By Steve Brown, Safety Director



Last month, two technicians, in two different divisions of the company, had hand injuries requiring hospitalization. These injuries show just a portion of the size of the problem. Almost half of the 16 injuries this year have been hand and finger injuries, and these results are similar to the last several years. Ring Power has formed a team of technicians from every division to find solutions to protect our people from these injuries. Very soon, the results of this team’s efforts will be communicated to all. In the meantime, there are things each of us can do, starting with being aware of how significant the problem is.



Looking at these recent injuries two things stand out. First, having the right gloves can minimize the severity of an injury, if not prevent it altogether. Although during this coronavirus situation we find a lot of new uses for nitrile gloves, they are almost NEVER the right glove to use when working at Ring Power. Choosing the right gloves for the task involves identifying the hazards that are present or even potentially present in the specific work you are about to do. Just as gloves are not one-size-fits-all, no style of gloves fits every task. This brings us to the second thing noted in recent injuries, a lack of a hazard analysis. In the vast majority of all injuries involving Ring Power team members no JHA was completed prior to the task. Taking the time to think through the sequence of the job, think about the hazards that each step presents and how to prevent those hazards from causing an injury is a worthwhile investment of time, and a Ring Power requirement. Document your JHA and revise it as necessary.



Supervisors, managers and leadmen must observe for proper glove use and JHA completion as required by Ring Power’s JHA procedure. Teammates also play a big role in keeping each other safe by reminding each other to work safely. Hand injuries can change your life. Think of all the things we do with our hands. Each of us has something to lose. Protect your hands.



QUESTION: Think about the hazards your hands are exposed to during your work. Do you ever have any of these hazards?



• Cut hazards from sharp edges or using blades?



• What kind of gloves can you wear to protect from this hazard?



• Will a Nitrile glove protect against this hazard?



• Abrasion hazards from rubbing against surfaces?



• What kind of glove can you wear to protect against this hazard?



• Chemical hazards?



• Are you using the right chemical glove?



• High heat or cold?