Injured workers may suffer pain, recovery challenges and the possibility that they may be unable to return to work, while your company could face OSHA fines and higher workers' compensation premiums. If a third party is injured, buckle up for the inevitable lawsuit, which can explode into a multi-million settlement or judgment.
To reduce the chances of these scenarios, employers must train workers to recognize hazards associated with the tools they use and follow procedures necessary to prevent injuries.
Hand tools
Hand tools include anything from axes to wrenches, and the greatest hazards they pose result from misuse and improper maintenance.
The employer is responsible for the safe conditionof tools and equipment used by employees, while workers are responsible forproperly using and maintaining their tools. Employees should be trained toreport any issues to management so tools can be removed from service orrepaired.
Power tools
Power tools pose significant risks to workers,including cuts, amputations, eye injuries, electric shock and hearing damage,particularly when used improperly or without safeguards. Many incidents stemfrom inadequate training, lack of maintenance or the removal of safety guards,which can turn routine tasks into serious hazards.
Guards
Hazardous moving parts of power tools must besafeguarded. For example, if exposed to contact by employees, belts, gears,shafts, pulleys, sprockets, spindles, drums, flywheels, chains and otherreciprocating, rotating or moving parts of equipment must be guarded.
Ensure that all tools with moving parts have guards toprevent workers from contacting them. Employees who use equipment that requiresguarding must also avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry to avoid deadlyentanglement.
Electric tools
Employees using electric tools must be aware ofseveral dangers; the most serious is the possibility of electrocution. Amongthe chief hazards of electric-powered tools are burns and slight shocks, which can lead to injuries oreven hearing loss.
Even a small amount of current can result in death.Electric shock can also cause the user to fall from a ladder or elevatedsurface, elevating the risk substantially.
Powered abrasive wheel tools
Powered abrasive grinding, cutting, polishing andwire buffing wheels create safety problems because they may produce flyingfragments.
Workers can protect themselves with proper attire thatresists impact from sharp fragments and shielding that protects the hands, neckand face.
Pneumatic tools
Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air. Examplesinclude chippers, drills, hammers and sanders, all of which pose severaldangers. The main one is the danger of being struck by a tool attachment or afastener used with the tool.
Powder-actuated pneumatic tools operate like a loadedgun and should be treated with the same precautions. They are so dangerous thatthey must be operated by specially trained employees.
Hydraulic power tools
The fluid in hydraulic power tools must be an approvedfire-resistant fluid and must retain its operating characteristics at extremetemperatures. Never exceed the recommended operating pressure.
Employees and employers must work together to establishsafe working procedures. If there is a hazardous situation, it should bebrought to the attention of the appropriate individual immediately.
A final word
Employers can reduce risks by implementing formaltraining programs, enforcing the use of personal protective equipment andensuring that tools are regularly inspected and maintained.
Importantly,workers should inform supervisors if a tool is not working properly, is laggingor has loose parts. Malfunctioning tools must be removed from service andeither repaired or replaced.