The Right Tool for the Job

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! This week, we're focusing on a safety topic that everyone uses every day: Hand Tool Safety.

While hand tools may seem less dangerous than heavy equipment or power tools, they are responsible for thousands of injuries every year. The most common cause? Using the wrong tool for the job.

The Golden Rule: The Right Tool for the Job

A tool is designed with a specific task in mind. Using a tool for an unintended purpose is a recipe for injury. A screwdriver is not a chisel. A wrench is not a hammer.

The Three Fundamentals

Beyond using the right tool, there are three basic rules for hand tool safety:

1. Inspect Before Every Use: A cracked hammer handle, a mushroomed chisel head, or a screwdriver with a worn tip can all fail and cause an injury. Take a few seconds to visually inspect your tool for any signs of damage or wear before you start.

2. Keep it Clean and in Good Repair: A greasy or dirty tool is more likely to slip from your grip. A well-maintained tool performs its function safely and efficiently.

3. Use it as Intended: Every tool has a purpose. Prying with a screwdriver can cause the tip to break and become a projectile. Striking a chisel with a hammer that has a loose head can cause the head to fly off. Always use a tool as it was designed to be used.

Taking a moment to choose the right tool and inspect it is a fundamental part of a safe workday. It prevents injuries and keeps your equipment in good working order.

Tomorrow, we'll dive deeper into the safe use of impact and striking tools like hammers and chisels.

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-The Safety Man