Page 13 - April 2021 Track N Times

SAFETY FOCUS

Hand Safety Awareness

By Jeff Anderson, Loram Field Safety Specialist

Hand Safety Awareness is the focus for the W.O.R.D. during April.

As we enter the busier months of production it is vital we maintain a safety mindset and be vigilant of hand place-
ment. Year after year hand injuries are at the top of reported injuries. Why is that? Complacency, lack of training,
improper 5-Step, utilizing the wrong tools, or rushing and not properly completing the task?

No matter what your answer may be, it is EVERYONE’S responsibility to safely conduct their work task and avoid
pinch points and the line of fire by properly completing a Lockout/Tag out, properly complete a 50-Step and re-
viewing it with your supervisor and crew members.

Commonsense would state keeping your hands clear of any type of hazard is the saf-
est route, right? So why do we continue to increase every year hand injuries? Be
alert and vigilant on where you place your hands and make sure all safety measure
are in place and have been tested before beginning your work task.

WHEN IN DOUBT…THE SAFE COURSE MUST BE TAKEN

Throughout April we will be discussing the proper safeguards to protect your hands
and the hand protection needed for the various work tasks. Most of you get dirty
every day to complete your tasks well. Let’s get dirty when it comes to preventing
hand injuries. You possess the skillset and toolset to maintain your equipment, but
we need to increase our safety mindset. I believe if we apply a true mindset and de-
termination to preventing hand injuries, we can eliminate them.

Have a Safe and Productive Month!

Page 11 MARCH 2021