Medically Reviewed by David E. Lukowski, MD

Summer can be a particularly perilous for your hands and McLeod Orthopedic Specialist David Lukowski, MD has some quick tips to keep your fingertips safe:

Here’s a summary of Dr. Lukowski’s comments:

The number one tip I can give the viewers is power equipment as the warm weather progresses everyone is going to be using power equipment more and more.

I would say a majority of the hand injuries I’ve seen with power equipment the safety mechanisms were either taken off or not working properly. For example, take a table saw. Table saws have a guard on them. I’ve seen those taken off and that’s usually when the injuries occur. Safety measures are there in place, don’t take the guards off, they are there for a reason.

Just common sense keep your hands away from moving parts whether it is a lawn mower blade or a table saw or other moving parts because your fingers can get caught in those very easily and also loose clothing is another, especially say you’re working with a table saw, a loose sleeve can get caught and it can bring your hand in the saw or other moving machinery which can cause an injury.

The number one thing especially around the Fourth of July is fireworks. Every year I see several very bad firework injuries. I’m not telling you not to use fireworks, but please exercise safety. Don’t light the fireworks in your hand, stand a distance away, and, hopefully, you’ll stay out of trouble.

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