What is the most common injury that may occur during a filing operation?

During a filing operation, the most common injury that may occur is being stabbed with the tang of the file. The tang is the pointed end of the file that is often used to secure the tool in its handle. When working with files, operators may inadvertently allow the tang to come into contact with their skin, especially if they are not using appropriate hand protection or if their focus wanes during the process. This can lead to a puncture wound, which is not only painful but could also become infected if not properly treated.

While other injuries may occur during filing, such as cuts from the sharp edges of the tool, trauma from falling objects, or eye injuries from debris, these are generally not as prevalent as the risk posed by the tang. Awareness and proper safety practices, including using handles and protective gear, can greatly reduce the likelihood of such injuries during machining operations.