Introduction

Workplace hand and finger injuries are common but preventable. This article provides an overview of how to protect your hands while working, based on an online workplace training course. We’ll cover hand anatomy, injury causes, safe work practices, proper tool usage, and recommended gloves. Follow these tips to keep your hands safe and injury-free.

The Complex and Delicate Nature of Hands

Our hands allow us to perform countless tasks due to their specialized design. The 27 bones of the hand and wrist provide structure while surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments enable movement and strength. Nerves not only transmit sensation but also control the muscles. This intricate system is fed by blood vessels and covered by skin.

While remarkably capable, our hands are also delicate. The tissues are close to the surface, the bones are small, and the joints complex. It’s easy to forget this vulnerability while using our hands constantly at work and home. Even small stresses can cause long-term damage.

Causes of Hand Injuries

Hand injuries generally fall into two categories: acute and cumulative. Acute injuries occur suddenly from impacts, cuts, punctures, or equipment. Examples include smashed fingers from a hammer or severed digits in machinery. Cumulative injuries build up over time from repeated stress. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis arise from excess strain.

Some specific causes of hand injuries:

  • Bruising or breaking from impacts. Hitting your hand with a hammer can damage skin, nerves, tendons, and bone.
  • Cuts, scrapes, and punctures from sharp tools or materials with rough/splintery surfaces. These can sever blood vessels and nerves.
  • Crushing, grabbing, or amputation from powered equipment. Machinery can easily entrap hands and fingers, resulting in traumatic injuries.
  • Repetitive motions. Repeating the same hand/finger movements constantly creates excess strain on muscles and tendons.
  • Awkward positions. Working with bent wrists or other non-neutral postures strains connective tissues.
  • Excessive force. Manually or with tools, overexertion tears muscles and tendons over time.
  • Vibration. Long-term use of high-vibration tools like jackhammers damages nerves and circulation.

Safe Work Practices

The best way to avoid hand injuries is implementing safe work practices that minimize hazards through the following:

  • Proper mindset. Stay focused on your task, avoid distractions, and address any frustration before beginning work. Rushed or angry workers are more prone to mistakes.
  • Hazard identification. Look for any potential dangers in your work area and address them. Ensure adequate lighting, tidy clutter, secure extension cords, etc.
  • Tool knowledge. Understand fully how to operate tools and machinery you use. Review manuals and get training if unsure.
  • Equipment inspections. Check hand and power tools for damage and wear before use. Dull cutting instruments require more unsafe force.
  • Pace yourself. Working hurriedly leads to mistakes and injuries. Keeping an even pace allows you to track hand positioning.
  • Posture. Avoid awkward wrist angles by standing or sitting as needed. Reposition work materials for better alignment.
  • Task variation. Take mini-breaks periodically from repetitive tasks by inserting other duties. This provides muscle rest.

Proper Tool Usage

Selecting appropriate tools and using proper techniques prevents hand strains and injuries:

  • Tool handles should be longer than your hand’s widest part to prevent excess palm pressure.
  • Handles should fit comfortably in your grip with thumbs overlapping fingertips.
  • Cushioned, padded, or textured handles reduce hand fatigue and improve control.
  • Tool handles should allow neutral wrist postures, avoiding bending which pinches nerves.
  • Adjust your grip to use larger muscle groups. Pinching fingers together applies unhealthy pressure.
  • Let sharp instruments do the cutting rather than forcing them through materials manually.
  • Monitor your hands for tingling or discomfort, indicating the start of damage from strain.
  • Limit time using high vibration tools which can gradually harm nerves and circulation.

The Wrist – An Ergonomic Weak Spot

The wrist is especially vulnerable to ergonomic injury as numerous muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels pass through it on the way to the hand. Even mild but repeated wrist strain can damage these tissues resulting in disabling conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Avoid awkward bending of the wrists when possible.

Power Grips vs Precision Grips

  • Power grip: Curling fingers, palm and thumb around an object. Safely distributes weight and force across the entire hand. Appropriate for heavy or forceful tasks.
  • Precision grip: Bringing thumb, index and middle fingers together. Allows fine control but applies excessive pressure when handling heavy items. Only use for light tasks requiring dexterity.

Excessive Force

Avoid exerting excessive manual force or grip pressure which strains muscles and tendons. Let tools do the work rather than forcing them. Overpowering stuck objects by hand can cause injury. If a task requires too much effort, stop and find a safer approach.

Recommended Gloves

Different glove types provide protection from various common hand hazards:

  • Cloth – Safeguards against dirt, blisters, scratches and irritants like poison ivy.
  • Leather – Offers puncture protection and durability for rough surfaces. Insulates from heat.
  • Metal mesh/cut-resistant – Prevents lacerations from sharp tools and materials.
  • Heat-resistant – Protects from high temperatures using materials like aluminized fabric.
  • Chemical-resistant – Defends against corrosives like solvents, oils, and cleaners using vinyl, rubber or neoprene.
  • Disposable – Shields against germs and contaminants like latex, nitrile, or polyethylene gloves.

Ensure gloves properly fit your hands. Pair them to the specific hazards you face. Inspect them before use and replace damaged gloves immediately. Wearing appropriate hand protection prevents injuries on the job.

Conclusion

Your hands accomplish incredible feats daily, but their intricate construction also makes them vulnerable. By following safe practices, choosing proper tools, and wearing suitable gloves, you can prevent painful and debilitating hand and finger injuries. Work smart, pay attention, and implement these tips to keep your hands healthy and capable throughout your career.

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