Mitigating Hand Injuries in the Construction Industry

Article by the Oliver Safety Committee

Hand injuries are among the most common and serious types of workplace injuries, posing significant risks across various industries, especially in manufacturing and construction. These injuries can range from minor cuts and abrasions to severe lacerations, fractures, and amputations, leading to substantial medical costs, lost productivity, and long-term disability for affected workers. Understanding the risks associated with hand injuries, the standards for hand protection, and the framework of an effective hand protection program is crucial for enhancing workplace safety.

The Prevalence of Hand Injuries

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), hand injuries are prevalent in many industries, with more than 100,000 hand injuries reported annually. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) further highlights the severity of this issue, noting that hand injuries account for nearly one-third of all reported workplace injuries each year. In 2020, the BLS reported approximately 121,860 cases of non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses involving days away from work due to hand injuries. These statistics underscore the critical need for effective hand protection measures to prevent such injuries.

Standards for Hand Protection: ANSI/ISEA 105

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard, which provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating and categorizing hand protection. This standard includes tests for abrasion resistance, cut resistance, tear resistance, and puncture resistance, all of which are essential for determining the protective capabilities of gloves used in the workplace.

• Abrasion Resistance: This test measures the glove material's ability to withstand wear and tear from repeated rubbing or friction. Abrasion resistance is crucial for workers who handle rough or abrasive materials, as it helps extend the lifespan of gloves and protect hands from abrasions.
• Cut Resistance: This test evaluates the glove's ability to resist cuts from sharp objects. Cut resistance is particularly important in industries where workers handle knives, glass, metal, or other sharp materials. The ANSI/ISEA 105 standard classifies cut resistance into nine levels, with higher levels indicating greater protection.
• Tear Resistance: This test assesses the glove material's ability to withstand tearing. Tear resistance is important for gloves used in environments where they may be subjected to stretching or pulling forces. High tear resistance helps prevent gloves from ripping and exposing workers' hands to hazards.
• Puncture Resistance: This test measures the glove's ability to resist punctures from pointed objects, such as nails, needles, or splinters. Puncture resistance is critical in environments where workers are at risk of being injured by sharp, pointed objects.

Building an Effective Hand Protection Program

A robust hand protection program in the workplace involves several key components designed to mitigate the risks of hand injuries effectively. For manufacturing and construction industries, where the risk of hand injuries is particularly high, implementing a comprehensive hand protection program is essential.

• Hazard Assessment: This involves identifying potential hand injury risks in the workplace, such as exposure to sharp objects, heavy machinery, chemicals, or extreme temperatures. Understanding these hazards allows for the selection of appropriate protective measures.
• Selection of Appropriate Gloves: Based on the hazard assessment, employees should select gloves that provide adequate protection against identified risks. This includes choosing gloves with the appropriate level of abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance as per the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard. It is also important to ensure that gloves fit properly and are comfortable for prolonged use.
• Training and Education: Workers should receive comprehensive training on the importance of hand protection, proper glove use, and maintenance. Training programs should cover how to select the right gloves for specific tasks, how to inspect gloves for damage, and how to properly wear and remove gloves to avoid contamination or injury.
• Regular Inspections and Maintenance: This includes checking gloves for signs of wear and tear, ensuring that damaged gloves are replaced promptly, and keeping an adequate supply of gloves available for workers.

Cultivating a Robust Safety Culture: Promoting a culture of safety is essential for the success of any hand protection program. This involves encouraging workers to report hand injuries or glove failures, fostering open communication about safety concerns, and continuously reinforcing the importance of hand protection through safety meetings and reminders.

Compliance and Monitoring: Employees must ensure compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations, including OSHA guidelines. Regular monitoring and audits of the hand protection program help identify areas for improvement and ensure ongoing effectiveness.

Hand injuries pose significant risks in the workplace, particularly in the construction industry. By understanding the prevalence of these injuries, adhering to ANSI/ISEA 105 standards, and implementing a comprehensive hand protection program, businesses can significantly enhance workplace safety, reduce medical costs, and improve productivity. Prioritizing hand protection not only safeguards workers but also contributes to a healthier, more efficient work environment.