Gulf Coast Shelf Region
SAFETY ALERT
Hand Injuries
No. 2011-02-09
Date:
Friday, March 18, 2011
Issued By: Joel Plauche-EHS & Regulatory Compliance Manager
Apache Corporation, Gulf Coast Region
Subject:
Safety Alert; Hand Injuries
Throughout Apache Corporation’s Gulf Offshore Shelf operations, hand injuries account for approximately 28% of all reported
injuries since 2008. These figures mirror the data for reported injuries throughout the industry. These injuries are often the
result of cuts, abrasions, burns, blunt force trauma and pinch point type accidents. In many of these incidents, utilizing gloves as
PPE could have lessened the physical damage to the individual. Gloves are arguably the most overlooked barrier to injury
employed by the workforce. Although there is no mandated policy for use of gloves, their use, (especially noting hazards during
the JSA process to highlight potential injury) can serve to mitigate injury results. Inattentiveness to hand placement often leads
to injury as hands are caught between pinch points, range of travel of tools, and caught beneath objects being moved.
Kevlar gloves guard against lacerations during kitchen duties. Nitrile and butyl rubber chemical gloves keep corrosive liquids,
solvents, ketones and alcohol based liquids from skin contact during refueling or chemical additive operations. Black dot type
cotton gloves afford good tactile sensation during routine production operations and handling tools. Rigging operations should
employ heavier leather gloves to prevent puncture wounds from abrasive surfaces and cable/sling handling. Employees
engaged in hot work should wear welding gloves to guard against heat and slag. These gloves come in high visibility colors which
accentuate hand placement during possible pinch point operations.
The opposable thumb separates man from the lower forms of life. Don’t lose the ability to use yours because you did not choose
the proper protection at work.
Should you have any questions about glove use, please contact your EH&S Coordinator.
Part of Body Injured April 2008 thru 2010 (972 Incidents)
Hand/
Wrist/
Finger,
28%
Face, 1%
Shoulder,
1%
Eye , 8%
Head/
Neck,
10%
Foot/
Ankle/
Leg/Toe,
21%
Back,
11%
Trunk/
Torso,
Arm, 10% 10%