SAFETY TOPIC: PREVENT CUTS AND LACERATIONS

DECEMBER SAFETY TOPIC: PREVENT CUTS AND LACERATIONS

Best Practices for Risk Reduction - Monthly 5 Minute Safety Talk

Common injuries and their causes: Fingers and hands are cut more than any other part of the body, yet cuts or lacerations may occur to other parts of the body. Many times, these injuries occur due to a lack of understanding of the hazards that exist. Consequences of cuts and lacerations: Deep cuts and lacerations could lead to stitches and possibly nerve damage. They could also cause an entry point for bloodborne pathogens or other infections, regardless of how deep they may be.

Personal protective equipment (PPE): PPE is designed to guard against risks present in the workplace. Gloves are necessary to guard against exposures to chemicals and/or bloodborne pathogens. However, gloves often do not offer protection from hazards that cause cuts or lacerations. For each job, know and recognize how you may be exposed to items that cause cuts/lacerations.
Important things to watch out for to avoid these injuries:
-Broken glass that a customer throws in the trash
-Metal lids from cans with sharp edges
-Hypodermic needles, not properly contained
-Nails, screws, or broken wood 

Never pick up visible sharp objects like needles or broken glass with your hands. Use a dustpan or other objects that keep your hands from coming into contact with the sharp material.
-Be mindful that sharp objects may be present in trash bags. Handle all trash as if there may be sharp items present.
-Never push trash down with your hands.
-Try to handle trash bags as little as possible. Never sling a trash bag over your shoulder and carry it. A sharp object could break through the bag and cut your back.  
-Clear a path of travel and walk carefully in a straight line to a set point.
-Inform your coworkers and supervisor if you come across sharp items.
-If injuries do occur, have them treated immediately. Cuts or scratches can become infected unless properly cared for.
-Report accidents immediately, following procedures for an initial response and containment of the incident.