Sledgehammers
A sledgehammer delivers a lot of force. A missed swing, a head that flies off, or a chip off a mushroomed stake can seriously injure you or someone nearby.
- Construction
- General Industry
Photo: worker swinging a sledgehammer with a clear swing zone
Inspect it
- Head tight with no movement on the handle
- Handle not cracked, split or damaged (fiberglass or wood)
- Striking faces not chipped or mushroomed
- Whatever you’re striking (stakes, wedges, chisels) isn’t mushroomed either
Swing safely
- Clear the area. Nobody within the swing radius or in front of the target. Look overhead too.
- Wear safety glasses (or a face shield over them), gloves and safety-toe boots.
- Take a balanced stance, feet apart, facing the target.
- Lead hand near the end of the handle, other hand sliding along it during the swing.
- Use controlled swings. Most work can be done without full overhead swings.
- Use a stake holder or tongs, never your hand, to hold stakes and wedges for someone else.
Warning: Never hold a stake or chisel with your hand while someone else swings at it. Use a holder tool, or start it yourself with light taps.
- Don’t swing while standing on ladders, scaffolds without guardrails, or unstable footing.
- Don’t strike hardened steel, concrete edges at an angle, or another hammer.
- Don’t keep swinging when you’re tired. Fatigue causes misses.
Video: driving stakes with a sledgehammer safely
Standards & references
- 29 CFR 1926.301: Hand tools
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