Using PPE in Storm Damage Situations Can Significantly Reduce Workplace Injuries

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

PPE Example: Impact Resistant Gloves

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is extremely important to our line of work. Disaster sites are naturally a breeding ground for health and safety concerns. Injuries are also very common, that’s why we take certain steps in order to protect ourselves from these dangers. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 70 percent of workers who injure their hands were not wearing work glove during an accident. In Jan of 2018 the BLS also stated that hand injuries generally result in an average of 18 to 19 days lost of work in most industries. Most of the complaints about wearing gloves are that they are not comfortable and or a lack of dexterity or mobility. It’s close to 30 percent of workers today, even in disaster workers are wearing gloves not adequate for the type of hazard or just damaged/used gloves, according to the BLS.

SERVPRO of North Central Mesa number concern is Safety. And that goes across the board for SERVPRO Locations in general. Fortunately, with modern day’s technology advances, we have extra protection, durability, and comfortable gloves.

Here are 3 ways to effectively prevent hand injuries on a job site.

1. Evaluate injury risks at the begging of a job. Look for serious possibilities like sharp objects, slip zones, and hazards material. You can always consult with a safety specialist, safety engineer, or product manager to help evaluate the possible risk and risk factors that could very easily lead to hand and finger injuries on a job.
2. Teach and Train your employees the proper ways to behave on a job site. You can do role-playing exercises, for example, simulating a hand injury. Tape up workers dominant hand with gauze and instruct them to perform a couple of simple work tasks and personal task like texting. This type of training can show how difficult work can be with injuries and will encourage them to take time to evaluate risks in the work area.
3. The best way to prevent hand injuries is to give workers and technicians the best possible performance gloves. By outfitting them with the best equipment not only do you show your customers you are taking care of your employees, but your employees know that they are being taken care of as well.

SERVPRO of North Central Mesa is committed to the safety of its employees and encourages other businesses in the Mesa Area to make that same commitment to their employees