Dermatitis can also develop after several contacts with chemicals known as sensitizers. While nothing happens initially, later contacts with the chemical produce an allergic reaction such as a rash. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that results from prolonged repetitive work with the hands. This condition can be permanently disabling and can have a variety of more temporary symptoms like swelling, tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands or fingers. Engineering controls, such as machine guards, are usually the first step in preventing hand and finger injuries, particularly those that result from improper use of tools and machinery or careless material handling.
Many injuries occur at the point of operation on a machine or tool.
Wearing gloves is an effective defense against hand and finger injuries. However, it is important to emphasize that gloves can be a hazard if worn around moving machinery such as drill presses, mills, lathes, grinders, etc. No glove can provide protection from all these hazards, so proper selection, cleaning, and maintenance is a must. Here is a list of possible hand hazards, and the usual glove material of choice for each. Heat or cold usually calls for insulated gloves.