. Synthetic and natural rubbers are designated for this task. Neoprene or nitrile gloves are typically used for chemical exposure because of their resistance to break down in strong chemical agents. Latex gloves are typically found in exam rooms because of their protection against biological agents. None of these gloves can protect against thermal or light radiation. Specialized gloves can protect against light radiation from welding or brazing of metals and other heat-producing tasks.
  
  

Raynaud's Phenomenon

• Excessive use of vibrating tools such as jack hammers, powered saws and other heavy industrial equipment can cause a medical condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon, sometimes known as Raynaud's syndrome or disease. This medical condition, brought on by excessive exposure to work-related vibration, negatively affects the circulation of the fingers and hand, causing numbness and tingling in the fingers and a characteristic color change to white, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Left untreated, this condition can cause permanent impairment to the fingers. Rare, severe cases can lead to the breakdown of the skin of the hand. Worker's can minimize risk by protecting hands from injury and keeping them warm at work, especially during vibrating job tasks, massaging and exercising fingers during work breaks and participating in job task rotation.
  
  

Using Utility Knives

• The use of utility knives or box cutters poses a great risk of laceration to the user's hand. Part of this is because of improper use of the knife. The other part of this hazard occurs in the use of knives that lack proper safety blades. To minimize risk of laceration, workers should learn to hold the knife properly and cut away from the body. Using a knife with a self retracting blade increases the safety of use.
  
  

Monitoring Fatigue and Proper Tool Use

• Even when using a relatively light hammer that weighs 3 lbs. or less, repeated use of the tool without breaks increases the probability of the worker striking the free hand with the tool. It's equally important to reinforce to workers that use of an incorrect tool such as a screwdriver used as an awl can increase risk for hand and other injuries.