| Since childhood, many have discovered the joy of | | | | tools such as chisels and punches must be |
| creation through art. Working with the various materials | | | | reconditioned or replaced as necessary. 10. Keep tool |
| is an exciting and creative venture for many artists. | | | | cutting edges sharp so the tool will move smoothly |
| However, research has shown that an artist's craft | | | | without binding or skipping. Dull tools can be more |
| has the potential to adversely affect his/her health. Art | | | | hazardous than sharp tools. 11. Wear other personal |
| materials and supplies, improperly used, can cause | | | | protective equipment such as safety glasses, |
| physical injury. A fundamental aspect of many art | | | | respirators, appropriate shoes, gloves, etc. 12. Consider |
| businesses and institutions is the hand tool. While | | | | ergonomically designed tools to fit the tool to the |
| indispensable to the artist, hand tools are also involved | | | | worker - especially those tools used frequently and |
| in many injuries to artists. According to Accident Facts, | | | | repetitively during the day. The work of many artists, |
| hand tools are involved in 6 percent of all | | | | such as potters, glassblowers weavers, involves |
| compensated work injuries. This figure increases to 14 | | | | repetitive motion. Repetitive motion, particularly of the |
| percent for non-compensated work injuries. Average | | | | hands, wrists and arms may lead to painful |
| hand tool injury costs can run approximately $1250 - | | | | inflammation of muscles, tendons, and nerves over |
| this is only counting the direct costs and not the indirect | | | | time and cause eventual deterioration of those tissues. |
| injury costs such as lost production. Hand tool injuries | | | | Symptoms associated with repetitive-motion disorders |
| can most often be traced to the improper use or | | | | can include pain, warmth, swelling, and difficulty moving |
| maintenance of the hand tool. Ways to avoid | | | | the joint involved. Grip positions that use high-force |
| non-powered hand tool injuries include: 1. Make sure to | | | | finger pinching along with a bent wrist have been |
| use the right tool for the job. Examples of misuse of | | | | associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Hand polishing |
| tools include using a wrench as a hammer, pliers as a | | | | and sanding, and drawing and painting in awkward |
| wrench, knife as a saw, claw hammer as a ballpeen | | | | positions are examples of high-risk repetitive tasks. |
| hammer, screwdriver as a chisel, etc. 2. Ensure you | | | | Repetitive motion disorders can be disabling if not |
| have the correct size tool. 3. Individuals using tools | | | | treated early. To prevent these injuries, select |
| should be trained in basic safety and proper use of the | | | | appropriate tools and lay work out in more neutral |
| tool. 4. Artists must keep their tools in good condition. | | | | positions while performing tasks. It's also a good idea to |
| Broken or worn tools should be repaired or discarded. | | | | take frequent breaks to stretch muscles and schedule |
| Report defective equipment to the necessary | | | | work to alternate tasks. Back injuries often occur from |
| supervisor, if applicable. 5. Use your tool the way it | | | | lifting heavy objects such as sculptures and lithography |
| was intended. For instance, drive a wood chisel | | | | stones. Whenever possible, use mechanical aides such |
| outward and away from your body. 6. When using a | | | | as hoists and dollies to move heavy objects. Artists |
| safety knife or utility knife, cut away from the body | | | | should always practice good lifting techniques including |
| and keep hands and body clear of the knife stroke. 7. | | | | flexing knees, keeping the back straight, hold the load |
| Razor blades and utility knife blades should be | | | | close to the body, and lifting with the legs. Artists |
| disposed of in a puncture-resistant container. 8. Store | | | | should never lift and twist at the same time. |
| tools in a safe place. Many accidents have been | | | | Safecutters Inc., provides an online store of utility knife |
| caused by tools falling from overhead, sharp tools | | | | box cutters for opening shipping boxes and shipping |
| carried in pockets, or tools left in toolboxes with the | | | | packages, as well as safety knives to open moving |
| cutting edges exposed. Ensure the tool is stored in its | | | | boxes and packages. For more information about |
| proper place and that sharp edges or blades are | | | | Klever Kutter and other Safecutters products contact |
| protected or enclosed to prevent contact. 9. Hand | | | | us! |