Jewelry on the Job

Many employees don’t realize they’re putting themselves at risk by wearing jewelry at work. But depending on the type of job they have, jewelry can be a major hazard.

Most Common Type of Jewelry Involved in Workplace Incidents

When you think of risks involving jewelry, you probably think of necklaces.

That makes sense. Anything that dangles from the person can get caught in the moving parts of a machine and result in a very serious injury.

But the most common piece of jewelry involved in work-related incidents are actually rings. That’s because rings are worn on the fingers, and fingers come into contact with a lot of different types of tools, surfaces, and equipment over the course of a workday.

Rings are also worn very close to the skin, which increases the likelihood of an injury.

Types of Injuries Caused or Aggravated by Wearing Jewelry

Wearing jewelry on the job can result in various types of incidents, including:

• Jewelry getting caught in the moving parts of a machine or power tool. This brings parts of the body into contact with moving blades, pinch points, and other hazardous components.
• Rings can get caught on boxes or crates, which can result in a finger getting crushed. If an earring gets caught, it can result in a torn earlobe.
• Metal rings, bracelets, watches, or other jewelry coming into contact with an electrical circuit. This will conduct electricity into the body, causing an electric shock.
• Thermal burns can result from a ring or other piece of jewelry being heated by contact with a radiator or other heat-generating equipment.
• Perspiration, dirt, and bacteria can be trapped under jewelry, which can lead to dermatitis and other skin conditions.

Jewelry Safety Tips for Employees

• Leave your jewelry at home
• If you have it on you when coming in, take it off and place it in your locker before starting your shift
• Remember, wristwatches count as jewelry too
• Even if you use equipment infrequently, err on the side of safety and keep the jewelry off
• If you spot a coworker who forgot to take their jewelry off before, give them a friendly reminder

Employees can be reluctant to remove their jewelry while they’re on the job. This is especially true when it has deeply sentimental meaning, such as a wedding ring or a religious symbol. But no matter its personal significance, it is still a hazard and must be treated as such.