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

During a filing operation, the most common injury is being stabbed with the tang of a file, particularly when using a file that does not have a handle. The tang is the unhandled portion of the file, which can be quite sharp and, if not properly managed, can penetrate the skin. This injury occurs when the file slips or when there is an improper grip, leading to an unexpected jab from the tang into the operator's hand or fingers.

While other injuries, such as cuts from sharp edges, can certainly occur during filing operations, they are generally less frequent than injuries caused by the tang of a file. Additionally, getting pinched by nearby equipment or sustaining splinters from the file are also possible but are not the most prevalent injuries associated with this operation. The tang presents a unique risk primarily when the file is used without a protective handle, making the knowledge of safe handling practices even more critical to prevent such injuries.