Hand and finger injuries
Hands are one of our most valuable tools. They’re also the most often-injured body parts. Hand injuries can be hard to treat, but most injuries are preventable with caution.
Hand and finger injury information and tips
A cut, puncture or laceration can happen quickly, but its scar and damage can last forever. This type of injury is commonly caused by:
- dull cutting tools
- jagged edges
- sharp metals
- pointed objects
- glass
- nails
Hand and fingers can be crushed by:
- any two surfaces that come together
- pulleys
- rollers
- wheels
- falling objects
- drawers and doors
- Make sure you are trained to competently use the tools before operating them.
- Wear safety glasses/goggles and gloves when appropriate.
- Use a tool belt to carry tools at your sides, never behind your back.
- Ensure tool handles are secured to the tool head (i.e. hammer, screwdriver, files, etc.)
- Always use the appropriate tool for the specific job.
- Use tools that allow wrists to work at neutral angles.
- Clean and maintain tools to keep them in proper working condition. Replace worn tools.
- Carry tools in a sturdy box to and from worksites.
- Pull on wrenches and pliers, never push.
- Never point sharp tools toward walkways or aisles.
- chains, gears, rollers, wheels or transmission belts
- spiked or jagged edges
- shearing, chopping and crushing machines
- cutting tools (knives, box cutters)
- falling objects
- Ensure you are properly trained on any woodworking machines before operating them.
- Always wear face and eye protection when operating woodworking machinery.
- Wear dust masks when required.
- Wear hearing protection appropriate for the noise level of the machine being operated.
- Wear snug clothing and proper-fitting hand protection. Loose clothing can get caught in blades and machinery.
- Make sure all blade guards are working properly and being used at all times.
- Check materials to be cut – make sure there’s no nails or screws in the wood before you begin cutting.
- Make sure all blades are sharp and clean.
- Make sure an “off” button in always within reach while operating machine.
- Always unplug the machine before inspecting, fixing or cleaning. Disconnect the machine from ALL sources of power. Lock and tag out.
- Secure all materials to be drilled so that they are stable.
- Use a push-stick to feed material through cutting area.
- Ensure the work area is always properly lit.
- Ensure the work area is clean and free of clutter.
- Ensure all power cords are moved out of the way and are not tripping hazards.
- Avoid awkward work positions that could cause slipping or sudden loss of balance.
- Do not use compressed air to clean wood shavings or dust from work areas.
- Never leave a running machine unattended.
- Always be alert while operating machinery, never startle an operator.
Cuts or lacerations may happen when using dull cutting tools or handling sharp metals and other material with jagged edges. Prevent cuts and punctures by doing the following:
- Keep tools properly maintained and in good working condition.
- Keep hands and fingers away from sharp edges on cutting tools.
- Pass tools to other workers, handle first.
- Store tools properly and safely when not in use. Sharp tools need covers. Store tools so you grasp the handle first. This helps maintain tools as well.
- Make sure all tools and cutting devices have proper grips and handles.
- Use suction cups or magnetic pads to carry large sheets of glass or metal.
- Never use a screwdriver on work being done in your hands.
- Always do work on a flat, stable surface.
- Always wear proper hand protection for the job. Different types of gloves should be used for different types of work – find out which gloves are right for your tasks and wear them!
- Flatten or remove any nails that may cause puncture wounds.
- Practice good housekeeping – keep a clean work area.
- Only use tools for the job they were made to do (don’t use a file or screwdriver as a lever).
Puncture wounds are caused when pointed objects or implements pierce the skin and deeper tissues. Punctures result from glass, hooks, thorns, animal bites and nails in unseen places.
- Watch for nails and other sharp points when working around used lumber.
- Use the right tool for the particular job.
- Never use screwdrivers as levers, chisels, reamers or to perform work for which they are not designed.
- Screwdrivers should never be carried in pockets.
- Files should never be used without a handle.
- keep hands clear of operating equipment
- position hands carefully so fingers can’t get caught
- feed spinning or feeding machines with a stick
- always use machine safety guards
- be alert – look for falling objects
- never take short cuts
- ensure bench-mounted machines are secured before starting
- make sure gloves or other loose materials don’t get caught in machines
- remove rings or other jewelry before operating machines
By far, the most vulnerable part on your body is your hands and fingers. Ironically, they are also one of the most important parts of your body. Without proper function of your hands and fingers, carrying out everyday tasks could be severely impaired. Keep your hands and fingers safe by doing the following:
- Always keep guards in place.
- Use the proper PPE.
- Make sure machines are turned off before starting any repair work.
- Use lock out and tag out procedures when repairing or maintaining equipment.
- Be rested when using any dangerous equipment.
- Using drugs (legal and illegal) can impair your ability to think clearly, react normally and work safely.
- Never use equipment you haven’t been trained to use. ASK if you don’t know.
- Use a push stick to feed a circular saw or other power tools, such as jointers and shapers.
- Know the tools or equipment that you work with.
- Use long magnetic poles for retrieving items from hard to reach spots.
- Presses and other machines can be designed to eliminate the need for hands to be near the point of operation.
- Machine controls can be designed, placed and guarded so that they give the least opportunity for accidents.
- Label or use colour and shape or size to distinguish safety-stop controls from all other controls.
- Do not wear rings, loose-fitting clothing and dangling accessories. Tie back or cover long hair.
- Machine safeguarding checklist
- Stay alert.
- Remember that drugs (illegal and legal) can impair your ability to react normally and work safely.
- Whenever possible use a push stick with circular saws or other power tools.
- Know how to properly use all tools you work with.
- Whenever possible, use long magnetic tools for retrieving items from machinery where hands could be injured.
- Always use the machine guards. Do not remove or prevent a guard from working properly.
- Before repairing any machine, ensure the power is off, locked out and tagged out.
Hand and finger injury information and tips
A cut, puncture or laceration can happen quickly, but its scar and damage can last forever. This type of injury is commonly caused by:
- dull cutting tools
- jagged edges
- sharp metals
- pointed objects
- glass
- nails
Hand and fingers can be crushed by:
- any two surfaces that come together
- pulleys
- rollers
- wheels
- falling objects
- drawers and doors
- Make sure you are trained to competently use the tools before operating them.
- Wear safety glasses/goggles and gloves when appropriate.
- Use a tool belt to carry tools at your sides, never behind your back.
- Ensure tool handles are secured to the tool head (i.e. hammer, screwdriver, files, etc.)
- Always use the appropriate tool for the specific job.
- Use tools that allow wrists to work at neutral angles.
- Clean and maintain tools to keep them in proper working condition. Replace worn tools.
- Carry tools in a sturdy box to and from worksites.
- Pull on wrenches and pliers, never push.
- Never point sharp tools toward walkways or aisles.
- chains, gears, rollers, wheels or transmission belts
- spiked or jagged edges
- shearing, chopping and crushing machines
- cutting tools (knives, box cutters)
- falling objects
- Ensure you are properly trained on any woodworking machines before operating them.
- Always wear face and eye protection when operating woodworking machinery.
- Wear dust masks when required.
- Wear hearing protection appropriate for the noise level of the machine being operated.
- Wear snug clothing and proper-fitting hand protection. Loose clothing can get caught in blades and machinery.
- Make sure all blade guards are working properly and being used at all times.
- Check materials to be cut – make sure there’s no nails or screws in the wood before you begin cutting.
- Make sure all blades are sharp and clean.
- Make sure an “off” button in always within reach while operating machine.
- Always unplug the machine before inspecting, fixing or cleaning. Disconnect the machine from ALL sources of power. Lock and tag out.
- Secure all materials to be drilled so that they are stable.
- Use a push-stick to feed material through cutting area.
- Ensure the work area is always properly lit.
- Ensure the work area is clean and free of clutter.
- Ensure all power cords are moved out of the way and are not tripping hazards.
- Avoid awkward work positions that could cause slipping or sudden loss of balance.
- Do not use compressed air to clean wood shavings or dust from work areas.
- Never leave a running machine unattended.
- Always be alert while operating machinery, never startle an operator.
Cuts or lacerations may happen when using dull cutting tools or handling sharp metals and other material with jagged edges. Prevent cuts and punctures by doing the following:
- Keep tools properly maintained and in good working condition.
- Keep hands and fingers away from sharp edges on cutting tools.
- Pass tools to other workers, handle first.
- Store tools properly and safely when not in use. Sharp tools need covers. Store tools so you grasp the handle first. This helps maintain tools as well.
- Make sure all tools and cutting devices have proper grips and handles.
- Use suction cups or magnetic pads to carry large sheets of glass or metal.
- Never use a screwdriver on work being done in your hands.
- Always do work on a flat, stable surface.
- Always wear proper hand protection for the job. Different types of gloves should be used for different types of work – find out which gloves are right for your tasks and wear them!
- Flatten or remove any nails that may cause puncture wounds.
- Practice good housekeeping – keep a clean work area.
- Only use tools for the job they were made to do (don’t use a file or screwdriver as a lever).
Puncture wounds are caused when pointed objects or implements pierce the skin and deeper tissues. Punctures result from glass, hooks, thorns, animal bites and nails in unseen places.
- Watch for nails and other sharp points when working around used lumber.
- Use the right tool for the particular job.
- Never use screwdrivers as levers, chisels, reamers or to perform work for which they are not designed.
- Screwdrivers should never be carried in pockets.
- Files should never be used without a handle.
- keep hands clear of operating equipment
- position hands carefully so fingers can’t get caught
- feed spinning or feeding machines with a stick
- always use machine safety guards
- be alert – look for falling objects
- never take short cuts
- ensure bench-mounted machines are secured before starting
- make sure gloves or other loose materials don’t get caught in machines
- remove rings or other jewelry before operating machines
By far, the most vulnerable part on your body is your hands and fingers. Ironically, they are also one of the most important parts of your body. Without proper function of your hands and fingers, carrying out everyday tasks could be severely impaired. Keep your hands and fingers safe by doing the following:
- Always keep guards in place.
- Use the proper PPE.
- Make sure machines are turned off before starting any repair work.
- Use lock out and tag out procedures when repairing or maintaining equipment.
- Be rested when using any dangerous equipment.
- Using drugs (legal and illegal) can impair your ability to think clearly, react normally and work safely.
- Never use equipment you haven’t been trained to use. ASK if you don’t know.
- Use a push stick to feed a circular saw or other power tools, such as jointers and shapers.
- Know the tools or equipment that you work with.
- Use long magnetic poles for retrieving items from hard to reach spots.
- Presses and other machines can be designed to eliminate the need for hands to be near the point of operation.
- Machine controls can be designed, placed and guarded so that they give the least opportunity for accidents.
- Label or use colour and shape or size to distinguish safety-stop controls from all other controls.
- Do not wear rings, loose-fitting clothing and dangling accessories. Tie back or cover long hair.
- Stay alert.
- Remember that drugs (illegal and legal) can impair your ability to react normally and work safely.
- Whenever possible use a push stick with circular saws or other power tools.
- Know how to properly use all tools you work with.
- Whenever possible, use long magnetic tools for retrieving items from machinery where hands could be injured.
- Always use the machine guards. Do not remove or prevent a guard from working properly.
- Before repairing any machine, ensure the power is off, locked out and tagged out.
