Hand and finger cuts
Recognition
Over a million workers are injured each year, and cuts and lacerations are reported as the second or third-most frequent occupational injuries. More specifically, 70% of these injuries are to hands or fingers. Minor hand and finger trauma is also common in aluminum refineries, some of which may occur during the process of aluminum sheet cutting. [1] Overall, the types of reported injuries under hand and finger trauma include scratches, abrasions, needle sticks, puncture wounds, deep lacerations, nerve damaging lacerations, and amputations. Despite their frequency, finger and hand injuries are one of the most preventable types of occupational injuries. [2]
Evaluation
To determine the prevalence and incidence of on-site cuts, abrasions, and lacerations, first aid reports can analyzed. Work safety regulatory bodies, such as WorkSafeBC provide templates for appropriate first aid reports. [3]
Controls [2]
Elimination controls
Cuts and abrasions can effectively be eliminated by keeping body parts away from sharp edges and tools. A possible way of implementing these in places such as aluminum refineries is automation of processes or remote control of hazardous objects.
Administrative controls
Administrative controls can include "good housekeeping". This can mean having walk-throughs prior to beginning any task to ensure that the workplace doesn't have sharp objects lying around.
Education
Employee education is vital to preventing cuts and scrapes on the job. Videos or short-courses regarding safety procedures can go a long way in raising awareness of safety hazards. Educating employees on safe and appropriate tool usage can also prevent traumatic injuries.
Engineering controls
Engineering controls to prevent cutting injuries can include proper machine guards, such as knife and blade guards. These can also include lockout-tagout procedures to ensure machines are completely turned off when not being used.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment can be used as a last resort measure to improve worker safety with cutting. As fingers and hands are targets for many cutting injuries, a pair of properly fitted and comfortable gloves can prevent many injuries. If the gloves aren't properly fitted or are uncomfortable, workers are less likely to wear them.
References
- ↑ Donoghue, A. M., Frisch, N., & Olney, D. (2014). Bauxite Mining and Alumina Refining: Process Description and Occupational Health Risks. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 56(5 Suppl), S12–S17.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Gaul, R. (2009). Preventing Cuts and Lacerations. Retrieved from <https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/downloads/blankpdf/SafetyTalk-Preventingcuts.pdf>.
- ↑ WorkSafeBC. (2013). First Aid Assessment Worksheet. Retrieved from <https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/ohsr-searchable/first-aid-assessment-worksheet?lang=en>.