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Hand and Power Tool Safety

Hand and Power Tool Safety

Hand and power tool safety is something that many businesses, especially small ones, overlook as it could be seen as something implicit, something that every mildly-experienced worker should know already. However, these essential resources for modern businesses are difficult to master and imply real challenges, especially in the realm of safety.

Over 400,000 workers in the US experience different types of hand and power tool injuries every year. This is a consequence of poor or complete lack of safety training at organizations where the use of hand and power tools is essential. These accidents, most of the time linked to safety violations, lead to injured workers, productivity loss, and considerable fines coming from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

While poorly-implemented safety procedures also have a big part of the fault in work-related accidents, ignorance in the correct use of hand and power tools is a considerable cause behind these unfortunate events. At HP Safety Consulting, we can help you with hand and power tool safety training that allows your workers to become fully capable of operating safely and successfully managing the risk of injuries.

Safety and Compliance

OSHA’s regulations regarding hand and power tools are clear. These regulations aim to considerably reduce the hazards that are linked to the use of these indispensable tools at the workplace. As OSHA states, there are five basic safety rules when it comes to hand and power tools:

  • Keep all tools in good condition with regular maintenance.
  • Use the right tool for the job.
  • Examine each tool for damage before use and do not use damaged tools.
  • Operate tools according to the manufacturer's' instructions.
  • Provide and use properly the right personal protective equipment.

From this premise, there are many procedures and guidelines to follow which will allow workers to reduce their exposure to hazards and remain safe while working. Being fully compliant to the regulations established by OSHA is what allow businesses to move their projects forward in a healthy, consistent fashion, always avoiding the considerable fines that can be imposed by agents in case of safety violations.

A World of Knowledge

While many organizations take things like hand and power tool safety for granted, the truth is that there is a whole world of details to understand and master. In this category of tools, we must also consider the electric hazards that exist due to misuse or malfunction. An electric shock coming from a power tool, for example, can cause heart fibrillation, which is a deadly scenario in most cases. A directly-linked consequence of an electric shock in a worker may be a fatal fall from heights. The same happens with fuel-powered tools, which can lead to sudden combustion, explosions, and dangerous, toxic fumes that can cause illness to workers.

The examples above are illustrative of how complex this matter truly is. At HP Safety Consulting, our hand and power tool safety training comprehends all these topics in a practical, actionable fashion, which allows workers to follow the procedures and behave safely.

If you want to know more about our training programs, please, get in contact with us today. The HP Safety Consulting will be ready to help you further.