The Power is in your hands

Your hands power everything you do. Every year, thousands of workplace injuries involve hands, and most of them are preventable. Choosing the correct glove is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent hand injuries on the job. Proper gloves protect against cuts, crushes, burns, chemical exposure, and other hazards. But only when they’re selected and worn correctly. Gloves that fit well are also less likely to get caught in equipment, reducing the risk of broken or crushed fingers.

Before starting any task, Take 5 to assess the hazards. Ask yourself:

• Are my hands in the line of fire? Could they be crushed, caught, or struck by moving equipment or falling objects?

• Does the task involve cutting or slicing? Could the tool slip, require excessive force, or put me or others at risk?

When it comes to cut prevention, controls vary in effectiveness. The best protection always begins with eliminating the hazard when possible. If that's not an option, select the proper glove for the task and inspect it daily for wear, tears, or damage.

Gloves are our last line of defense. The real power to prevent hand injuries starts with awareness and smart choices. The Power Is in Your Hands to stop the next hand injury.