Category Archives: Eye Protection

Common Safety Hazards and How to Avoid Them (Guest Post)

Written by Jeanie Barcus

Work environments and public environments are often filled with a wide variety of dangerous hazards. In many cases, these hazards can cause an individual serious bodily harm. However, it’s often possible to avoid these hazards by following the right safety steps. The following guide provides simple tips and tricks on how to avoid public safety hazards.

When working at a job, it’s important to make sure your employees and peers are all aware of the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA) guidelines. OSHA is designed to protect workers from dangerous conditions that are a serious safety hazard.

It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings. If an individual is working around heavy machinery, it’s important to make sure that one pays attention to the location of moving equipment at all times. All it takes is a brief lapse of attention for a serious accident to take place.

In addition, it’s important to make sure that you have access to the proper safety equipment when working in dangerous environments. Employers are required to provide the right safety equipment to employees. This can include chemical-proof clothing, boots, safety helmets, gas masks and a variety of other accessories. 

For example, working in some environments can expose an individual to a variety of dangerous toxins. If an individual works in an industrial setting, he or she may be exposed to trace levels of dangerous toxins like mercury, lead, asbestos and uranium. In these situations, it’s important to make sure that one has the proper safety equipment to ensure a safe working environment.

In addition, it’s essential to make sure that an employee coordinates with his or her peers. Without coordination, it can be difficult to respond to a problem in the correct way. In some cases, responding to a dangerous system in the wrong way can expose other people to a potential hazard. To avoid these types of problems, it’s important to remain in communication with one’s peers at all times. 

Since it can be difficult to avoid all safety hazards in a work environment or other public area, it’s important to be prepared for the consequences of an accident. In some cases, an accident can cause a loss of income for an individual and his or her family. If this happens, it’s important to get legal assistance as soon as possible. By hiring a professional accident attorney, it may be possible for an individual to recoup some of the losses that resulted from an accident.

 

HOW TO AVERT WELDING ACCIDENTS (GUEST POST)

 Sent to us from Alan Murfee, of the United Kingdom.
 
Welding, a high-risk occupation is a skilled occupation that requires proper care and attention. Due to absence of proper preventive measures, the likelihood of welding accidents and illnesses is on an all-time rise. It is hence, extremely important to pay proper attention to your safety. Make sure you do not neglect safety norms and follow the right practices.

Read along to know how to maintain a safe and productive environment, thereby reducing chances of welding accidents and illnesses.

Enhance your knowledge

Most welders skip their welding safety education, and remain ignorant about various welding safety measures. Before you take to the welding profession, enroll in a good trade school that offers welding specialization programs. This shall not only promote safety, but also help catapult your career. If you’re hiring welders, make sure you hire them only after they’ve attended welding safety classes and have proper knowledge about welding safety.

Welding equipment

In case of such a high-risk profession such as welding, possessing the right tools is not only important for professional competence, but also for your own comfort and safety. You must ascertain that your tools have been inspected for defects and are in good condition. Faulty tools shall not only be inconvenient for you, but can also be dangerous. Having some knowledge about repairing and administering these equipment for leaks and defects can always help you to a great extent.

Welding safety accessories

Construction safety gear is a prerequisite to avert most industrial accidents. You must ensure that you wear your safety accessories before welding. Essential safety equipment like welding helmets, gloves and boots can prevent major accidents. There is always a risk of getting injuries due to weld splatters. Welding also involves dealing with intense heat and high radiations, so make sure you wear your safety goggles. Wearing protective helmets can also help reduce possibilities of accidents caused by hazardous smoke, fire flash, unexpected explosion, etc. Your gloves will also protect you from getting burn injuries.

Appropriate Clothing

Welding processes generate intense heat and hot sparkles. It is hence, imperative for you to dress suitably. It is advisable to wear solid, weighty fabrics such as heavy fibers or denim that are not easily inflammable. Make sure you wear clothes that cover your entire body and leave no part exposed.

Avoid wearing open-toed shoes or canvas boots. Wearing safety boots with steel toe-caps are greatly recommended. Wearing appropriate clothing and being well-equipped with essential construction safety products can go a long way in protecting you, and preventing welding accidents.

Taking Preventive measures

An ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure. It is hence, imperative for you to take the required preventive measures before welding. In a trade dealing with molten metal, circumspection and vigilance is required at every step.

The welding process must always be carried out in well-ventilated areas that are specially designated for welding. Keeping the area clean is important, and make sure no flammable objects lie in close proximity with this area. It always helps to keep a first-aid kit close to you when welding.

Meticulous planning, proper knowledge and the right equipment can reduce likelihood of these welding accidents to a great extent. In case however, there are accidents caused by negligence, make a claim for compensation for the welding accident. 

We appreciate the information from Alan Murfee.  Please also check out the cool welding hoods sold by our parent company, Texas America Safety Company (tasco-safety.com).  Welding is a very serious business, so please be trained and be careful! pb

 

THE POWER OF PINK!

Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you will probably see a lot more people wearing pink, especially athletes!  You can’t miss the NFL players wearing pink wrist bands, shoes, and other pink attire, promoting the cause.  For the past twenty-eight years, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has encouraged awareness and education regarding breast cancer, which is the most common cancer in women, with the exception of skin cancers.  Men have breast tissue, and can get breast cancer, even though it is not as common as in women. 

National public service associations such as the American Cancer Society, medical associations, and government agencies have all joined together in promoting breast cancer issues.  Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also observed internationally during October, with many charities raising funds for research.  According to the National Cancer Institute, age is the single most important risk factor.  Other things to consider are:

  •        Family history;
  •        Body weight;
  •        Lack of physical activity;
  •        Alcohol consumption;
  •        Smoking;
  •        Consuming unhealthy foods;
  •        Alteration of certain genes. 

Women over 40 are urged to get an annual mammogram, and follow up each year.  Physicians or mammography centers can show women how to do self-exams, as well.  Surprisingly, one-half of breast cancer cases show up in women over age 65; therefore, they should continue getting mammograms through their 70’s. 

In promoting the pink theme, Texas America Safety Company has several pink types of safety wear made especially for working women:  hardhats, safety glasses, work gloves, and earmuffs for hearing protection.  Why not check these out and start supporting awareness of breast cancer and other cancers, as well as sporting your feminine side?  Spread the word at work or play, just as those big strong football players are doing! 

You will see all types of benefits and activities in October, bringing attention to this very important issue that affects thousands.  If you see a man wearing pink, tell him “thanks”.  Chances are he has a mom, grandmother, wife, or daughter that he hopes won’t have to face breast cancer, or that he knows someone who is fighting the battle.  There are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in our country, thanks to the hard work that cancer research and medical technology have provided.  Survivors of breast cancer or any other type of cancer are to be commended for the battles they have waged. 

Do your part by wearing pink this month!

 

 

OCTOBER IS EYE INJURY PREVENTION MONTH

Having  our eyes serve as  “windows to the world” is one of the most important gifts we have been given.  It is surprising how many accidents happen that affect the way we are able to see the world.  Equally surprising is that about one-half of eye injuries happen at work, while the other half occur at home. 

To avoid injuries in the workplace, here are some suggestions: 

  •          Always wear the appropriate protective eyewear on the job;
  •          Know what the safety dangers at work are;
  •          Eliminate hazards before starting work;
  •          Use machine guarding, work screens, or other engineering controls. 

Common causes for eye injuries are: 

  •          Flying objects (bits of metal, glass);
  •          Particles;
  •          Chemicals;
  •          Tools;
  •          Any combination of these,or other hazards. 

The type of safety protection that should be worn depends on the hazards in the workplace.  OSHA has regulations for face and eye protection; employers’ safety directors should determine which type is appropriate to ensure that the job is done safely.  Here are some examples of safety eyewear: 

  •          Sporty Safety Goggles (working with chemicals);
  •          Eyeglasses with side protection (side shields);
  •          Faceshields (working in the medical field, welding, lasers, or fiber obtics);
  •          Safety eyewear should be OSHA-compliant and approved by ANSI.
  •          Safety sunglasses should be UVA and UVB compliant to block strong rays that can damage the eyes. 

Eye injuries can happen at home, too.  When mowing the yard, using a power trimmer or edger, or clipping hedges and bushes, goggles would be a safe bet to protect your eyes.   In the workshop, working around tools, with solvents or other chemicals, or tasks that produce fragments, dust particles or other irritants, glasses with side protection or goggles would be best. 

In the house, there are many ways one can harm their eyes.  Never mix chemicals such as bleach and other common household products.  Many are very harmful and cause 125,000 eye injuries each year.  Foods can spatter hot oil or grease while being cooked.  Even curling irons have been known to cause injuries; just think about how close they are to your eyes and face! Be careful hammering nails into hard surfaces, because they could become projectiles. 

It’s really up to you to be prepared.  At home, keep the right kind of eye protection handy.  It only takes a few seconds to put it on; otherwise, it could take a long time to overcome an injury to your eye or eyes.  Be compliant at work and always wear your safety gear! 

If an injury occurs, see an ophthalmologist or go to the emergency room immediately, even if the eye injury seems minor.  Delaying medical attention can result in permanent vision loss or blindness. 

Source: AAO

THE DANGERS OF PLUMBING AND HOW TO STAY SAFE (GUEST POST)

Sent by Jake

If you are planning to do your own plumbing work, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. There are many dangers associated with plumbing. Although this does not mean that you should not attempt your own plumbing repairs, it does mean that you should understand how to protect yourself when you are working on your plumbing project. Here are a few do’s and don’ts that you should follow when plumbing: 

1.       Always wear protective eyewear when doing anything that could cause damage to your eyes. Using certain power tools like saws and drills can be potentially dangerous so protect your eyes at all times. You should also wear protection for your eyes when using certain glues and other adhesives that contain harsh chemicals.

2.       Wear gloves to protect your hands, particularly if you are working with certain chemicals. Many chemicals can cause a harsh reaction when they touch the skin. If you are unsure of whether or not you are working with dangerous chemicals, wear gloves to be on the safe side.

3.       Read labels on all products that you use to ensure that they are safe for use. You should also follow the recommended usage directions to ensure safety.

4.       Wear a face mask if you are going to be breathing in any unsafe fumes from chemicals or other products. When using certain power tools like drills, saws or sanders you should also protect your lungs by wearing a face mask. 

These are the things that you should always ensure that you do. It is also important to ensure that you are avoiding certain actions when plumbing: 

1.       Never, ever use tools or other plumbing equipment improperly. You should always ensure that you are following directions when working with any chemicals or power tools.

2.       Never ignore a gas smell. Gas leaks can be very dangerous so if you feel that you are smelling gas, it is best to stop what you are doing and notify the proper utility company. If you are certain that it is safe to turn off the gas, do so before you call the gas company. If you are not sure whether it is safe or not, simply contact the gas company and let them handle the potential leak.

3.       Never ignore safety codes and regulations. Plumbing codes are meant to provide a degree of safety and ignoring them could be very dangerous. If you are not sure of what these codes are, check before you begin your project.

4.       Never carry your tools in your pants or shirt pocket. Sharp tools can cause damage to you if you move suddenly or forget that you have them in your pocket. Tool belts can be purchased at virtually any hardware shop and are very inexpensive. 

This article was written by The Plumb Store. Visit us at www.theplumbstore.com to view our vast selection of high quality plumbing products.

THE DANGERS OF WIRING AND HOW TO STAY SAFE (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Jake @ CustardMedia.co.uk

Working with electrical wiring can be very dangerous. This is particularly true for those who have never worked with wiring before. If you are planning to complete a do-it-yourself wiring job, you need to understand the dangers of working with wiring and how you can avoid these dangers. Safety should always be your primary concern. Even though it may be a bit less expensive to do your own repair jobs and home maintenance, it is always a much better idea to call in a professional if you are not completely certain of what you are doing. Electrical shock can be fatal and is one of the most common incidents that occur when homeowners work on their own wiring. Aside from electrical shock, you also risk a fire hazard if your wiring is not done properly. That being said, here are a few tips that will help you to ensure your safety when working with electricity. 

1.       Know when you are in over your head. Again, if you are not a professional electricity expert, you should know when to call one. If at any time you realize that you are completely unsure of what you are doing, stop and call in an electrician. It is much better to pay a few extra dollars and get the job done properly than to risk electrical shock or fire.

2.       Make sure that all power is turned off before you begin working on any electrical wiring. You should turn off the power at the main and check to see that it is indeed turned off. You can turn off each individual circuit as needed as long as you check to ensure that the proper circuit is turned off before you begin. If you are not certain as to which circuit runs the electricity you need to turn off, turn off the entire main just to be on the safe side.

3.       Wear gloves when possible to protect your hands. When working with electrical wiring, there may be sharp points or edges that can cause you to cut yourself. Protect yourself from injury by wearing work gloves whenever you can.

4.       Rubber boots can help to protect you when working with electricity as well. Remember that water and electricity do not mix well so if you are working with electricity and there is any chance that water or dampness may be evident, wearing rubber boots can help you to avoid electrical shock. Rubber boots will stop an electrical current from reaching your body. Make sure that you check your rubber boots to ensure that there are no holes that could allow water to touch your feet.

5.       Safety glasses are very important when working with electricity. These will help you to protect your eyes from dust and debris as well as electrical sparks. If you are working with electrical wiring and you need to cut holes or otherwise drill into a wall or ceiling, safety glasses will ensure that you do not get debris in your eyes that could cause infection or in very extreme cases, blindness. 

This article was written by Electric Point, electrical wholesalers in the UK.

THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

This article was written by PAT, providing information about PAT testing for the UK.  

With many health and safety laws now in place, it is essential that employees are safe and protected while it is also important that you protect yourself as a business owner. When you are working with electricals it’s extremely important that you are aware of safety in the workplace. All business owners should be aware of steps that can be taken to ensure electrical safety and all employees should follow these steps to keep themselves safe. 

When you are a business owner it’s important that you are responsible for ensuring that everyone works safely at all times. As electrical appliances and machinery can be potentially dangerous you need to ensure that your equipment is safe so that accidents don’t happen. If you are fully prepared for when it comes to electrical safety, it is unlikely that these accidents will occur. Before assigning staff to equipment you must make sure your employees are fully trained in using the equipment as you could be facing a legal battle if they use the machinery incorrectly. 

As an employer, you should make sure that all of your electrical equipment is tested regularly to ensure that it is safe for use. PAT testing will find out if there are any damages or defects that could make your equipment unsafe when used. For this you can either hire a PAT tester or complete an inspection yourself if you are fully qualified.

Employees also need to be trained properly in order to avoid accidents and other steps need to be taken to ensure that everyone in the workplace is safe.

Here are a few places where electrical safety should be monitored:

Factories

Depending on the type of factory, both employers and employees need to check all the electrical appliances being used to make sure they are safe and comply with electrical safety guidelines.  Unsafe factory equipment can cause huge problems if it is not monitored effectively as it is crucial when protecting employees.

Computers

As computers are used via the main electrical ports, you need to check that your computers are checked for safety as they can pose a threat if they are not maintained properly.  Computers should also be PAT tested to ensure that they are safe to use.

Till Points

As a till is used in the same way as a computer, it is important that you take the same precautions. In the same way that computers are tested, a till should be tested to ensure that there are no damages or defects that could pose a hazard when they are used.

Kitchen Equipment

Whether you are an employee or an employer, you need to make sure the kitchen equipment the staff use is in good working order and works effectively. Microwaves, ovens and other appliances should be regularly inspected to ensure against damage or defects. Accidents are fairly common in commercial kitchens; therefore ensuring your electrical appliances are in good working order will help to reduce the amount of accidents in the workplace. 

Keeping your workplace safe doesn’t take long and will help your staff to feel safe and protected. If you are a business owner, it is your legal responsibility to provide your employees with a safe working environment; therefore you should do everything in your power to make this happen. 

Visit http://www.pat.org.uk/ for more information.

Employers should provide their employees with the proper dielectric PPE to ensure their safety. pb

 

 

 

 

LAW REQUIRING PPE PROVISIONS ISN’T ENFORCED BY EMPLOYERS (GUEST POST)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is defined as personal and protective specifically against the hazard or hazards that have been identified. PPE must be compatible and work effectively with other equipment. Correct PPE equipment is required to ensure that employees are protected from injury or disease through their work and provides a last line of defence when other risk management strategies have failed in some way. 

PPE is legally the responsibility of employers within the UK. The law currently emphasizes that employers must provide their staff with free of charge PPE. However, a recent TUC article has highlighted that over one in five workers are being forced into providing or replacing PPE equipment that they needed for their work. This is relevant particularly across the electrician and construction industries. 

Notably out of these, the survey highlighted that 11.6% of workers were required to use safety equipment at work and yet it was not provided or paid for by their employer. An additional 8.9% were responsible for any damage or replacements for employer provided PPE. 

An example would be the need to invest in good quality Arc Flash Hood in a usable and working condition as is essential for many electricians; the expense of which should be footed entirely by employers as dictated by the law. 

Compounding the poor levels of PPE provision there are two further factors to consider: 

  • Employers, where they do offer PPE, often buy low quality PPE of a standard size in an attempt to maximise profit through minimising costs. Employees therefore find that they are limited to uncomfortable, incorrectly sized PPE which is not effective against hazards and therefore often buy their own equipment. 
  • Within the current market place many workers within the construction or electrical engineering sector are now termed as self-employed, or are working through an agency. This enables employers to shirk around the law regarding satisfactory PPE and increasingly opens the doors to the requirement of self-funding for PPE provision. 

Interestingly, the law also goes as far as to state that every employer should ensure that all PPE provided is fully maintained (including replaced or cleaned where appropriate). This means kept in good repair and in efficient working order. With this in mind it’s also perhaps surprising to learn that a staggering 60% of those with employer provided PPE that requires regular cleaning are held responsible for the task. Their employers made no investment or provision for cleaning of PPE equipment. 

Unfairly, it seems that it’s most often than not workers from lower paid roles that are held responsible for the costs, and disproportionately it is female employees that are required to provide their own attire. This means there are many newly qualified electricians having to spend money they can least afford gaining test and commission, cherry-picking other types of certificates as well as investing in or maintaining their  Electrical PPE in order to make themselves more employable. 

Naturally the electrical companies currently benefit a lot from the individuals’ efforts to land work and are happy with the current situation. Until the law is backed up through pressure on companies, including those in the construction industry, to employ on a PAYE basis things look set to remain problematic. There is already little enforcement of the existing law and as a result many are forced to pay from their own pocket or go without, which is unthinkable within the construction industry. The government’s future plans to reduce the number of workplace inspections are set to increase the chance of the situation getting worse for the little guy before there’s any improvement.

Sent to us by Pete Clydesdale, of Clydesdale.net.  Pete, thanks so much for pointing out that many contractors do not furnish the correct ppe for the employees, or none at all.  In the U.S., OSHA has very much the same regulations, and through inspections they have penalized many companies for these violations.  It is lawful that every person have the right to safe working places and the correct protection. 

For quality safety products from glasses to gloves, and inbetween, check out Texas America Safety Company.

 

AUTUMN SAFETY TIPS (GUEST POST)

Autumn is right around the corner and with autumn comes colour-changing leaves and crisp weather – it’s the perfect time of year to wrap up against the weather and go for a bracing walk with the family.  But with autumn comes cooler weather, and with cooler weather comes the potential for hazards within the home. So we’ve come up with a few top safety tips for you to follow this autumn to protect your family against accidents or injuries.

  • Test all of your smoke alarms. More devices tend to be plugged in during autumn, as the weather is cooler and so more people spend more time inside, meaning that there is a higher risk of fire – so make sure you’re protected by checking your smoke alarms. If you like, perform a fire drill with your family to make sure they all know what to do in the event of fire.
  • If you’re going to use a space heater or electric heater, make sure you don’t use it to dry clothing – and keep it away from all flammable materials. Drying clothes on a space heater is a major fire hazard – so dry your clothes in your tumble dryer, on radiators or on drying racks instead.
  • You’ll probably be using the tumble dryer more frequently when autumn hits – so make sure you clean the filters regularly to prevent build-up of lint, as this could lead to a fire if unchecked.
  • If your car is prone to breaking down or being temperamental in cold weather, buy jump leads, a torch, radiator fluid, windshield washer fluid and de-icing spray and keep them in the boot of your car – that way, if anything happens, you should be able to get home. If you live in a particularly cold area, keep blankets in your car just in case you get stranded.
  • If your kitchen is particularly chilly, keep it warm using your heating system or a space heater kept well away from your oven and hob. Don’t ever warm your kitchen with the heat from your oven or gas hob – you could inhale very toxic gasses.
  • Check around the inside and outside of your house for odd jobs that might need doing, such as replacing roof tiles, cleaning your gutters and chimney and fixing any damaged windows. If you have a real fireplace and fire, you should also check the chimney flue to make sure it is in good condition.
  • If you’re raking leaves, be careful not to bend too much and don’t overfill leaf bags; equally, if you’re using a leaf-blower, use the proper safety equipment such as boots, appropriate clothing and safety eye goggles to protect your eyes.

Follow the tips above and you should find that this autumn is a safe one for you and your family – but if you suffer an accident or injury and want some legal advice, contact the professionals.

Author Bio: Richard Flynn works within the medical negligence and personal injury field with Pryers Solicitors.

Our thanks to Richard for this good advice.  (I think the last time I asked someone from England what a “hob” was, the answer was a stove. Hope that’s correct.)  pb

 

HOW TO EXERCISE YOUR EYES (GUEST POST)

Ways to Exercise your Eyes

Today, a majority of professionals working in different industry use computers for long hours in their daily office work. This could easily strain your eyes, hence carrying out proper exercises for them become mandatory. These exercises could make your eyes stronger and at the same time relieves the strain caused to them.  Below is the list of some useful exercises which can help you in improving eye health and making your them free from strain. 

Breathing

You may be surprised to see breathing in the list of eye exercises; however, this could help you in relieving the stress in your body along with relaxing your eyes. Before doing this, you are supposed to remove your glasses and then try breathing. For this, find a comfortable place to sit. Check your breathing rhythm, inhale air deeply via your nose. Your lungs should expand with the air taken inside followed by exhaling slowly from your mouth. You need to feel your stomach and chest deflating in a proper shape. Repeat these steps for several times.

While doing so, your eyelids should hang heavy, your eyes should remain unfocused and at the same time keeping the eyes relaxed till you close them slowly. You need to relax your body without putting any tension with slow movements. Continue your breathing for three minutes. Lastly, open your eyes without looking at anything in particular. Allow your eyes to remain unfocused so that they can get some light in a relaxed and natural way.

Massaging

Massaging your eyes too is an effective way to get rid of the strain in your eyes. All you need is a clean towel soaked in both hot and cold water and then press lightly to your face with focusing more on your close eyelids, eyebrows, and cheeks. Also, rub the hot soaked towel over your forehead and neck. While massaging your eyes, you are supposed to do it in a circular motion using your fingers for one or two minutes. To avoid any eye damage, you need to press them in light fashion with properly washed hands.

Scanning

This exercise for your eyes could help you in alleviating your strain over your eye muscles. Looking at one fixed point for longer duration cold restrain your blood flow, hence you need to loosen up your eye muscles by scanning your entire room. You can do this by either sitting or in a standing position or even while moving in any direction.

While scanning, you need to relax your eyes with proper breathing, looking around your room. Since the goal of this exercise is to move your eyes in different directions, hence you are supposed to shift it anywhere with your natural breathing and blinking processes. Also, while doing so, you are required to release any tension found around your jaw, mouth, and neck. Keep doing this for two minutes.

Near and far focus

Working on a computer for long hours could deter you in refocusing between your computer screen and the object that’s kept away at some distance. Trying this exercise can help you in making your eye muscles more flexible while gazing at diverse distances. To begin with, you need to find a comfortable position and start breathing in a natural way. Now, simply hold your thumb around six inches away from your eyes by keeping it straight across your nose.

Then gaze at your thumb by taking a deep breath followed by exhaling out slowly. Now, look at any object which is placed at around ten feet away from you. Now, take a deep breath by exhaling out slowly and looking at your thumb again. You are supposed to repeat gazing at your thumb and a far away object in an alternate order up to 15 times.

Wrapping up

Your eyes are important organ of your body. For a healthy body, you need to take care of these. The above exercises would help you in boosting appropriate amount of visual function along with helping to relieve computer eye stress.

About the author:  Margaret Jules is a writer/blogger. She loves to spent time on Ergonomic GymyGym exercise. She also loves to read more about exercise on bornrich.