Getting hands on with safety

Rogier Kind

This month, we look at smarter ways to stay protected at work – here’s how you can prevent common hand injuries like fractures, tendinitis, and dislocations.

A smashed fingernail while hammering, a cut from a utility knife, or a crush injury from a getting stuck in a pinch point – these are some ways you can accidentally injure yourself at work.

Hand and finger injuries are common in the offshore industry. 29.47% of total industry lost-time incidents by body part involved fingers (20.26%) or hands/wrists (9.21%) according to a 2018 Summary of Occupational Incidents published in June 2019 by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) and this is just the reported data, often injuries also go unaccounted.

Serious hand injuries can not only keep you from being productive at work but, in more severe cases, can also impact your overall quality of life. Fortunately, these injuries are easily preventable if one is a PLAYER.

PPE: Wearing proper hand protection for the job

Protective gloves will not only keep hazardous chemicals off your skin but will also protect you from punctures and cuts from sharp materials. Ensure that you have the right fit and material assessed according to the job.

LOTO: Ensure Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) is applied (when needed) before working on machinery and equipment

Always double-check the LOTO tags – this will ensure that people working in potentially hazardous areas are kept safe and machines are not turned on while maintenance work is ongoing.

AWARENESS: Ensure everyone stays focused

Even the most skilled and experienced workers are prone to hand and finger injuries – it is often because we are so focussed on the task at hand that we can get oblivious to our surroundings. This can be prevented by staying aware and mindful throughout the job and not just the beginning. Keep all forms of distractions at bay.

YOU: Personal responsibility for the safety of yourself and others

Care for your safety and that of your peers. Knowing safety protocols is as important as following them. When you see someone in danger, intervene.

ERGONOMICS: Always be aware of hand and body placement

Your hands do a lot of work for you, stay mindful of how much they can handle and when. Whether it’s lifting heavy items, bending, reaching overhead, pushing or pulling heavy loads – use the right kind of assistive tools to prevent awkward body postures. Reduce the risk to your hands by exercising or resting them as needed.

RIGHT TOOL: Tools make the job easier

Equipment is designed for a specific task and should be used only for that task. Inspect your equipment before each use to check for any defects or loose parts.At Atlas, we believe you matter, and so do your skilled hands. #ZeroHarm