10 Ways to Protect Your Hands at Work

Hands and fingers play a very important role in the workplace - but this also makes them particularly vulnerable to injury. Fortunately these injuries can be prevented by using some common sense tips: 

• Use the proper tool for the job and if using power tools, be sure you know how to use them safely. Never operate machinery or power tools under the influence of alcohol or drugs - even prescription drugs
• Avoid using strong solvents or gasoline to clean your hands
• Protect your hands when working with chemicals, hot substances, sharp objects and other common workplace hand hazards
• Wear appropriate gloves to protect against particular hazards
• Be mindful of where both hands are placed at all times while working, especially when working with machinery
• Avoid using hands to feed material into machines
• Never use your hands to sweep up glass, metal shavings, wood chips, or other sharp objects
• Avoid wearing gloves, jewelry, or long sleeves around rotating machinery
• Stretch your hands and fingers from time to time to give tense and tired muscles & tendons a chance to relax