Safety Flash
Injury to Fingers During Grinding Activity
Injury to Fingers During Grinding Activity
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 04/21
- Hand and Finger InjuriesMachinery and EquipmentPersonal Protective Equipment
- Hand and finger injuries
- Inspection and maintenance
- Grinding equipmentPersonal protective equipment
- Competence and trainingOperating and work proceduresRisk assessment
Summary
An operator injured fingers on both hands after inadvertently restarting a grinder used to cut and shape wood during maintenance. Preliminary findings identified unsuitable tool selection, a non-recommended toothed saw blade and absent safety gloves. Actions included replacing button-controlled grinders with paddle-switch models, refresher training and reviewing the maintenance risk assessment.
Classifications: Hand and finger injuries; finger injury; hand injury.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Grinding equipment; angle grinder; grinding wheel.
Classifications: Personal protective equipment; PPE; personal protection equipment.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Summary
An operator cut both hands when mishandling a grinder after using it to conduct maintenance work. He received several stitches in two fingers but was able to return to work on restricted duties.
IMCA SF 04/21. Themes: hand and finger injuries, machinery and equipment, personal protective equipment.