What are cuts and punctures?

Cuts, mainly to hands and fingers, are one of the most common workplace injuries. It is usually defined as a wound, nick or hole, small or large, in which dirt and other bacteria can come into contact with the blood. Injury to the skin or external influences caused by pointed/sharp objects.

The first thing that comes to mind is working with knives. But on, for example, a construction site, there are so many more areas that pose a risk than just blades. Examples include sharp edges, sheet metal joists, metal shavings, etc.

What are the risks of cut and puncture injuries?

Cuts can lead to long sick leave. It's extremely difficult to do most tasks in life without your hands. Cuts and punctures can seriously impact one's life, in terms of both work capacity and quality of life. Cuts and punctures can cause lifelong numbness and tingling and, in the worst cases, amputation or disability.

Examples are open wounds, which can result in infections, pus and, in the worst case, sepsis. While it seems obvious that large wounds can cause the above problems, even small, minor wounds can become more serious and severely inflamed. Cuts may also injure nerves, ligaments, etc.
A wound could also cause the blood to be infected.

Serious risks include severe bleeding, muscle/nerve injuries, infection, losing body parts. Large wounds cause problematic blood loss. The most commonly afflicted body parts are the hand and forearm.

Industries commonly at risk of cuts and punctures

Almost all occupational categories are at high risk of cuts or punctures. Examples are Construction & Civil Engineering, Industrial Processes, Healthcare and Cleaning, etc.

• Construction – sheet-metal, iron, ventilation workers
• Property – cleaners (punctures)
• Industrial processes – sheet metal work, assembly, paper manufacturing, glass processing
• Healthcare
• Cleaning services
• Electrical – electricians
• Farming and agriculture
• Heating, ventilation and plumbing
• Water and drainage

How to protect yourself against cuts and punctures

Eliminate and prevent. It is a matter of establishing clear and simple processes and creating order and clarity. It is also a matter of the prevailing attitude and safety culture. Consider whether it is possible to eliminate the risks from the start by, e.g., dismantling sharp objects that are in the way of doing the actual job.

Use and choose the right arm and hand protection – a simple and inexpensive insurance to avoid cuts and puncture wounds.

Make sure that users have access to equipment. The person performing the job must also be aware of the risks.

Conduct ongoing risk assessments and systematic work environment management. Focus on safe behavior; create good routines and attitudes. This contributes to insights into the existing risks. The risk assessment must be documented in writing. (Swedish Work Environment Authority/AFS statutes)

In these regulations, systematic work environment management refers to the employer's efforts to investigate, implement and follow up activities in such a way that work-related illness and accidents are prevented and a satisfactory work environment is achieved.

Use the correct PPE and tools. Today, there are many high-quality cut-resistant gloves and arm protectors to make your everyday life safe. Fit and comfort are an important part of this, which contributes to increased use of personal protection. Choose safety knives. There is a wide range of knives with automatic blade retraction and blunt tip, as well as models with fully concealed blades, which significantly reduces the risk of user injury.

Remember...

• Study pictograms and know what they mean.
• Wearing the correct size and fit of hand/arm protection in itself protects you.
• “Think ahead” and conduct a risk analysis.
• “Make health and safety a natural part of your everyday life with a focus on health and safety work.”
• In accordance with EU Regulation 2016/425, new cut resistance level labeling will be implemented as of April 21, 2019. This means that cut-resistant gloves are marked A–F (F being the highest level) instead of 0–5, which is the previous 89/686/EEC directive. The labeling conventions may be mixed for a period of time.
• Want the best glove durability? Use a cut-resistant glove, which can last more than 3 times longer than traditional gloves.

Other risk areas