How Can Hand Injuries In The Industrial Industry Be Reduced?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 140,460 hand injuries on the job were reported by employers in 2011. While not all of these hand injuries occurred in the industrial industry, injuries to the hand, wrist, and fingers are a common injury that impacts workers in this field.

In order to reduce hand injuries, employers need to do the following:

• Assess their operations risks
• Provide appropriate gloves to workers
• Use engineering controls and guards in conjunction with gloves
• Ensure employees are trained on safe practices

It is important that employers don’t provide workers with just any type of glove. Specific jobs need specific gloves. When gloves are too bulky, inadequate, not comfortable, too loose, or don’t have the right grip, the glove doesn’t meet the job requirements and may result in reduced productivity and on the job injuries.

When employers do supply the appropriate gloves to employees, workers also need to do their part to reduce hand injuries, such as:

• Pay attention to training
• Always wear the appropriate gloves for the job
• Inform managers if their gloves have ripped or are damaged

Reducing hand injuries at work in Florida is everyone’s job. However, if you suffered a hand, finger, or wrist injury at work—no matter whose fault it is—you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. To find out about what type of compensation you may be entitled to, contact the Law Office of David Benenfeld to speak with an attorney in a free consultation today at (954) 677-0155(954) 677-0155.