Companies in California and throughout the United States are required to take steps to prevent employee injuries. If you own a company, there is a series of steps you can take to ensure that your workers aren’t vulnerable to hand injuries, such as a wrist sprain or losing a finger.
Start by Eliminating Hazards
Buying new equipment can be a great way to minimize or reduce the possibility of a hand injury. Alternatively, you can consider upgrading or modifying the equipment that you have to make it safer to use. It may also be a good idea to build physical barriers around machines to protect those who are in their vicinity.
Understanding Hand Injury Risks
Hand injuries account for nearly 23% of all workplace injuries in the U.S. Common injuries include:
- Lacerations and cuts (from sharp tools, machinery)
- Crush injuries (from presses, rollers)
- Amputations (fingers, hands, limbs)
- Degloving injuries (severe skin and tissue loss)
- Nerve and tendon damage (loss of function, chronic pain)
- Repetitive strain injuries (carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis)
Industry-Specific Risks
High-risk industries include:
- Construction (e.g., saws, nail guns, heavy machinery)
- Manufacturing (e.g., assembly lines, stamping presses)
- Warehousing & Logistics (e.g., pallet jacks, conveyors)
- Healthcare (e.g., sharps injuries, repetitive strain)
- Oil & Gas (e.g., impact, chemical exposure)
California-Specific Safety Laws
In California, Cal/OSHA Title 8, Section 3384 mandates hand protection for employees exposed to cuts, burns, chemicals, and punctures. Employers are also required to follow OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138 for hand protection standards.
Provide Consistent Training to Your Workers
Employees will need time to learn and understand your company’s safety guidelines. Those who have many years of experience benefit from ongoing training, as they may develop bad habits that could increase their risk of getting hurt. You are encouraged to make a training course as engaging as possible to ensure that your people understand the implications of potentially losing a hand or a finger.
Best Practices for Safety Training
- Include hands-on training with equipment and PPE
- Address language barriers for non-English speakers
- Provide refresher courses annually, as per OSHA recommendations
- Document training attendance and retain records for OSHA/CalOSHA compliance
- Conduct safety drills and mock incident scenarios
It is also important to make sure that workplace safety policies are sufficiently enforced. This could be done by punishing workers who don’t comply or by giving rewards to those who are actively striving to create a safer workplace.
Real-World Example
In 2022, a California machinist lost two fingers in a stamping press accident due to a lack of proper guarding and no glove requirement. This tragic incident underscores the importance of proactive hazard elimination and PPE use.
Employees Should Be Given Protective Gear
Your workers should be given gloves that can protect against cuts, humidity, and other hazards that they face. New materials have allowed glove manufacturers to create products that are five times stronger than steel without being too heavy or bulky. This is important because workers won’t wear gloves if they feel awkward or makes it harder to grip objects.
Choosing the Right Gloves
- Cut-resistant gloves (Kevlar, Dyneema; ANSI/ISEA 105 levels)
- Impact-resistant gloves (for construction, oil & gas)
- Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, butyl)
- Heat-resistant gloves (for welding, foundry work)
- Anti-vibration gloves (for power tools, grinders)
PPE Legal Requirements
Under OSHA and Cal/OSHA, employers must:
- Provide appropriate PPE at no cost
- Train employees on proper use and care
- Inspect PPE regularly and replace damaged equipment
- Maintain hazard assessments and PPE documentation
Failure to comply may result in OSHA penalties up to $15,625 per violation in 2024.
Legal Rights and Workers’ Compensation for Hand Injuries
If an employee experiences an injury on the job, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. An attorney may be able to help a worker file a claim or track the status of an existing claim.
Workers’ Compensation Covers:
- Medical expenses
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Lost wages
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Compensation for amputations, disfigurement, nerve damage
Beyond Workers’ Comp: Third-Party Liability
If an injury was caused by a defective glove or unsafe machine, you may also have a product liability or negligence claim against the manufacturer or a third party.
FAQs: Your Questions About Hand Injuries and Legal Rights
What are the most common hand injuries at work?
Cuts, lacerations, crush injuries, amputations, nerve damage, repetitive strain.
Are employers required to provide hand protection in California?
Yes. Under Cal/OSHA and OSHA standards, employers must provide proper hand protection and PPE.
How do I file a workers’ compensation claim for a hand injury?
Report the injury, seek medical attention, complete a DWC-1 form in California, and consult an attorney if needed.
Can I sue for a defective glove that caused my injury?
Yes. You may have a product liability claim in addition to workers’ compensation benefits.
What is the average cost of a hand injury claim?
The average direct cost of a workplace hand injury is over $25,000, with long-term disability potentially adding tens of thousands more.
Need Legal Help After a Workplace Hand Injury?
If you or a loved one has suffered a workplace hand injury, don’t navigate the complex legal process alone. At Hussain & Gutierrez, we help injured workers in California secure the benefits they deserve, file third-party claims, and protect their rights.
Contact us today for a free consultation: Hussain & Gutierrez Workplace Injury Attorneys
