Recognizing Hand and Finger Injury Hazards

Hazard identification is crucial to preventing an injury. That’s why it is so important to

understand the three specific kinds of hazards that can lead to hand and finger injuries.
Once you are aware of them, identify and implement the Hierarchy of Controls to reduce
your risk of injury before starting work.

The three primary hazards that can lead to hand/finger injury are:

•    Mechanical Hazards

•    Personnel Hazards

•    Contact Hazards

Let’s take a look at some examples of each and how they can cause hand and finger
injuries.

Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical hazards are situations where hand and fingers can get caught, crushed, pinched, or

severed in chains, gears, or other moving parts. Objects could fall on your hands or your hands

and fingers could get hurt while handling materials. Even hand tools can be a mechanical hazard

if damaged or used incorrectly.  

Examples of Mechanical Hazards

 Struck by moving object

 Caught, pinched, crushed, severed chains/slings
 Rollers, gears, other moving parts.
  Tools (if used incorrectly)
 Cheater bar (unathorized leverage assiting tooling)

Personnel Hazards

Personnel hazards include wearing jewelry, loose clothing or using improper or defective PPE

(Personal Protective Equipment). 

Examples of Personnel Hazards

Lack of hazard recognition

Line of fire

Distractions

Carelessness

Shortcuts

Jewelry/loose clothing

Improper/defective PPE

Prevention: Learn steps to reduce your risk of injury

Hand Injuries are Preventable

Safety is a personal responsibility; you are responsible and accountable for your safety and that

of your co-workers. Hand and finger injuries are preventable. Maintaining safety requires a

respect for the hazards you face on a day-to-day basis and a commitment to remain conscientious

of where your hands are at all times. The key to hand and finger injury prevention is you.

The following four tactics can help you prevent hand and finger injuries:

Apply the Hierarchy of Controls

Use the Right Tool for the Job

Avoid the Line of Fire

Use the Proper Gloves (PPE)