Safety Tips for Preventing Cuts & Lacerations in the Workplace
- Maintain Sharp Tools. Keep cutting tools sharp so workers can get the job done without the need for extra force that might cause a blade to slip.
- Inspect PPE Before Use. Have workers inspect all their PPE before starting work to check for damage, wear, or excessive soiling.
- Remove Snag Hazards. Remind your people to remove all jewelry and make sure clothes are buttoned properly and tucked in. ...
- Keep Work Areas Clean. Teach workers never to leave sharp materials unattended and to report any hazards they see. A messy work area can be a dangerous work area!
- Train, Remind, and Prepare. Hold safety training classes on preventing cuts and lacerations and post reminders to keep safety on your workers’ minds.
How to prevent cuts and lacerations in the workplace?
In this blog, we go over seven easy steps to preventing cuts and lacerations in the workplace, especially in industrial environments. 1. Wear Protective Gear Depending on the work being done, there is a variety of protective gear that can help prevent cuts and lacerations. This gear includes gloves, eye protection, and long sleeve shirts.
How can I prevent cuts and lacerations on my hands?
Depending on the work being done, there is a variety of protective gear that can help prevent cuts and lacerations. This gear includes gloves, eye protection, and long sleeve shirts.
What is the treatment of a cut or laceration?
The treatment of a cut or laceration depends upon the severity of the wound. A cut refers to a skin wound with separation of the connective tissue elements. Unlike an abrasion (a wound caused by friction or scraping), none of the skin is missing the skin is just separated.
How do you prevent workplace injuries?
5. Train, Remind, and Prepare Hold safety training classes on preventing cuts and lacerations and post reminders to keep safety on your workers’ minds. Review your company procedures and emergency first aid in case an accident does happen.
What are ways to prevent cuts?
Household Safety: Preventing CutsKeep knives, forks, scissors, and other sharp utensils in a drawer with a safety latch.Keep glass objects, such as drinking glasses and bowls, in a high cabinet far from reach.Store appliances with sharp blades (like blenders or food processors) far from reach or in a locked cabinet.More items...
What are 5 precautions to take to prevent cuts?
Preventing Finger CutsEnforce proper knife storage. ... Use a knife for its intended purpose.Keep knives sharp. ... Know the proper way to walk with a knife. ... Use personal protective equipment, like cut-resistant gloves or stainless steel mesh gloves.If you're using a cutting board, it should be secured.More items...
How do you prevent hand lacerations?
Wearing the proper type of PPE, which in the case of your hands would be gloves, is vital when it comes to safety. Protective gloves keep germs and hazardous chemicals off the skin, stop splinters and slivers, resist punctures and cuts from rough or sharp materials and objects, and protect against heat and cold.
How can you prevent injuries like laceration in handling knife?
Wear necessary PPE, including eyewear, gloves and long-sleeved shirts. Never use a cutting blade as a screwdriver, pry bar or chisel. Don't leave exposed blades unattended, and keep tools with blades in a closed position when not in use. Use a separate drawer for sharp tools.
What is the difference between a laceration and a cut?
The words “cut” and “laceration” are often interchangeable. Both words indicate that your skin has been damaged by a sharp object, like a knife or shard of glass. In most cases, the wound will bleed. However, a cut is usually referred to as being a minor wound while a laceration is often more serious.
How do lacerations happen?
A laceration or cut refers to a skin wound. Unlike an abrasion, none of the skin is missing. A cut is typically thought of as a wound caused by a sharp object, like a shard of glass. Lacerations tend to be caused by blunt trauma.
What are the four basic rules for avoiding hand injuries?
0:252:07Four Basics - Safety Training Video - Avoid Hand Injuries - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd follow four basic principles of hand safety number one is pinch points pinch points areMoreAnd follow four basic principles of hand safety number one is pinch points pinch points are everywhere machinery. Tools materials anything with hinges doors toolboxes.
How can hand tool injuries be prevented?
Some ways to avoid hand tool injuries include:Use the right tool for the job. ... Ensure you have the correct size tool, such as correct screwdriver, pliers, wrench, scissor, etc.Individuals using the tool should be trained in the basic safety and proper use of the tool.Keep tools in good condition.More items...
What are the keys to prevent the most common workplace accident?
There are 3 keys to preventing these types of workplace accidents: good housekeeping, quality walking surfaces and proper footwear. Beyond that, employees should be encouraged to report areas where clutter, obstruction, spillage or damage have occurred.
What is first aid for cuts?
Minor cuts and scrapes usually stop bleeding on their own. If needed, apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage or cloth and elevate the wound until bleeding stops. Clean the wound. Rinse the wound with water. Keeping the wound under running tap water will reduce the risk of infection.
How do you treat a laceration wound?
Take the following steps for minor cuts and lacerations.Stop the Bleeding. Apply direct pressure on the area. ... Clean and Protect. Clean the area with warm water and gentle soap. ... Call a Doctor. Call a doctor if: ... Follow Up. ... Stop the Bleeding. ... Clean and Protect. ... Get Medical Help. ... Follow Up.
What are the five ways of using knife in order to prevent serious injuries?
5 Steps to Reduce Knife InjuriesChoose the right tool for the job. The first step to workplace knife safety and knife injury prevention is to provide employees with the most appropriate knife for the job. ... Provide a good work surface. ... Inspect the knife before use. ... Focus while working. ... Proper storage.
What is first aid for cuts?
Minor cuts and scrapes usually stop bleeding on their own. If needed, apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage or cloth and elevate the wound until bleeding stops. Clean the wound. Rinse the wound with water. Keeping the wound under running tap water will reduce the risk of infection.
How do you prevent a cut from burning?
Ways to Prevent Burns and Cuts at a WorksiteKNOW THE DANGERS IN YOUR WORKPLACE. Every new job brings new potential hazards that require your attention. ... BE ALERT. ... ELIMINATE HAZARDS. ... FOCUS ON THE TASK. ... USE EQUIPMENT CORRECTLY. ... WEAR APPROPRIATE SAFETY GEAR. ... USE CHEMICALS WISELY.
What type of hazard is cuts?
Potential injuries from shear or cutting point hazards include amputation, lacerations, contusions, crushing of tissue, and broken bones. Due to the speed of mechanical parts, injury is inevitable when a body part comes in contact with a shear or cutting point.
What are the causes of cuts?
Topic OverviewBlunt objects that tear or crush the skin (lacerations). ... Sharp-edged pointed objects pressing into and slicing the skin tissue (incised wounds). ... Sharp-edged objects piercing the skin tissue (stab or puncture wounds).A combination of blunt and sharp objects that tear, crush, and slice the skin tissue.
How to minimize cuts and lacerations?
To help minimize cuts and lacerations, employers should establish work procedures to identify and control the hazards, the bureau states. Wear proper personal protective equipment, including eye protection, gloves and long sleeves. Use the proper tool for the job at hand. Keep the work area clear.
What percentage of workplace injuries involve cuts?
Every year, roughly 30 percent of all workplace injuries involve cuts or lacerations, from scratches and abrasions to needlesticks, puncture wounds and amputations, according to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
What is a cut laceration?
Cuts Lacerations Safety tools Safety tools/knives. Cuts and lacerations are common workplace injuries. In fact, about 30% of all workplace injuries involve cuts or lacerations, and approximately 70% of those are to the hands or fingers, according to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. These injuries can range from minor abrasions ...
How do workers get hurt?
How workers get hurt. A cut or laceration can occur a number of ways on the job. A worker may use the wrong tool for the job or a tool that’s in poor condition. Or, he or she might be working on a machine that has missing or improperly adjusted guards.
Can you leave exposed blades unattended?
Don’t leave exposed blades unattended, and keep tools with blades in a closed position when not in use.
Why is it important to keep cutting tools sharp?
Keep cutting tools sharp so workers can get the job done without the need for extra force that might cause a blade to slip. Check that all sharp tools have machine guarding to protect workers from accidental contact and injury.
How to keep work areas clean?
Keep Work Areas Clean. Teach workers never to leave sharp materials unattended and to report any hazards they see. A messy work area can be a dangerous work area! 5. Train, Remind, and Prepare. Hold safety training classes on preventing cuts and lacerations and post reminders to keep safety on your workers’ minds.
What is the most common work injury?
Cuts and lacerations are one of the most common work injuries. Can your workers find the cut and laceration hazards in this picture? Take the challenge, then read below for 5 cut and laceration prevention tips.
Why should you inspect your PPE before starting work?
Have workers inspect all their PPE before starting work to check for damage, wear, or excessive soiling. Stress that their gear is constructed to maximize safety so they should never cut off glove fingertips, remove cut-resistant liners, or modify their PPE in other ways. Ensure that it’s as comfortable as possible by trying the many new technologies that provide coolness, comfort, and tactile sensitivity without sacrificing protection.
How to avoid cuts and lacerations?
Above all, train your employees on proper practices to avoid cuts and lacerations . Train new employees thoroughly, and train employees who advance to positions that require more care. Only have employees you trust, who have experience, and who are professional do the tasks that require using sharp tools. Regularly hold trainings to remind employees ...
What to wear to prevent cuts and lacerations?
1. Wear Protective Gear. Depending on the work being done, there is a variety of protective gear that can help prevent cuts and lacerations. This gear includes gloves, eye protection, and long sleeve shirts. Protective gloves need to be cut-resistant so that even an accident has less of a chance of causing injury.
How to prevent accidental start ups?
You may also need to unplug the equipment or cover the power button to avoid accidental start-ups. Be sure to continue wearing all protective gear when repairing, cleaning, or adjusting equipment. 7. Train Employees. Above all, train your employees on proper practices to avoid cuts and lacerations.
Why do you need to wear protective gloves?
Protective gloves need to be cut-resistant so that even an accident has less of a chance of causing injury. It’s your responsibility as the employer to provide your employees with proper gloves and eye protection, and you should remind employees to wear them. 2. Use the Correct Tools.
What to do if your guard breaks?
If a guard breaks or falls off, replace it as quickly as possible. Sturdy and reliable guards can protect you and your employees from accidents and carelessness. Keep knives and other portable sharp tools in sleeves that are cut-resistant, especially if you need to carry the tool around with you. 4.
How to train employees to cut thicker material?
Train your employees to cut thicker materials with several passes, increasing the downward pressure with each pass. Also, make sure to check the sharpness of each cutting tool regularly and replace or sharpen them as soon as they get dull.
How to save time with a knife?
When you try to save time by using a knife instead, you risk the knife slipping in your grip and causing injury. 3. Use Proper Guards for Tools. Every tool with a sharp edge has a guard or sleeve where the tool should be stored while it’s not in use. If a guard breaks or falls off, replace it as quickly as possible.
How Can People Prevent Cuts and Lacerations?
In a perfect world of preventive medicine, people would not get into fights, shoes would always be worn outside, glass doors would not exist, the left hand would not be used as a cutting board, lawn mowers would be turned off before removing jammed material, and people would always wear seat belts.
What Are Cuts or Lacerations?
The treatment of a cut or laceration depends upon the severity of the wound.
What Are Symptoms and Signs of Cuts or Lacerations?
Although it can be obscured by blood, a cut is one of the easiest medical conditions to diagnose.
What is laceration in medical terms?
The term laceration implies a torn or jagged wound. Lacerations tend to be caused by sharp objects. Cuts and lacerations are terms for the same condition.
What is an avulsion wound?
An avulsion refers to a wound where tissue is not just separated but torn away from the body. After you suffer a cut you often bleed. Other concerns with a cut include infection, pain, damage to structures beneath the skin, and future scars.
How to treat a scab on a scab?
Cleaning with a gentle soap and water will help reduce the chance of bacterial infection. Antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin) and a sterile gauze bandage will help to protect the wound from further infection and water loss until a scab forms.
How long does it take for a cut to heal?
Be gentle with a healing cut for the first six weeks. It takes that long for a wound to achieve about 80% of its final healed strength.
When evaluating hand injury statistics and laceration lessons from OSHA, it's clear that safety training needs to?
When evaluating hand injury statistics and laceration lessons from OSHA, it's clear that safety training needs to be reviewed for employees at all levels of work experience. In fact, more experienced employees may be the first to forego the fine details of safety because they are so comfortable with the job.
How many wounds are caused by machine guarding?
They also need to follow pre-use protocol to the letter. This may sound obvious, but consider that improper machine guarding results in almost 18,000 wounds, ranging from lacerations to amputations, and over 800 deaths per year, as reported by OSHA. This a completely preventable when precautions are taken.
How to prevent kickback on chainsaw?
To prevent kickback, cut the power if your blade gets pinched in the cut. When giving a presentation on how to prevent cuts and lacerations in the workplace, videos like this one about "Tips for Avoiding Chainsaw Kickback" can be useful teaching tools. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
How to stop kickback on power cutter?
During use, immediately shut off the saw if you notice unusual vibrations or rattling. To prevent kickback, cut the power if your blade gets pinched in the cut.
Is a laceration a safety incident?
Addressing how to prevent cuts is a vital part of safety training. Lacerations are one of the most common types of workplace injuries, especially in industrial settings, but also in less hazardous environments like offices. Thankfully, such incidents are largely preventable. Safety training plays an important part.
Is it important to prevent workplace injuries?
It is a huge task to prevent all workplace injuries, albeit that is always the goal. The more confidence and awareness you instill in your workforce when training about how to prevent cuts, the greater the chances for success.
Can a slice box cutter open a box?
While use may overlap with these two types of cutters, there are jobs that are better suited for one than the other. As the name implies, box cutters are particularly well suited to open boxes. The Slice box cutters with their ergonomic J-hook design are designed for easy use.
What percentage of workplace injuries involve lacerations?
According to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, over 30 percent of all workplace injuries involve lacerations and/or cuts. From scratches to puncture wounds; needle sticks to amputations, this unsuspecting type of injury can cost both the employee and employer big.
How many hand injuries can be prevented with PPE?
According to an OSHA study, over 70 percent of hand and arm injuries “could have been prevented with personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety gloves.”
How to increase safety of employees?
One way to increase the safety of your employees is by implementing an incident case management program.
Why do people use hand tools?
Hand tools and machinery use. Other causes include: Employees taking short cuts, or being distracted while they work. Working with tools that are dull, or are in poor condition. Reduced visibility (poor lighting, etc.) Making contact with nails, burrs, or using hand tools with blades. Insufficient safety training.
Can you prevent an injury from escalating?
Injuries will inevitably take place, but acting on them as soon as it occurs can prevent the injury from escalating.
