Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management
Gloves/Skin
Skin:
Skin injuries resulting from instantaneous trauma or brief exposure to toxic agents involving a single incident in the work environment may constitute 23%-35% of all injuries. Of these injuries in 1986:
- 82% are due to lacerations/punctures
- 14% are due to burns, both chemical and other 1
When working outdoors care should be taken to ensure your exposure to the sun is limited and:
- Seek shade whenever possible.
- Wear additional clothing when practical, such as a hat.
- Use sunscreen on areas of the skin that will be exposed.
Hands:
"Our hands also enable us to perform heavy labor, such as digging with a shovel, swinging an axe, using a jackhammer to drill through concrete, or pounding a railroad spike with a sledgehammer.... Even when we're talking, our hands are a key part of who we are and what we say." - http://www.amputee-coalition.org
The use of gloves is important to help:
- Improve grip on slippery surfaces
- Prevent exposure to corrosives, or toxic materials
- Prevent cuts and abrasion
- Prevent electrocution
- Prevent burns from heat sources
For more information regarding protecting your hands from harm, and selecting the right gloves for the job or specific hazard please review the following:
References:
- 1Center for Disease Control - MMWR - September 05, 1986