Finger injuries in the workplace are a common occurrence that can lead to permanent debilitating disabilities and often negatively impacting the quality of life.
These injuries can be avoided through sufficient risk management and regulations in the workplace, said the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA), who has recorded 45 finger injury cases under the Workplace Safety and Health (Incident Reporting) Regulations 2014 last year.
According to SHENA, the reported finger injuries ranged from lacerations to bone fractures, as well as deep tissue damage after being crushed by machinery. From these cases, three individuals required further surgeries.
SHENA also said, “In August 2023, a construction worker had his fingers pinched between a hydraulic jack and a platform and he tried to forcibly remove it. When he took off his gloves, he realised that two of his fingertips had been crushed.”
“Another case of a worker whose finger was fractured and sliced off by a tree trimmer. It was reported that the worker, who climbed up a ladder, slipped, fell and caused the trimmer to strike his hand.
“These accidents are preventable with proper risk management in place and compliance with the Workplace Safety and Health Order 2009 and its regulations.”
The agency also said the preparation of a risk assessment is key in identifying potential hazards arising from work activities, thus helping to keep accidents in the workplace at bay.
The capacity building of workers through the provision of instruction, information, supervision and training as well as the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) acts as the last line of defence against any unwanted incidents, SHENA said. – James Kon
