What are methods called that help reduce the risk of hand injuries?

The correct answer is referred to as engineering controls. Engineering controls are physical modifications to a workplace that minimize hazards and reduce the risk of injury. In the context of hand injuries, these methods might include design changes to tools or machinery that lower the potential for hands to come into contact with moving parts, or the installation of guards on equipment to shield workers from injury.

Engineering controls are vital because they target the source of the hazard, often providing a more sustainable solution than relying solely on personal protective equipment or behavioral changes. By altering the work environment or processes, these methods help protect employees without depending on them to remember to use protective equipment correctly, which can sometimes be overlooked.

Other options, such as safety measures, personal protective equipment, and preventive strategies, all play important roles in an overall safety program but do not specifically refer to modifications of the equipment or environment itself, which is what makes engineering controls distinct and effective for reducing the risk of hand injuries.