Picture this:
- An operator is using a milling machine when his ring gets caught on the cutter-head. Three of his fingers get cut off.
- A driver jumps off his work truck, not realizing that his ring got hooked by a protruding mechanism of the truck. His ring finger gets ripped off.
- A custodian is cleaning a conveyor belt and accidentally hits the power button. His bracelet gets caught in the belt and his forearm gets fractured.
From 2006-2010, it was reported that more than 300 Canadian workers were injured at their workplace when a piece of their jewelry got caught while operating machinery. Jewelry safety is not just a trend. Part 8.10 of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation entitled ‘Personal Clothing and Accessories’ mandates that “dangling neckwear, bracelets, wristwatches, rings or similar articles must not be worn, except for medical alert bracelets which may be worn with transparent bands that hold the bracelets snugly to the skin”.
Precautions
- If possible, do not wear any kind of jewelry at work
- If it is necessary that you wear a medical alert bracelet, make sure it fits snugly to your skin through the use of surgical or adhesive band.
- If possible, equip workers with a portable jewelry holder
A simple reminder: Jewelry really doesn’t have a place in the workplace. Dressing appropriately for your job could save you from a fatal injury or even save your life!
Image credit: http://mrg.bz/9VvYra