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Protect Your Hands: Pinch Points and Glove Choice
Keep your hands out of the line of fire and always wear the right gloves for the task.
Why this matters
- Your hands are your most important tools for work. On a busy site, injuries to fingers are among the most common risks you face every day.
- Most of these accidents happen when we put our hands in dangerous spots or use the wrong glove for a sharp object. A single mistake can lead to a permanent injury that stops you from working.
Talking points
- Identify pinch points: look for places where hands can get caught between moving parts.
- Stay out of the line of fire: never place your hands between a heavy load and a solid object.
- Match your gloves to the task: use cut resistant gloves for steel and impact protection for heavy tools.
- Remove rings and watches: jewelry can catch on machinery and cause severe finger damage.
- Use hand tools: use pliers or push sticks to keep your fingers away from sharp or moving edges.
- Inspect your PPE: if your gloves have holes or are soaked in oil, ask for a new pair immediately.
Ask the crew
- Where are the pinch points on the machine or equipment you are using today?
- Are the gloves you are wearing right now suitable for the material you are handling?
- What should you do if you see a coworker putting their hands in a danger zone?
Download the PDF with attendance sheet
More health & body talks
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