Hand Protection Safety - Toolbox Talk

MIGAS aims to provide not only our Australian Apprentices and Trainees with the knowledge they need to be safe on the job, but all people in the workplace. Here we share with you: Hand Protection Safety.

Hazards of using tools and equipment

Hands and fingers are injured more than other body parts.

This is because of two reasons:

1. Hands and Fingers are required for most work activities
2. Hands and fingers are vulnerable to crush and cut type injuries as well as exposure to harmful materials used at work and exposure to vibration and repetitive strain injuries.

What could happen?

• Severed fingers or hands due to rotating machines such as saws.
• Crush injuries due to incorrect use of tools such as hammers. Contact with in-running nip points on machinery.
• Skin allergies such as dermatitis due to handling harmful materials such as mould oil.
• Exposure to vibration.
• Exposure to repetitive work.

Possible controls to prevent injury

• Ensure guards are in place and operating. 
• Checks blades are not loose and not damaged.
• Tools and equipment must be maintained. 
• Defective equipment such as cold chisels with mushroom shaped ends must be replaced / repaired. 
• In-running nip points such as chain and sprocket transmission must be guarded
• Avoid skin contact.
• Wear suitable gloves if necessary. 
• Wash and dry hands to remove any substance from the skin.
• Avoid manual process if possible, organise work to include breaks, reduce exposure time, share work load, and wear anti vibration gloves.
• Avoid manual process if possible, organise work station to minimise strain, allow for breaks, plan workload, share work activities.

For more information, contact MIGAS Head Office on 07 3868 1815.

SERIOUS ABOUT SAFETY

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