Abstract: A hand worn laser bar code reader scanner device is of compact design and adapted to be worn comfortably on the back of the hand of the user. A switch associated with the laser is attached to a hand strap such that the bar code reader is switched on and off by deliberate flexure of muscles in the user's hand. This enables the user to point his hand in a natural manner toward the bar code subject matter to be read, and, through the automatic switch, frees the fingers of his hand for use on other operations without removal of the laser device from the hand.