Hand injuries account for approximately 1/3 of all disabling job-related injuries each year. Pinch points cause over 80% of these injuries. These injuries are of all kinds–cuts, bruises, fractures, and amputations. Approximately 20% of these injuries become infected. Hand injuries are most common in the construction, manufacturing, and processing industries....
Amputations are some of the most serious and debilitating workplace injuries. They are widespread and involve a variety of work activities and equipment. Amputations occur most often when workers operate unguarded or inadequately safeguarded machines. Amputation Protection: Machine guarding with the following equipment is the best way to control amputations...
Eye injuries occur in American workplaces every single day. No matter where we work, flying particles, dusts, splashes, or flying objects are apt to expose us to potential eye injury. Causes of Eye and Face Injuries: Splashes from harmful liquid chemicals such as acids or cleaning solutions; Flying debris, chips,...
Employees being struck by vehicles or mobile equipment on a construction job site causes many work zone injuries and fatalities. Work zones are required to have traffic controls consisting of signs, cones barrels, and barriers. Drivers, employees on foot, and pedestrians must be able to see and understand the proper...
Overhead shop cranes move heavy items in manufacturing and production areas. Although shop cranes are useful, “overhead” can sometimes be “out of sight and out of mind” when it comes to safety. Workers need training on crane hazards and operation, and they should never forget the safety hazards moving overhead....
There are many work situations in which chemicals are routinely relied upon to get the work done. But just as important as the safe handling of these chemicals is their safe storage. If not stored properly, chemicals can cause a fire, explosion, or personal injury. General Guidelines: Follow these guidelines...
The best way to prevent workplace fires is to be aware of, and on the lookout for, potential fire hazards. All hazardous situations should be reported to your supervisor. Know the location of fire extinguishers and other emergency equipment that is available to you. During an actual emergency, protect yourself....
Falls are the second leading cause of occupational fatalities and disabling injuries in the United States. Each year, over 500 workers die in fall-related accidents and over 300,000 workers suffer a disabling injury. Fall protection is any means or system used to protect employees from falling from an elevated working/working...
Confined spaces present a special type of danger – a danger that you may not recognize until you’ve already entered a confined space and encountered the hazard. By then, it may be too late. Toxic gases, lack of oxygen, shifting materials inside, and other hazards can cause injury or death...
Nearly every type of work or occupation has the potential for causing WMSDs. To prevent these injuries, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to them. Ergonomic factors are workplace conditions that pose the risk of injury to the musculoskeletal system of the worker. Factors That Contribute to...