Date: 26-07-2017

Alert #:89
Hand Injury with Angle Grinder

Incident in Brief
On 08 July 2017, A worker’s sustained a cut
injury on his right hand closer to the wrist
during rebar cutting activity, due to improper
work posture.
Direct Causes
 Laxity of the worker
 Practicing of wrong method to use Power tool
(grinder)
 Use of power tool on inapt surface

Contributing Factors
 Poor supervision
 Inadequate planning
 Inappropriate / misuse of the power tool
 Lack of skills
 Communication gap between the worker and his
supervisor

Lessons Learnt
 Assignment of Competent & Proactive supervision
 Know your equipment
Hold the grinder against the work piece with minimum
so the disk doesn't dig in and cause it to kick back.
Keep the grinding disc at 15-30 angle to the work
Stop the grinder regularly to rest your arm and hands
When not in use, disconnect the power and place the
grinder on the bench with the disc facing upwards
 Disconnect power before changing discs
 Never use a cut off wheel for grinding or a grinding
disc for cutting
Use correct clothing
 Assignment of skilled, trained and competent workers
Correct use of the power tools as per FAST Safe Work
Procedures, Manufacture instructions.

Authorized by: Andy Fullwood (FAST HSE Director)