A pinch point is created when two objects come together and catch a finger, hand or other body part between them. This pinch can cause a blister, a bruise, a severed limb or even death.

10 tips to avoid pinch-point injuries:

• Recognize pinch points and make co-workers aware of them.
• When using hand tools, anticipate that the tool might slip or the object to which pressure is being applied may suddenly give way.
• Inspect your tools to ensure they are in good condition.
• Do not work on moving equipment.
• Replace machine guards following repairs that require removal of guards.
• Push carts and other equipment using the designated handles.
• De-energize electrical equipment prior to use to avoid flash burns caused by electrical equipment shorting out.
• Keep body parts clear of opening and closing doors.
• Avoid touching equipment that is hot.  
• Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp object cuts, wood and metal splinters, acids, electrical burns, chemicals and many other sources of injury.

Maintain a clean and safe work area to help prevent employee injuries, building fires and chemical spills. Do not block emergency equipment such as eyewash stations, fire alarms, fire extinguishers and electrical panels and remember to maintain clear exit paths.

Some additional rules to follow:

Safe Lifting Technique

Keep your back aligned and balanced. Examine the object for sharp corners and slippery spots. Know your limit and don't try to exceed it. Test every load before you attempt to lift it by moving the object side to side with either your hands or feet. This will tell you if you can move the object manually or if material-handling equipment is required. Ask for help if needed or divide the load to make it lighter. Know where you are going to set the item down and make sure your path is free of slip, trip and fall hazards.

When you're ready to lift:

1. Stand close to the load with your feet spread apart about shoulder width and one foot slightly in front of the other for balance.
2. Squat down, bending at your knees (not your waist). Tuck your chin while keeping your back as vertical as possible.
3. Get a firm grip on the object before beginning the lift.
4. Begin slowly lifting with your LEGS by straightening them.
5. Try to carry the load in the space between your shoulders and your waist.
6. Once the lift is complete, keep the object as close to your body as possible. As the load's center of gravity moves away from the body, there is a dramatic increase in stress on the lower back.

Be extra cautious of lifts that require twisting, reaching, awkward handholds or unstable footing. If you must turn while carrying the load, turn using your feet-not your torso. When manually moving materials, you should seek help when a load is so bulky it cannot be properly grasped or lifted, when you cannot see around or over it, when a secure grip cannot be attained or when it is too heavy for your comfort.

Material Handling Aids

Use carts, bins, hand trucks, dollies and forklifts to help transport a load without putting undue strain on your back. Use pushcarts and bins for light, awkward loads and hand trucks and forklifts to move heavier, stackable material. Secure the load for transport, then push the load-don't pull it.

Personal Protective Equipment

Wear gloves or other hand and forearm protection for loads with sharp or rough edges. Wear safety glasses to avoid eye injury. Wear steel-toed safety boots to prevent foot injuries when handling heavy, bulky loads.

Storage

Limit quantities of stored materials, especially chemicals and combustible materials. Do not store materials within 18" of a sprinkler head, as this impedes its performance. Do not store combustible materials within 24" of a non-sprinklered ceiling. 

You can avoid injury by:

• Following proper lifting techniques outlined in the previous safety tip section
• Taking small breaks between lifts if you are lifting a number of items
• Remembering that if you have to strain to carry a load, it's too heavy
• Avoiding walking on slippery, uneven surfaces while carrying a load

Cuts and Open Wounds

Seek immediate professional attention if:

• There is severe bleeding, especially from arterial wounds
• You receive a puncture wound, such as one caused by a rusty nail or animal bite; these wounds require a tetanus booster shot
• The cut is more than one-half inch long and one-quarter inch deep; it will require stitches

How to treat cuts:

• First stop the bleeding and then treat to prevent infection. Place sterile gauze over the wound (or if sterile gauze is unavailable, a clean cloth) and apply continuous pressure until the bleeding stops.
• If the gauze or cloth soaks through, simply place another cloth over the first and resume the pressure.
• When the bleeding has stopped, wash the cut with soap and water, followed by a disinfectant. If the bleeding does not stop, get professional treatment.
• After the cut is clean, look for any foreign objects in the cut and remove them to prevent a serious infection.
• To help keep the wound clean while it heals, you can cover it with a bandage changed twice daily and used in conjunction with an antibiotic cream.
• Keep in mind that wounds exposed to air heal faster. But it is also very important to keep a wound clean and dry to prevent infection.

Burns
Burns are classified as first, second or third degree. A first-degree burn causes redness. Blistering is caused by a second-degree burn. Charred, blackened or blanched skin is a sign of a third-degree burn. Burns can be caused by heat (thermal burns) or by contact with chemicals.

Seek immediate professional medical treatment for:

• All third-degree burns
• Second-degree burns involving more than one-fifth of the body or if the burn has affected the face, hands, feet or genitalia

While awaiting professional help, make sure any fire is out and/or remove the victim from the burn source. Treat for shock and make sure the victim is still breathing.

First aid treatment for a burn incorporates pain relief, infection prevention and shock prevention. Some tips to remember:

• If a burn begins to blister, cool it by placing it in cold, still (not running) water. You will need to use an ice pack on any part of the body that cannot be placed in the water. Gently clean the burn with soap and water and cover the area with sterile, non-stick gauze. Change the dressing twice a day and never puncture a blister as that invites infection.
• Never use butter, oil or petroleum jelly on burns.
• If the burn is due to chemical exposure, flush the burned area with running water for at least 15 minutes. While you flush, remove any contaminated clothing, especially clothing in the area of the burn.
• Check the first aid instructions for the chemical. These are found on the container and/or material safety data sheet (MSDS). Treat as specified. Cover the burn with a clean dressing and call a doctor.

Use common sense in all situations. Maintain a well-stocked first aid kit and be familiar with first aid procedures. 

Examples of chemicals include toxics, corrosives and solvents. With proper precautions, these substances can be handled safely.

Chemicals that you use at home include gasoline, paint, fertilizer, lawn chemicals, bug spray, paint stripper, kerosene, bleach and other household cleaners. Chemicals you may use at work are facility-specific solvents, laboratory chemicals, fuel, office copier chemicals, correction fluid, lubricants and corrosives.

You can be exposed to chemicals through:

• Inhalation: breathing in dusts, mists and vapors, for example when working with bags of concrete without a respirator
• Ingestion: eating contaminated food, for example when having lunch in a work area where there are airborne contaminants
• Absorption: skin or eye contact with a chemical
• Injection: forcing an agent into the body through a needle or a high-pressure device such as a washer

How to protect yourself from chemical hazards:

1. Read container labels, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safe-work instructions before you handle a chemical.
2. Use specified personal protective equipment (PPE) that may include chemical-splash goggles, a respirator, safety gloves, apron, steel-toed shoes and safety glasses with side shields. Ensure the PPE fits properly and that you are trained to use it.
3. Inspect all PPE. Look for defects such as cracks, missing parts and rips. Ensure your respirator has the proper cartridge for the particular hazard you're being exposed to. Change cartridges when necessary.
4. Know where to find safety showers and eyewash stations and how to use them.
5. Wash your hands before eating and after handling chemicals.
6. Leave your contaminated clothing at work. If you wear the clothes home, you can expose your family to safety hazards.

Even where engineering controls and safe systems of work have been applied, some hazards might remain. Personal protective equipment can reduce the risk of injuries to:

• Lungs from breathing in contaminated air
• Head and feet from falling materials
• Eyes from flying particles or splashes of corrosive liquids
• Skin from contact with corrosive materials
• Overall body from extremes of heat or cold

PPE usage guidelines

If it's still required after implementing other safety precautions, you must provide PPE for your employees free of charge. Ensure that they are trained to use it properly and that they know how to detect and report any faulty equipment.

When selecting and using PPE:

• Determine who is exposed and to what, along with the duration and extent of exposure.
• Choose products that are marked in accordance with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002. Suppliers can advise you.
• Choose equipment that suits the user according to size, fit and weight.
• If multiple items of PPE will be worn at once, make sure they can be used together. For example, wearing safety glasses may disturb the seal of a respirator, causing air leaks.
• Provide thorough training that includes why the particular type of PPE is needed, when to use it and its limitations.
• Make sure replacement parts match the original.
• Check regularly that PPE is used and determine who is responsible for maintenance.
• Stay on top of the latest changes in equipment, materials and methods.

Types of PPE:

• Eye protection (including safety spectacles, goggles, face screens, face shields and visors) shields eyes from chemical or metal splashes, dust, projectiles, gases, vapors and radiation.
• Head and neck protection (including industrial safety helmets, bump caps, hairnets and firefighters' helmets) lessen impact from falling or flying objects, head bumping, hair getting tangled in machinery and chemical drips and splashes.
• Earplugs, earmuffs and canal caps reduce noise to an acceptable level while allowing for safety and communication.
• Hand and arm protection such as gloves, gauntlets and sleeving guards against abrasion, temperature extremes, cuts and punctures, chemicals, electric shock, radiation, vibration, biological agents and prolonged immersion in water.
• Food and leg protection such as safety boots, shoes with protective toecaps and penetration-resistant boots guard against extreme temperature conditions, electrostatic build-up, slipping, cuts and punctures, falling objects, heavy loads and metal or chemical splashes.
• Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) protects from oxygen-deficient atmospheres, dust, gases and vapors. For further guidance, consult the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publication Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide.
• General body protection such a[2]s overalls, aprons, boiler suits and chemical suits can prevent injury and exposure from chemical splashes, spray from pressure leaks and contaminated dust.

Using tools the right way and maintaining them is a must-do for everyone. Here are some general rules for tools:

• Use the right tool for the job. Match the tool to the task.
• Examine all tools for damage before each use. Inspect power cords. If damage is found, take the tool out of service and report the condition to your supervisor.
• Read the tool's instruction manual, and follow use and maintenance guidelines.
• Make sure all power tools have a three-prong grounded plug or that they're double insulated.
• Make sure all safety guards and devices are in place.
• Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. Wear safety glasses and gloves while operating most power tools. Other PPE may also be necessary.
• Avoid using power tools in wet or damp environments.
• Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects or jewelry. Tie back or cover long hair.
• Unplug tools before installing, adjusting or changing any accessory or attachment.
• Maintain solid footing and good balance when using tools. Hold or brace the tool securely. Be aware of your surroundings.
• Ensure power tool accessories are manufactured for the tool you're using.

 More specific tool rules:

• Keep fingers away from saw blades.
• Clamp materials down and keep all guards in place.
• Do not use compressed air to clean people.
• When performing electrical work, ensure the use of insulated, rated tools.
• When using pneumatic tools, install a safety clip or retainer to prevent the equipment or hoses from coming apart.
• Use hand grinders with the guards and handles in place.
• Keep impact tools such as drift pins, wedges and chisels free of mushroomed heads.
• Keep wooden handles free of splinters or cracks.
• Closely inspect abrasive wheels for defects before mounting them.
• When working in a flammable atmosphere, only use spark-resistant tools made from brass, plastic, aluminum or wood.

Using tools the right way and maintaining them is a must-do for everyone. Here are some general rules for tools:

• Use the right tool for the job. Match the tool to the task.
• Examine all tools for damage before each use. Inspect power cords. If damage is found, take the tool out of service and report the condition to your supervisor.
• Read the tool's instruction manual, and follow use and maintenance guidelines.
• Make sure all power tools have a three-prong grounded plug or that they're double insulated.
• Make sure all safety guards and devices are in place.
• Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. Wear safety glasses and gloves while operating most power tools. Other PPE may also be necessary.
• Avoid using power tools in wet or damp environments.
• Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects or jewelry. Tie back or cover long hair.
• Unplug tools before installing, adjusting or changing any accessory or attachment.
• Maintain solid footing and good balance when using tools. Hold or brace the tool securely. Be aware of your surroundings.
• Ensure power tool accessories are manufactured for the tool you're using.

More specific tool rules:

• Keep fingers away from saw blades.
• Clamp materials down and keep all guards in place.
• Do not use compressed air to clean people.
• When performing electrical work, ensure the use of insulated, rated tools.
• When using pneumatic tools, install a safety clip or retainer to prevent the equipment or hoses from coming apart.
• Use hand grinders with the guards and handles in place.
• Keep impact tools such as drift pins, wedges and chisels free of mushroomed heads.
• Keep wooden handles free of splinters or cracks.
• Closely inspect abrasive wheels for defects before mounting them.
• When working in a flammable atmosphere, only use spark-resistant tools made from brass, plastic, aluminum or wood.

One of the most serious results of a fall or impact is a head injury. How this will affect you depends on which part of your brain has been injured. Broken bones usually heal, but head injuries can result in serious lifelong problems including:

• Personality changes such as anxiety, aggressive behavior and depression
• Difficulty with hand-eye coordination
• Visual defects
• Short-term memory loss
• Difficulty distinguishing left from right

Your specific injury is often determined by how you fall. Several factors influence what part of your body will be injured and how severe the damage will be. These factors include:

• Distance, momentum and velocity of the fall
• The angle of your body at impact
• The obstacles your body strikes
• The surface your body lands on

What you can do:

• Remind your co-workers to avoid taking risks.
• Report unsafe conditions to the nearest supervisor.
• Make it a habit to work safely, regardless of time pressures and productivity goals.
• Practice caution at home-accidents and head injuries from falls happen more often off the job than at work.
• Know how to use fall protection and fall restraint equipment. Never say, "I don't need to fool around with that stuff-I'll only be up there a minute."

Collisions often result from a small vehicle driver's lack of understanding of large trucks. To share the road with a truck means being aware of its capabilities and limitations. Share the road comfortably and safely by following these suggestions:

• At intersections, drivers of long trucks that are turning right may move into the left lane to avoid hitting the curb as they turn. Pay attention to the truck's turn signals and do not pull up on its right side to avoid being squeezed between the truck and the curb as it makes the turn.
• Most trucks need extra distance to stop. Signal your intentions well before turning, slowing or stopping to give trucks behind you more time to brake.
• When stopped, especially going uphill, a truck may roll back farther than a car when the driver releases the brake and engages the clutch. Leave at least one car length between your vehicle and the truck ahead and stay slightly to the left of your lane so you can be seen in the truck driver's mirror.
• Be visible. Stay out of a truck's blind spots, typically to the sides and back. Truck drivers rely on their mirrors to see what's happening in these areas. Never follow so closely that a truck driver cannot see your vehicle in the mirrors. If you can't see the driver in the mirrors, then the truck driver cannot see you.
• When passing trucks, pass as quickly and safely as possible and don't cut in front of a truck too closely.
• On multi-lane freeways, be aware that trucks longer than 6.5 meters cannot use the far left lane. Instead they must use the lane immediately to the right (middle lane) to pass slower vehicles.
• Never drive or walk around the back of a truck while it is reversing. You may be in the driver's blind spot.
• When meeting or passing a truck on a highway, stay as far away from it-in your lane-as you can to avoid the wind pressure created at high speeds.

One of the smartest winter road safety tips to follow is to keep a road safety kit in your vehicle. The following are recommended:

• Cell phone and automobile charger
• Blankets/sleeping bag
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit and any necessary medications
• High-calorie, non-perishable food like granola bars, dried fruit, beef jerky, nuts (if canned, be sure to have a can opener)
• Bottles of water
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• Jumper cables
• Tow rope
• Toolkit
• Windshield scrapers and brush
• Small shovel
• Sharp knife
• Bag of sand or kitty litter for traction
• Tissues/paper towels
• Empty tin can to melt snow for drinking water
• Lighter/waterproof matches
• Extra windshield washer fluid
• "Help" sign/brightly colored strip of cloth to tie to antenna or hang out of your window
• Candles
• Flares or roadway reflectors
• Road maps