Machine Work

By far, the most vulnerable part on your body is your hands and fingers. Ironically, they are also one of the most important parts of your body. Without proper function of your hands and fingers, carrying out everyday tasks could be severely impaired. Keep your hands and fingers safe by:

• Always keep guards in place
• Use the proper PPE
• Make sure machines are turned off before starting any repair work
• Use lock out and tag out procedures when repairing or maintaining equipment
• Be rested when using any dangerous equipment
• Using drugs (legal and illegal) can impair your ability to think clearly, react normally and work safely
• Never use equipment you haven't been trained to use. ASK if you don't know.
• Use a push stick to feed a circular saw or other power tools, such as jointers and shapers
• Know the tools or equipment that you work with
• Use long magnetic poles for retrieving items from hard to reach spots
• Presses and other machines can be designed to eliminate the need for hands to be near the point of operation
• Machine controls can be designed, placed and guarded so that they give the least opportunity for accidents
• Label or use colour and shape or size to distinguish safety-stop controls from all other controls
• Do not wear rings, loose-fitting clothing, and dangling accessories. Tie back or cover long hair