Seeking answers, we studied reams of small-print statistics on eye, hand, finger and wrist injuries. The BLS data is enlightening. Probably many of the flying chips, particles and splinters causing more than 44,000 lost-workday eye injuries in 1993 could have been blocked by safety glasses, goggles, or faceshields, for instance. The numbers indicate that more thorough hazard assessments and PPE training could prevent a lot of pain and lost productivity. Workers need to know accidents can happen in the strangest ways.
Some accidents are simply bizarre.
Others happen when no hazard is apparent. Doors were the source of more than 11,000 hand injuries in 1993. Co-workers or other people inflicted nearly 2,000 eye injuries on workers. Vending machines caused more than 100 lost-day hand injuries. And 52 workers injured their hands while walking, according to the statistics.