Category Archives: Eye Protection

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING WHAT WENT WRONG

One of the worst things that can happen to any business is for an employee to be injured on the job.  (It goes without saying, that it’s also a very unfortunate event for the employee.) Workers have the right to know exactly what is expected of them in their daily job performance.  They should be informed of any hazards associated with their duties and properly trained before beginning their job, and given the proper personal protective equipment that is required to ensure their safety.

Efficient businesses have policies and procedures, which should include a proper accident investigation and reporting plan.  Prevention, of course, is the key to avoiding accidents, but when they happen, someone must be assigned to be responsible in determining how and why the injury occurred.   Insufficient reporting of work-related accidents will lead to higher costs for employers.  It also must be reported to company management and workers comp providers in an accurate and timely manner.

Lost time accidents are costly to employers.  According to Cal/OSHA, for every dollar a company spends on direct costs of a workers’ injury, more dollars are spent to cover the hidden and indirect costs, such as:

  • Productive time lost by the injured employee;
  • Productive time lost by employees attending the accident victim;
  • Time to hire/retrain employee while victim is off work;
  • Clean up and start up of operations that were interrupted;
  • Paying employee all or part of wages, in addition to compensation;
  • Cost to repair damaged equipment;
  • Higher workers compensation rates;
  • Cost of paperwork involved in reporting accident.

Employers that do not furnish safe and healthful work practices for their workers are gambling with the future of their very own business.  Hazard assessments, risk management, and safety programs are essential for ensuring successful business practices for everyone involved.

Another angle to consider, as well, is that a thorough accident investigation will prove that the injury did occur on the job, and not elsewhere.  History shows that there are people in this world that will take advantage of their employer and sue them for an on-the-job injury that happened somewhere else.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

When Crying Doesn’t Help

Dry-eye syndrome is a very bothersome issue that affects many people.  Dryness usually happens on its’ own, and is a chronic annoyance.  The eye’s tear film is composed of three layers: (1)mucus on the surface of the eye, (2) a watery layer, and (3) an oily top layer that holds the moisture in place.

Each of these liquids comes from a different gland in or near your eyelids, and if any gland slows down production, the results are very unpleasant.  Ironically, even crying won’t help much when the surface of your eye becomes dry and rough due to an inadequate supply of lubricating tears to wash away debris.

Investigate your environment/lifestyle for factors that may be causing this problem:

  • Dry air.  Air purifiers cut down on dust and debris, and a humidifier will help.
  • Lack of sleep.  Your eyes’ cells repair themselves during an eight-hour sleep period.
  • Fans and vents blowing in your face. Breezes feel good, but dry out your eyes.
  • Secondhand smoke.  Very irritating to eyes.
  • Dehydration. Six (8) ounce glasses of water help keep your eyes hydrated.
  • Computer/tv screen. You blink less often when staring at a computer screen or television screen.  Blinking spreads tears.
  • Contact lenses.  They absorb moisture, and inhibit the flow of cleansing tears.
  • Going hatless when outside.  A brimmed hat will minimize the sun’s ability to evaporate your tears.

There are many over-the-counter eye drops and gels that alleviate the irritation of dry-eyes. The first step in controlling the problem is to identify the cause of it.  We hope some of the things listed above may possibly help bring about a solution.  Wraparound sunglasses are a very valuable tool that protects your eyes from wind, dust, and glare.  By taking steps to keep your eyes comfortable, you will be protecting your eyesight for years to come.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MACULAR DEGENERATION

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More than eight million Americans have a problem that isn’t easily corrected:  macular degeneration.  There is a small area at the back of the eye called the macula that allows us to see fine detail.  When the macula becomes damaged, vision toward the center of the area we are focusing on becomes dimmer and hard to distinguish.  Two types of macular degeneration exist: wet and dry.  The dry type is more common and reduces central vision more slowly.

Wet macular degeneration happens less frequently, when abnormal blood vessels develop in the back of the eye and break and leak fluid underneath the macula.

Most cases of macular degeneration are associated with aging.  The American Academy of Opthalmology recommends that persons between the ages of 40 – 54 years have a comprehensive eye examination every two to four years.  Between the ages of 55 – 64, they should have these exams every one to three years, and after age 65, have one every one to two years.

Experts have made the following suggestions that we all can apply, regardless of age, in order to try to prevent the onset of macular degeneration:

  • Eat fish.
  • Limit fats in the diet.
  • Exercise.
  • Have a healthy lifestyle, and maintain a normal weight.
  • Eat plenty of fruits, nuts, and dark green leafy vegetables.
  • As your physician about taking antioxidant vitamins containing zinc.
  • Be extra vigilant if there’s a member of your family that has had it.
  • Don’t smoke; it increases the risk five times more than for non-smokers.

If you begin to notice changes in your vision, or see blurry lines on reading materials, consult your physician.  He/she may recommend that you see an optometrist or ophthalmologist.  Treatments that can possibly slow vision loss include:

  • Photodynamic surgery;
  • Injections of medicine into eye;
  • Laser surgery.

These procedures are done only by opthalmologists.  Other aids that may help those whose vision is getting poor are magnifying glasses, better lighting, and large print books and newspapers.  A study done last fall showed that people who live in sunny locations are more susceptible to macular degeneration, as the rays from sun can damage the cells of the retina, so wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help.

So, do as Popeye does: eat your spinach, and keep those eyes healthy!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

SPOTTING EYE HAZARDS ON THE JOBSITE

Work-related eye injuries alone cost over $300 million dollars per year, in lost production time, worker compensation, and medical expenses.

OSHA says there are two main reasons:

(1) Workers weren’t wearing any eye protection. By some estimates, as many as three out of five injured workers weren’t wearing eye protection at the time of their accident.

(2) Workers were wearing the wrong kind of protection-the eyewear did not effectively protect against the specific hazard they faced.

Employers should know the risk factors facing their employees and properly train the workers to wear the appropriate eye protection prior to beginning their duties.  If employees determine there are chances of eye injuries occurring that have not been addressed, they need to immediately notify their supervisor.  Companies should strictly enforce their personal protective equipment policies.

Workers who are exposed to hazards such as molten metal, dust, dirt, wood chips, liquid chemical splashes, flying particles, gases or vapors, caustic liquids, infection-related materials, and light radiation must wear the appropriate eye and face protection.  Improper or poor-fitting eyewear will not ensure safety from eye injury.  If workers wear prescription lens, there are safety glasses that comfortably fit over the prescription glasses, or some safety eyewear can be made with the prescription in them.  Contact lens wearers must wear eye/face protection when working in hazardous settings.

Types of EyeProtection:Types of Eye Protection

  • Safety Spectacles – Impact resistant lenses; safety frames are usually made from metal or plastic. Side shields may be added for further protection.
  • Welding Shields – Vulcanized fiber/fiberglass with filtered lens, protect from infrared burns, radiant light sparks, slag chips, and metal.  Shades on the shields are numbered, and the welder must use the correct shade number according to tasks being done to secure eyes from harmful light radiation.
  • Laser Safety Goggles –Protect from intense concentrations of laser light. These are special goggles.
  • Face Shields – Sheets of transparent plastic, (sometimes polarized), which goes from eyebrows to below chin and across width of head.  They do not absorb impacts; however, they work well with goggles or safety spectacles against impact hazards.  Protect face from splashes, dust, sprays, etc.

One could lose their eyesight in a matter of seconds; therefore, it makes sense to take a little time to put on protective eyewear before entering the jobsite.

Source: OSHA

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection

GIVE YOURSELF A HAND!

Tools are such a common part of our lives that it is east to forget that they pose serious hazards.  Hand tools range from axes to wrenches, and we need to keep them in top working condition in order to keep ourselves in good working condition, as well!  We need to protect ourselves with goggles, safety glasses, gloves; in other words, choose the right personal protection when using hand tools.

  • Wooden handles on hammers or other tools that are split or splintered should not be used, as the head of the tool could fly off, possibly resulting in pain for someone!
  • If wrench jaws are sprung, the wrench could slip.
  • Saw blades, knives, should always be turned away from employees working close by.
  • Mushroomed heads on impact tools, such as hammers, may cause shattering on impact.
  • Dull knives and scissors are more unsafe than sharp ones.
  • Pliers should not be substituted for wrenches.
  • Use the correct size of tool.
  • Store tools in safe places.
  • Iron/steel hand tools may produce sparks that could possibly be an ignition source close to flammable substances.
  • Employees and individual do-it-yourselfers should be properly trained in using hand tools.
  • Be aware that working with certain hand tools pose risks to fingers, hands and eyes.

These four basic rules can prevent hazards:
1.    Keep all tools regularly maintained and in good condition.

2.    Use the right tool for the job.

3.    Check each tool for damage before use, and don’t use tools that you find are damaged.

4.    Use the right personal protective equipment.

So, when you are do-it-yourself-ing: remember these tips!  If so, you will deserve to give yourself a hand, and a pat on the back!

OSHA

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, Weather Protection

“SUMMERTIME, AND THE LIVIN’ IS EASY”

Employers know that their personnel face year-round hazards, but summer brings extra ones, such as heat stress, exposure to pesticides, and venomous insects and snakes, just to name a few.  Workers in parks, recreation, highway departments, forestry, construction, paving, painting, and agriculture must deal with all the hazards that hot weather brings while performing their job duties.

Employers should train their workers well; they should be given the chance to acclimate to the heat gradually.  An estimated 46% of reported heat illness cases occurred the first day on the job; 80% reported cases of heat illness within 4 days of beginning a job.  Persons that are physically fit become acclimatized 50% faster than those who are not in good shape. However, during a heat wave, even previously acclimatized employees are at risk.  The body must have time to adjust to sudden, abnormally high temperatures or other extreme conditions.

There are many ways companies can help make the workers better able to do their job comfortably.  Furnishing shade in rest/break areas is very important.  Portable canopies or umbrellas can be set up, and use misting machines, or spray them with water.  Employers should be sure they wear hats, safety glasses (sunglasses), and proper protective clothing.  During heat waves, it would be best to work early morning or evening shifts, and avoid overtime and double shifts.

Other important ways that employers can ensure the health and safety of their workers are:

  • Educate them on ways to prevent heat stress.
  • Be sure they know what to do if a co-worker seems to be experiencing heat-related illness.
  • Provide plenty of water.
  • Adjust work schedule to provide workers rest from the heat.
  • Rearrange nonessential duties.
  • Supervisors should monitor workers and be sure they are staying hydrated.

Employers are required by OSHA to provide that workplaces are free from recognizable hazards, both indoors and outdoors.  It is up to the companies to know in advance what their employees will confront and guarantee that their environment is a safe one.

Source:
NIOSH
CAL/OSHA

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

ONE OF MANY RISKS HEALTHCARE WORKERS ENCOUNTER – BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

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Those who work in the field of healthcare, i.e., medical, dental, nursing homes, EMS, and others such as law enforcement, are trained to take Universal Precaution: the approach to infection control with regard to human blood and potentially infectious materials as if they were known to be infectious.  It is estimated that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as:

  • Hepatitis B, which is more transmittable than HIV; affects liver.
  • HIV; Human Immunodeficiency Virus;
  • Hepatitis C.  This is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States, most often caused by needlestick injuries.  If not treated properly, it can lead to active liver disease.

Employees with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens must receive proper training.  The appropriate use of personal protective equipment is mandated by the Bloodborne Pathogens Standards.

Goggles, and glasses with sideshields should be utilized as needed, as they drastically reduce health risks to workers.  An OSHA standard covering bloodborne disease requires employers to provide appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing free of charge to employees.  Hand washing facilities should be readily available to employees, and designated areas should be assigned for washing, storage or discarding of PPE.

Employers must have Exposure Control Plans and provide post-exposure prophylaxis and follow-up treatment of workers’ exposure incidents.

Source: OSHA

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing

SAFETY FIRST IN WAREHOUSING

According to OSHA, statistics show that more than 145,000 people work in over 7,000 warehouses.  The fatal injury rate for the warehousing industry is higher than the national average for all industries.  Some of the potential hazards for workers in warehousing are: unsafe use of forklifts; improper stacking of products; failure to use proper personal protective equipment; inadequate fire safety provisions; and poor respiratory protection.

  • Docks are locations where products fall on employees, forklifts run off the dock, or equipment strikes a fellow worker.
  • About 100 employees are killed and 95,000 injured every year while operating forklifts in all industries.  Operators should be properly trained, and anyone under 18 years old should never be allowed to operate a forklift.
  • Injuries happen when workers are caught in pinch points when working around conveyors.  Proper lighting and working surfaces assist in providing safety in the conveyor area.
  • Improperly stored materials may fall and injure workers.
  • If hazardous materials are present, chemical burns are possible.  Provide proper personal protective equipment and enforce its use.  All chemicals should be stored safely and securely.
  • Charging Stations need to have fire extinguishers available and ready; prohibit smoking.  PPE, such as nitrile gloves, and eye and face protection should be worn around charging stations, and an eyewashing and safety shower facility should be provided for employees exposed to battery acids.
  • Improper lifting, repetitive motion or poor design of operations can cause musculoskeletal disorders in workers in warehouses. Floors should be kept clean and free from trip/slip hazards.  Provide general ergonomics training.

The jobs that are performed in warehouses require skill in lifting and observing safety procedures at all times.  Employees should have proper training and be aware of the many hazards lurking in warehouses.

Eye Protection, Hand Protection, Home Safety Products

YOU’VE GOT THE POWER! (FOR THOSE SUMMERTIME JOBS)

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Tool manufacturers just keep coming up with more powerful tools for doing those outdoor jobs, whether at home, doing landscape work, or in the field. Lawn Rangers, listen up!

Power grass/weed trimmers have enough power to sling sticks, rocks, and other debris, which can get in the operator’s eyes, or injure someone standing by.  Goggles should be worn when operating trimmers.

A newer type of tool is the brush cutter, which use rigid cutting blades, rather than plastic string lines that are used on trimmers.  In addition to cutting through heavier brush, etc. they can also cut arms, hands, and legs.  Persons operating this tool should wear protective clothing in addition to eye goggles, and others need to stay away while the brush cutter is being operated.

Riding mowers are the remedy for cutting grass in larger yards.  Persons purchasing their first riding mower should become familiar with all its features before taking off.  Only responsible persons should use riding mowers.  The area to be mowed should be cleared of limbs and things that could possibly be thrown by the blades of the mower.  Riding mowers are capable of amputating hands and feet, so extreme caution should be used.  It’s not a good idea to carry passengers on the mower. Again, goggles protect your eyes.

Power mowers are another type of tool that the operator needs to understand before starting it. Be sure there are no young children in the area, and remove objects such as big sticks, etc.
Make certain it is full of fuel before starting; never refuel while it is running or the engine is hot.  Wear good shoes, not flip-flops.  Also, don’t cut grass while it is wet, as it can bunch up and damage the mower. (Remember, the goggles!)

It’s great to have these great tools, but please don’t be a part of the thousands in the “power parade” that march, (or limp) in to the emergency room!  Play it safe!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

HOT TIPS ON HEAT STRESS

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During the summer months, workers who are exposed to extreme heat should recognize symptoms of heat stress, and how it can be prevented.  Things that can lead to heat stress are: inadequate water intake, physical exertion, direct sun, high temperature or humidity, and some medicines.  Workers should stay hydrated and maintain a safe core body temperature, which should never exceed 100°F.  Ingesting fluids on a regular basis also puts less strain on the cardiovascular system.

Signs of heat disorders are:

  • Heat Stroke – This is the most serious heat related disorder.  Confusion, irrational behavior, loss of consciousness, lack of sweating (usually), an abnormally high temperature are primary signs of heat stroke, resulting in a medical emergency.  The worker should be doused with cool water and given fluids.  Drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar can cause workers to lose body fluid, and very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps.  Cool fluids are easier to drink and more easily absorbed into the body.
  • Heat Exhaustion – This is the result of a combination of dehydration and excessive heat.  Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, giddiness, and thirst are symptoms.  Workers with heat exhaustion should be given fluids, and encouraged to rest.  Workers can stay hydrated by keeping containers of fluids handy at all times.
  • Heat Cramps – Caused by an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating and lack of water replenishment.  Workers in hot environments should drink water every 15 to 20 minutes and drink carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquids (e.g., sports drinks).
  • Heat Rashes – Most common problem where skin is persistently wetted by sweat.  Creams or ointments should not be used as they keep the skin warm and moist, and may worsen the condition.  Powders may be applied.

A reminder to workers: be sure to drink fluids before becoming thirsty; if you wait, your body is already dehydrated.  Wear a wide brimmed hat if your work doesn’t require a hardhat, use sunscreen, and wear OSHA approved safety glasses that have the proper UV protection.  There are many other products on the market to help you “keep your cool”.

Source: OSHA
CDC
Airgas