Machine Operation & Welding
Operating machinery is often a risky job. There are many potential hazards associated with jobs like welding, heavy mechanics and various other careers in which dangerous equipment is used on a daily basis. Because these jobs have a high risk for injury, it’s important that workers and employers know and understand the hazards. Being aware of these hazards helps to greatly reduce the chance of serious injury. Due to the nature of these jobs, certain injuries are more common than others, such as:
- Hand or finger injuries
The hand is the part of the body most commonly injured. These injuries are often hard to treat, but they are preventable. By identifying hazards and developing safety measures to overcome them, you and your employer can prevent your hands from being among the over 500,000 injured every year in Canada.
Common hand hazards include: - Chains, gears, rollers, wheels or transmission belts
- Spiked or jagged tools
- Edges that catch and tear
- Shearing, chopping and crushing processes
- Cutting tools such as knives
- Falling object
Prevention is the key to protecting your hands and fingers.
- Burns and cutsBurns can be caused by exhaust, sparks, steam, hot or cold pipes, welding flash or molten metal. When hand and finger temperature drops below 15C they can become more susceptible to being cut or burned.
- Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Repetitive Strain Injury or RSI is a common ailment caused by repeating the same motion over long periods of time. RSI includes a wide spectrum of conditions from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, to Tendonitis, to Bursitis and more. If your hands, wrists or fingers go numb and tingle, there’s a good chance you are suffering from some form of RSI. As with all injuries, the best method for prevention is being prepared. Preventing RSI.
