What is the leading cause of accidents involving hand tools?

The leading cause of accidents involving hand tools can significantly be attributed to the improper use of screwdrivers. This includes mistakes such as using the wrong type of screwdriver for a specific screw, applying excessive force, or even using a screwdriver for tasks it wasn't designed for, such as prying or chiseling. Such improper usage can lead to slips, which create risks of injury to the user and others nearby.

Other options, while they may contribute to accidents, do not capture the prevalence and clear connection between misuse and the frequency of accidents. For example, using dull blades certainly affects safety, but the effect is less pronounced than the broader implications of using screwdrivers incorrectly. Similarly, while protective gear is vital in minimizing injuries, it doesn’t correlate as directly with tool accidents as the specific misuse of tools does. Lastly, inadequate training can lead to improper usage, but the ground reality shows that many accidents occur from actions taken during routine tasks that individuals believe they are handling correctly but are actually not.