More than one million people are hurt using hand and power tools every year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Not only do people suffer physically, but their injuries also often hurt them financially. Their employers lose money, too. The CPSC reports injuries with hand and power tools cost $15.4 million a year in medical bills and lost work. Many of the visits to hospitals and doctors’ offices could be prevented with more attention to hand and power tool safety. Show
HSI’s mission is to make the workplace safer and smarter. Thus, we offer the following tips for hand and power tool safety. According to OSHA, these are the leading causes of injuries from using hand and power tools:
Accidents on the job happen more frequently when employees are doing a repetitive job, something unexpected happens, or they are inexperienced or overconfident about using the tool. These tips for hand and power tool safety help employees stay safe and perform well. Choose the Right Tools and Take Care of ThemOSHA protects employees by requiring companies to ensure their employees use safe tools and equipment and follow safety guidelines. No matter how many years an employee has under his belt, reviewing the following tips for hand and power tool safety regularly is critical to staying safe.
Tips for Hand and Power Tool Safety - Electric ToolsBecause of the potential dangers involved in using power tools OSHA provides specific safety guidelines for their use. OSHA requires many handheld power tools to be equipped with a constant-pressure switch button that cuts off the power when pressure drops including drills, tappers, angle grinders, saws, and sanders. Many power tools with blades must have safety devices that allow the user to shut the tool off in a single motion. One of the most serious workplace injuries involving tools is electrical shock from power tools. Electrical shocks can cause heart failure and burns. Sometimes a worker is shocked while on a ladder, then loses their balance and is injured in a fall. Tips for preventing electrical shock are at the top of the list of ways to stay safe using power tools.
Tips for Using Pneumatic Tools SafelyPneumatic nail gun accidents send 37,000 carpenters to the emergency room each year according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Most people have wounds on their fingers or hands. Sometimes, they have more serious injuries, like eye injuries. Wearing eye and face protection is an important safety measure for working with pneumatic nail guns and OSHA watches companies carefully to make sure workers are protected. In its FY2021 report on the most frequent safety violations, OSHA reports construction companies’ failure to meet standards for face and eye protection were among the top ten violations in FY2021. Safety experts urge construction companies to take steps to improve safety if necessary. These tips for hand and power tool safety related to pneumatic tools are a good place to improve your attention to safety.
How to Prepare Yourself and Your Space for Staying SafeUsing tools safely includes more than knowing the tools. Employees must pay attention to what they wear, how they carry their tools, and where they stand. To protect employees from the dangers of slips and electrical shock, managers should ensure floors are kept as clean and dry as possible. Tips for hand and power tool safety include choosing the right clothing:
The Best Performance Starts with Safety TrainingOSHA requires employers to train employees on the proper use of tools and equipment. Go over these tips for hand and power tool safety regularly with your employees and consider taking safety management a step further by partnering with HSI. We provide tools for engaging your employees in training and making safety top-of-mind at your company. One HSI partner says that not only do workers enjoy the safety training and comment that they frequently learn something new, the addition of the HSI training platform and content has reduced injuries and incidents. “we’re at 722 days incident-free...and I attribute that to training.” Schedule a demo of the HSI training platform through our online form or by calling 800-447-3177.
Using hand tools incorrectly – or tools that are not fit for purpose or not suited to the user – can lead to joint and tissue injury. Check before you start work that you have the right tool for the job. The design and condition of tools can accentuate any discomfort and lead to more serious symptoms or other injuries. Safety solutions
Tool selection and use
Work area
Personal protective equipment
Power toolsPower tools are extremely hazardous when not used correctly.
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