Hammer

The hammer is one of the most common tools used in construction.
Although it’s a low-tech tool, it is a common cause of injuries. According to
the National Safety Consumer Board, more than 50,000 Americans will visit
emergency rooms this year after painful encounters with common hammers.
A number of construction workers will be in this group.
Eye injuries are one of the most common types of injuries caused by
improper use of hammers. And anybody who has clobbered his thumb with
a hammer on a cold day can verify the pain that this simple tool can cause!
Here are some good sense tips for safe use of the common hammer:
• Wear safety glasses to protect the only pair of eyes you will ever have.
• Use a claw hammer for driving nails.
• Use a ball peen hammer for driving a chisel or punch. A ball peen hammer
is hardened so it won’t break on impact.
• Make sure the hammer’s handle is safe; check to be sure it is not loose or
damaged.
• Make sure the area around you is clear; you don’t want to bop the person
standing behind you.
Tools are essential to your trade. Treat them right and they will treat you right
For more information, contact your local Hartford agent or your Hartford
Loss Control Consultant. Visit The Hartford’s Loss Control web site at
http://www.thehartford.com/corporate/losscontrol/