Considering how often we use our hands and the number of tasks we perform, it is amazing that we can go days, weeks or months without injuring our hands or fingers. However, a serious and potentially debilitating injury can occur in a heartbeat. Here are seven statistics relating to hand injuries and their prevention.

1. About 10 percentof hand injuries result from the improper use of hand tools, while 40 percent are caused during the handling of materials. (Workplace Safety North, Ontario)
2. Fourmajor causes of hand injuries are: failure to follow procedures; using the wrong tool for a task; inattention; and failure to use personal protective equipment.
3. Workers can avoid hand injuries by following these sixsafety tips: consider all potential hazards involved in a job before starting it; never take shortcuts; concentrate on the task being performed; always wear appropriate hand PPE; follow safety rules and safe working procedures; and practice good housekeeping.
4. There are several types of workplace hazards that can cause serious hand and finger injuries, including these four:mechanical hazards, such as pinch points or cutting surfaces; personal hazards, such as jewelry, loose-fitting clothing or improper PPE; contact hazards such as chemicals, electricity or hot/cold surfaces; and housekeeping hazards, including improper storage of equipment and slippery conditions.
5. Every year in Canada, an estimated 500,000 work-related hand injuries occur. (Government of Canada Labour Program)
6. An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) study found that 70 percent of the workers suffering hand injuries in manufacturing operations were not wearing safety gloves at the time of injury.
7. Five types of hand injuries are: lacerations (cuts), accounting for 63 percent of the total; crush (13 percent); avulsion (tearing of skin or soft tissue), accounting for eight percent; puncture (six percent); and fracture (five percent), according to the National Safety Council.

Considering how often we use our hands and the number of tasks we perform, it is amazing that we can go days, weeks or even months without injuring a hand or finger. But, as anyone who has ever suffered a burn, severe cut, or broken finger knows, injuries can occur in a heartbeat, yet have lasting disabling effects. Here are seven statistics relating to hand injuries and their prevention.