| Accidents in the workplace account for over a | | | | especially important when working with these |
| million injuries and over a billion dollars annually and | | | | types of tools - always wear goggles or other |
| a huge percentage of those accidents involve | | | | eye wear. Using the appropriate tool for the job is |
| hand tools. Hand tools are such an integral part of | | | | imperative. A Nail Hammer for unhardened nails |
| our daily work that we can sometimes forget | | | | and a Ball Peen Hammers are used with chisels, |
| about safety and this can be dangerous - | | | | punches, masonry and metal. When using a Nail |
| screwdrivers alone account for tens of thousands | | | | Hammer make sure you "seat" the nail by tapping |
| of workplace accidents every year. This article | | | | it into place and then removing your hand from |
| focuses on common hand tools. | | | | the striking area. When using a Ball Peen Hammer, |
| The first step is a safety plan. Assemble all of the | | | | make sure the head is larger than your chisel or |
| tools you will need before starting the job, so you | | | | punch. |
| won't have to reach awkwardly or leave your | | | | Screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers are used for |
| workspace. Make sure that you know how to use | | | | jobs that need special positioning or force. Always |
| every tool and that you have examined your | | | | proceed cautiously and never over-force screws |
| work area for general hazards. Lastly, use the | | | | or bolts. Just like with nails, "seat" the screw |
| appropriate personal protective equipment and | | | | before beginning and keep your hand away from |
| make sure you are not distracted, | | | | the screw. Make sure the blade of the |
| Cutting tools are probably the most dangerous | | | | screwdriver fits the screw correctly - too large or |
| hand tool and knives in particular cause the most | | | | too small will cause injury. Be careful not to let |
| injuries of any hand tool. Make sure you keep you | | | | your wrenches or pliers slip. This is where most |
| knives and other cutting tools sharpened, make | | | | of the injuries occur. Adjustable wrenches should |
| sure the blade is attached securely and make you | | | | only be used for small jobs, a socket or box |
| use a knife with a retractable blade whenever | | | | wrench works much better when a lot of force is |
| possible. When you cut keep the sharp edge | | | | needed. |
| away from your body and when you are cutting | | | | Hand and power tool injuries are all too common |
| sharp objects like wire don't cut them at an angle | | | | in the workplace, but with a little safety and |
| to avoid getting cut by the object. When storing | | | | planning they can be avoided. Make sure that all |
| your knife, keep it away from other tools. | | | | your employees are properly trained on their use |
| Hammers, chisels and punches are also extremely | | | | and you will decrease injury and increase |
| dangerous. Most of these accidents occur because | | | | productivity in your workplace. |
| of flying particles. Personal protective equipment is | | | | |