Weekly Safety Tip #58 - Hand Safety
Good day team!
As the days grow warmer, it’s natural to want to shed layers and work more comfortably—but that doesn’t mean leaving safety behind. One of the most overlooked pieces of PPE this time of year is gloves. They might seem like a hassle in the heat, but your hands are one of your most valuable tools—protect them!
When working around machinery, sharp objects, chemicals, or hot surfaces, gloves are your first line of defense. Please keep the following Do’s and Don’ts in mind to keep your hands safe on the job:
DO:
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Be mindful of hand placement. Always know where both hands are—especially near moving parts or machinery.
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Wear the right gloves for the task. Use cut-resistant, chemical-resistant, heat-resistant, or general-purpose gloves as needed.
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Use the correct tool for the job. And make sure you’re trained in how to use it—especially when it comes to power tools.
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Take breaks to stretch. Loosen up your fingers and hands to prevent strain and fatigue.
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Be proactive with hazards. Handle chemicals, sharp edges, and hot materials with appropriate protection.
DON’T:
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Never use your hands to feed material into machines. Use push sticks or other safe methods.
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Avoid hanging materials around rotating equipment. Loose gloves, jewelry, or sleeves can get caught and pull you in.
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Don’t sweep with your hands. Use brushes or brooms to handle sharp debris like glass or metal shavings.
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Skip the gasoline! Never use strong solvents or fuel to clean your hands—it’s dangerous and damaging to your skin.
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Don’t work impaired. Avoid operating machinery under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that affect alertness.