Cuts and punctures from tools or materials

Problem:

Workers that mix cement, mortar, plaster, or grout may face hazards from cuts and punctures from tools or materials.

Risk Description:

Construction tasks that involve cutting, abrasive and sharp tools or materials may cut and puncture workers' body parts.

For clean cuts, the edges around these wounds are typically smooth and linear where the surrounding flesh remains unchanged.  These type of cuts are usually brought together easily and knit rapidly in the healing process.  For jagged cuts, the edges around these wounds are usually rough and require additional healing time.

Punctures are typically piercings or perforations through the skin (i.e. a nail from a nail gun).  Depending on the object causing the puncture, the edges of the wound may be crushed.  Sometimes, even the fragments of tools or materials may bury under the skin layer.

Both cuts and punctures will usually be accompanied by bleeding.  For traumatic cuts or punctures, these are frequently combined with injuries to tendons, joints and bones.

Assessment Info:

Assessment of abrasive or sharp hazards should be an integral part of the site safety planning process. 

To assess the likelihood of sustaining cut or puncture injuries, here is a list of general items to consider when performing construction tasks near or with sharp and cutting tools or materials:

  • Are there any sharp edges or points exposed on the tools or materials?
  • For certain tools, are there safety features or mechanisms in place that can be used?
  • If appropriate, are there the options to remove sharp edges by machining? Such that edges of metal strip could be dressed or rolled, or edges of larger items could be grinded or sanded.
  • If appropriate, are there paddings or wrappings covering or protecting the sharp edges on the tools or materials?

 

Regulations & Standards:

OSHA standard 1926.28, titled Personal Protective Equipment, in safety and health regulations for construction must be in place. The employer is responsible for requiring the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment in all operations where there is an exposure to hazardous conditions or where this part indicates the need for using such equipment to reduce the hazards to the employees.

Regulations adopted by a state must be at least as protective as the corresponding federal standard. Work may also be subject to rules of other federal, state and local agencies. Even where there is no hazard specific standard, OSHA prohibits employers from to work in surroundings or under working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to his health or safety.

Federal OSHA Standards are enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor in 26 states. There are currently 22 states and jurisdictions operating complete State plans (covering both the private sector and state and local government employees) and 5 - Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and the Virgin Islands - which cover public employees only. If you are working in one of those states or jurisdictions you should ensure that you are complying with their requirements.

Statistical Information:

Leading Causes of Fatal and Nonfatal Injuries in Construction