Screwdriver safety

Every tool serves a purpose, but according to the National Safety Council, the screwdriver is perhaps the most misused and abused tool in the workplace. Misuse can compromise the integrity of the tool by breaking the handle, bending the shaft or dulling the tip, making workers susceptible to hand injury when the tool is used correctly. To prevent injury and keep screwdrivers in shape, the council recommends:

• Do not use a screwdriver as a punch, wedge, pinch bar or pry.
• Keep the tip clean and sharp to permit a solid grip on the tip of the screw.
• Keep the handle of the screwdriver clean and intact to allow for a solid grip.
• Never hold the piece you are working on in your hand. Always lay it on a workbench or place it in a vice.
• Carry screwdrivers in toolboxes or work belts – never in your pocket. In wood and sheet metal, make a pilot hole for the screw.
• Never use a screwdriver during electrical work unless it is properly insulated.