5 Tips to Lower Your Risk of Vibration Injuries

Do you work with heavy machinery or power tools? If so, you may be exposed to vibrations. Many machines and power tools produce vibrations. While short-term exposure to minor vibrations typically isn't a concern, prolonged or strong vibrations can cause bodily injury, such as vibration white finger. You can lower your risk of vibration injuries, however, by following these five safety tips.

#1) Isolate the Source

Isolating the source of the vibrations can better protect you from vibration injuries. If a machine produces strong vibrations, for instance, you may be able to position it so that the shakes less. You can also check the machine to ensure that all of its bushings are intact. Bushings are vibration isolators. They absorb and isolate vibrations. Worn bushings should be replaced so that they continue to perform this task.

#2) Wear Anti-Vibration Gloves

There are gloves that you can wear to protect against vibration injuries. Known as anti-vibration gloves, they are made of a thick vibration-dampening material. They won't prevent machines or power tools from generating vibrations. Rather, anti-vibration gloves will absorb the vibrations so that your hands -- and the rest of your body -- are better protected against injury.

#3) Place Anti-Fatigue Mats on Hard Surfaces

If you work on a hard surface, such as concrete flooring, you may want to use anti-fatigue mats. Anti-fatigue mats are designed primarily to reduce bodily stress when standing. Workers who stand on hard surfaces for a prolonged period may experience bodily stress, which can lead to fatigue. Anti-fatigue mats reduce bodily stress while also dampening vibrations.

#4) Take Breaks

Don't underestimate the importance of taking breaks when using vibration-generating power tools. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workers should take a 10- to 15-minute break at least once every hour when using vibration-generating power tools. Taking regular breaks such as this will lower your risk of vibration injuries. It will allow your body to rest and reset itself, which can mean the difference between staying safe and sustaining a vibration injury.

#5) Watch for Symptoms

Familiarizing yourself with the symptoms of vibration injuries can help you take preventative measures to stay safe. There are different types of vibration injuries, but many of them affect blood flow. Vibration white finger, for instance, involves the loss of blood flow to the hand. Common symptoms of vibration white finger and similar vibration injuries include numbness, pins and needles sensation discoloration and loss of mobility.