Safety Flash
Angle Grinder Finger Injury
Angle Grinder Finger Injury
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 16/24
- Competence and TrainingHand and Finger InjuriesMachinery and EquipmentPermit to Work
- Crushing and pinch pointsHand and finger injuries
- Inspection and maintenance
- Grinding equipmentHand toolsPersonal protective equipment
- Competence and trainingOperational supervisionPermit to workRisk assessment
Summary
A worker fractured their left little finger between a table and wrench while changing an angle grinder’s wire wheel. The flash identifies an incorrect method, absent formal training, missing impact-resistant gloves and failures in permits, risk assessment and supervision. Actions included revised assessment, formal training and review of supervisors’ responsibilities.
Classifications: Crushing and pinch points; crush hazards; pinch points.
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: Hand tools; hand-held tools; handheld tools.
Classifications: Personal protective equipment; PPE; personal protection equipment.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Operational supervision.
Classifications: Permit to work; PTW; work permit.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Summary
A worker injured themselves while attempting to change a wire wheel attachment fitted to a handheld angle grinder.
IMCA SF 16/24. Themes: competence and training, hand and finger injuries, machinery and equipment, permit to work.