How to Handle the Glove Selection Process Our hands are important. To even read this sentence, you probably had to click a link or physically hold a printout. According to OH&S, hand injuries are the second-most common type of workplace injury. Hand injuries can cost between $540 and $26,000 (according to the National Safety Council), and it shows how selecting the correct gloves can save you money in the long run (“and always wearing them”). FAST FACTS • 70% of manufacturing workers who had hand injuries were not wearing gloves • 30% of injured workers were wearing the wrong glove •Of the 70% not wearing gloves, 25% were not offered gloves What to Watch For • Operation: What is the task or application? - Material Handling (Metal / Wood / Glass) - Equipment (Tools / Machines / Rotary Tools) • Environment: Where is it happening? - Hot / Cold / Wet / Dry, Temperature Controlled • E xposure: What hazards exist and where on the hand can the hazard occur? - Hands / Fingers / Forearms • Trigger: What precipitates the hazard? - Repetitive process of grabbing sheets of metal? - Pace of work / Production line • Consequence: What can occur should it happen? - Laceration when using non-safety knives - Splinters from handling pallets THE STANDARDS 1910.138(a) General requirements. Employers shall select and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when employees’ hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes. 1910.138(b) Selection. Employers shall base the selection of the appropriate hand protection on an evaluation of the performance characteristics of the hand protection relative to the task(s) to be performed, conditions present, duration of use, and the hazards and potential hazards identified. SAFETY FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTACT: SAFETYQUESTIONS@FASTENAL.COM OR 1-833-FNL-SAFE
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