Hand protection

A construction worker with blood on their protective gloves on a site

Hand injuries can range from minor lacerations, to more serious injuries that could include fractures, amputations and nerve damage which can have a life-changing impact to a worker and their future ability to earn a living.

Hand injuries are preventable

Many hand injuries are easily preventable for example by not letting yourself become distracted, enhancing your workplace situational awareness, sound job or task planning or by simply following safe systems of work or procedures. The following are examples of injuries that could be avoided by these measures:

  • Taking off gloves when handling sharp objects Removing mud or debris from a rotating blade before use 
  • Ensuring you always use the correct blade if you are about cut an object to prevent jumps, kicks back or shatters that can cause serious injuries
  • Do not catch a load that weighs much more than you are capable of holding
  • Not using a blunt blade
  • Never cut toward your self

Portable power tools

Only use tools designed for the work being performed and inspect them before each use to ensure they are in proper working order. Ensure that any standardised guards and handles are fitted to power tools and if missing, fit them or report the unsafe equipment to your supervisor. Remember to always cut away from your body when using a blade and never allow yourself to become distracted during a task. 
 

Objects under restraint

If you are securing or untying an object, or lifting an object that can shift, keep your hands away from the path that an object may fall along. Trying to catch an object that is shifting is a natural reaction but if the object is too heavy for you to hold your hands can become trapped between fixed objects and result in serious injury.

PPE & gloves

Always wear provided PPE (safety glasses and gloves) When handling objects that have sharp edges always wear gloves that fit your hand and are suitable for the work being performed for a better grip or dropping items.

How to report a Health & Safety issue or concern 

Do not think because you may be new on site that you should not report a hazard. To report any health & safety concern or hazard please contact the Hays Health and Safety team by calling:

Freecall Australia: 1800 786 057 
Freecall New Zealand: 0800 562 669 (select option 4)
 
Alternatively, if you prefer you can also report this by speaking to your Hays consultant. Hays will always work to ensure that your safety comes first and so and will take the necessary steps required to safeguard this. All calls are confidential, your identity will not be divulged without your specific prior consent.

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