Post #212596 by Tikisgrl on Sat, Feb 4, 2006 6:00 AM

Hello,

I don't carve but I am in the Workers' Comp business so I see a lot of hand injuries as well as some truly odd "accidents".

I have a few things to add:

1. Don't forget about your hair!!! I know it sounds a bit odd but some of you carvers have long hair. Just like loose clothing believe it or not hair can get caught up in whirling spinning things quite easily. Long loose hair is a no-no in most machine shops for a reason.

2. Those tool bench skipping tools are another thing that causes injuries... Not moving is not off!!! Unplugged for electric tools is the only real off!! I like the idea of an on demand switch for power but I have seen way too many fingers cut by forgetting to Shut Down the Machine before the hand goes in to fix the problem!!! Much like trying to catch a chisel, if your brain doesn't perceive moving parts it's very easy to stick your hand in. It doesn't snow where most of you are but here when it's winter our Emergency rooms are full of Snow Blower injuries people stick their fingers in the chute... & you get the point... So if it the tool locks up or jams unplug it don't try to fix it until it's really off!!!

3. I don't know if they are even still made but they used to make a nice steel gauntlet glove for food service workers to prevent cut hands. If they still exist they could possibly work for your off hand for those tool skipping injuries. As I understood it they were thin and flexible and could be covered by a Nitrile glove.

Sorry couldn't resist... & just as a post script Walmart (I know they are evil) carries a pretty good line of Steel Toe shoes and boots that are very reasonably priced.

[ Edited by: Tikisgrl 2006-02-04 06:17 ]