While tools used inconstruction, agriculture, manufacturing and other industries make workers’lives easier, they can also pose a danger of injury or death if usedincorrectly or if they malfunction, to the worker using the tool, co-workersand the public.
Injured workers may sufferpain, recovery challenges and the possibility that they may be unable to returnto work, while your company could face OSHA fines and higher workers’compensation premiums. If a third party is injured, buckle up for the inevitablelawsuit, which can explode into a multi-million settlement or judgment.
To reduce the chances ofthese scenarios, employers must train workers to recognize hazards associatedwith the tools they use and follow procedures necessary to prevent injuries.
Hand tools
Hand tools include anythingfrom axes to wrenches, and the greatest hazards they pose result from misuseand improper maintenance.
The employer is responsiblefor the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees, while workersare responsible for properly using and maintaining their tools. Employeesshould be trained to report any issues to management so tools can be removedfrom service or repaired.
Power tools
Power tools pose significantrisks to workers, including cuts, amputations, eye injuries, electric shock andhearing damage, particularly when used improperly or without safeguards. Manyincidents stem from inadequate training, lack of maintenance or the removal ofsafety guards, which can turn routine tasks into serious hazards.
Guards
Hazardous moving parts ofpower tools must be safeguarded. For example, if exposed to contact byemployees, belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, sprockets, spindles, drums,flywheels, chains and other reciprocating, rotating or moving parts ofequipment must be guarded.
Ensure that all tools withmoving parts have guards to prevent workers from contacting them. Employees whouse equipment that requires guarding must also avoid wearing loose clothing orjewelry to avoid deadly entanglement.
Electric tools
Employees using electrictools must be aware of several dangers; the most serious is the possibility ofelectrocution. Among the chief hazards of electric-powered tools are burns andslight shocks, which can lead to injuries or even hearing loss.
Even a small amount ofcurrent can result in death. Electric shock can also cause the user to fallfrom a ladder or elevated surface, elevating the risk substantially.
Powered abrasive wheeltools
Powered abrasive grinding,cutting, polishing and wire buffing wheels create safety problems because theymay produce flying fragments.
Workers can protectthemselves with proper attire that resists impact from sharp fragments andshielding that protects the hands, neck and face.
Pneumatic tools
Pneumatic tools are poweredby compressed air. Examples include chippers, drills, hammers and sanders, allof which pose several dangers. The main one is the danger of being struck by atool attachment or a fastener used with the tool.
Powder-actuated pneumatictools operate like a loaded gun and should be treated with the sameprecautions. They are so dangerous that they must be operated by speciallytrained employees.
Hydraulic power tools
The fluid in hydraulic powertools must be an approved fire-resistant fluid and must retain its operatingcharacteristics at extreme temperatures. Never exceed the recommended operatingpressure.
Employees and employers mustwork together to establish safe working procedures. If there is a hazardoussituation, it should be brought to the attention of the appropriate individualimmediately.
A final word
Employers can reduce risks byimplementing formal training programs, enforcing the use of personal protectiveequipment and ensuring that tools are regularly inspected and maintained.
Importantly, workers shouldinform supervisors if a tool is not working properly, is lagging or has looseparts. Malfunctioning tools must be removed from service and either repaired orreplaced.
