A hammer is a staple of any manual worker’s toolbox. The technology may not be new but it is still extremely effective.
Sadly, using a hammer can also be dangerous. Tens of thousands of workers suffer hammer-related injuries every year. These can range from minor to severe. Outlined below are some of the more common injuries associated with hammer use.
Damage to the hands
Of course, the most obvious place that can suffer injuries when using a hammer is the hands. One small lapse in concentration can cause the hammer to slip and miss its target, and instead, strike the fingers or hand. If you’re lucky, you may walk away with some minor bruising, but the trauma from a hammer strike commonly leads to fractured fingers. Workers should avoid distractions when using this tool and always try to ensure that they are hitting the object squarely.
It’s not always the case that the worker is at fault for hammer-related injuries. If a hammer has not been well maintained, then the handle could break, resulting in a nasty accident. Manufacturers have a duty to ensure that their tools are well made and companies take on the rule of maintaining them.
Eye injuries
Hammer accidents can also result in serious injuries to the eyes. A piece of wood, metal or other material can easily ricochet into the air and enter the eye, causing serious damage. Safety glasses are not only useful when using power tools and machinery, but they should also be applied when using a hammer.
A fracture in your hand or eye injury could leave you unable to work for several weeks or months. This means that you aren’t earning, and you still have household bills to pay as well as the medical costs associated with your accident. Workers’ compensation can help with this. After a work-related injury, be sure to seek some legal guidance.