Category Archives: Eye Protection

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection, Home Safety Products, Uncategorized

IS YOUR HOME “AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN”?

How closely have you checked your house for hazards?  Since June is “Home Safety Month”, this is an excellent time to remind you of the many chances for you or a loved one to be injured in your very own home.  According to the Home Safety Council, making a checklist is a good way to start.

Going room by room, you will be surprised at what’s lurking….. even your computer!  Yes, we said your computer.

New research has shown that more people are showing up in emergency rooms with computer-related injuries, according to Jennifer Thomas, reporter for HealthDay.

From 1994 to 2006, there was an increase in injuries of 732 per cent nationwide from 1,300 per year to 9,300 per year of persons tripping over computer wires or getting hit by falling equipment. Ms. Thomas reports that a study published in the online issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, stated that more and more people are using computers, and over a 13-year period, around 78,000 people had computer-related injuries.  The report suggests that computers should be kept on a wide work surface to ensure they won’t tip over, and cords need to be away from walking areas.  The study revealed that children under the age of 5 had the highest injury rate, with the leading cause of injury tripping or falling over computer equipment.

Here are some other areas you need to add to your checklist:

  • Bathroom:  For chemicals or poisons.  Also, are there mats on the floor so there’s no slipping?  Don’t leave medicines in drawers that are within reach of children.
  • Kitchen:  Also check for poisons, chemicals, cleaning solutions that are accessible to children.  Fire extinguisher.  Do you have one and know how to use it?
  • Stairways: Be sure rails are in good shape.  Is the area well lighted?  Check for loose carpet.  Also have safety gates installed at foot and top of stairs if there are toddlers in the home.
  • Living Room/Den/Dining Room: Be sure furniture is tip-proof.  Adults, as well as children, have been hurt by furniture that tips over.
  • Hallways: How often do you check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors?  (A good rule of thumb is every spring and fall when the time changes.)
  • Windows:  In warm weather, be sure you have strong window screens.  Also, remember that cords from mini-blinds have been known to cause injury and death to small children.  Adjust them so there are no loops that might get into the wrong hands.
  • Outside:  Again, don’t leave chemicals or pesticides where pets or children will find them.

Keep your home clutter-free.  Chances are better that no one will get hurt if there’s no danger of tripping.  Take the time to look around to see just how many ways there are for you to keep your “Home Sweet Home” safer!

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Weather Protection

MT REDOUBT, CONTINUED

Scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory have been closely watching Mt. Redoubt, an active volcano in the largely volcanic Aleutian Range, since the end of January, when geologists recorded a sharp rise in earthquake activity.  In a recent AP release, (March 23)

The Alaska Volcano Observatory said there have been five eruptions since from Sunday (March 22 through Monday, March 23), which spewed ash nine miles into the air, floating down into communities north of Anchorage.  The Observatory also stated that this type of activity could indicate that it is creating a formation called a lava dome.  Volcanologist Peter Cervelli said that such a formation could collapse, causing mudflows and more ash plumes.

Citizens of Alaska are not unfamiliar with these occurrences, and usually have advance warning in order to be prepared for the eruption of a volcano.  Ash fall from the Alaska volcanoes are tiny parts of rock and glass, which can cause severe injury to breathing passageways, eyes, nose, and open wounds.  The ash can also cause damage to equipment and vehicles.

As with any natural occurrence, we encourage persons in the area to be prepared the best way possible, by:

  • Having a first aid kit ready
  • Staying inside as much as possible
  • Wearing face masks
  • Covering face with wet cloths, if masks unavailable
  • Wearing goggles, especially over contact lens
  • Keeping fresh supplies on hand, i.e., water, food
  • Closing windows and vents to chimneys.

Following most eruptions, the possibility of short-term minor discomforts such as nasal and throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, uncomfortable breathing, skin irritations, and painful itchy eyes are typical results, rather than more serious health problems.  However, persons who suffer from respiratory ailments should take extra precautions to be prepared.

Eye Protection

MARCH IS WORKPLACE EYE SAFETY AND HEALTH MONTH

March is Workplace Eye Safety and Health Month, so we want to repeat how important it is for employers to make the right choice of eye care products and what to do in case of eye injuries.  From eye drops to eyewash stations, proper first aid is vital in case of an injury:

  • For specks in eye: try to wash out with tears or eyewash.  If this doesn’t help, keep eye closed, bandaged loosely and see physician.
  • For foreign objects in eye: it may be necessary to seek emergency medical assistance if it cannot be flushed with eyewash or removed with a moistened cotton swab.  Cover the eye and seek emergency medical attention.  If it is removed, flush with lukewarm water or saline solution.
  • Liquid chemicals or sprays in eye need to be flooded with clean water immediately, continuously, and gently for 15 minutes.  Keep eye open as wide as possible, and see a physician.  If possible, take label or container to physician.  Use spray cans carefully, as they are an increased source of chemical eye injuries.
  • Blows to the eye: apply cold compress for 15 minutes and each hour thereafter.  Discoloration or blackening could mean internal damage; a doctor needs to examine it.
  • Cuts or punctures of eye or eyelid need to be bandaged; seek medical help immediately.  Do not wash out or try to remove object.

The most effective way to prevent eye injuries is by wearing safety glasses or goggles. It is important that safety glasses fit properly; side shields on safety glasses also assist in keeping particles from entering the eyes.

It is imperative that workers recognize and report any hazardous situations in their workplace that could cause serious eye injuries.  Our website contains other articles reporting statistics of these types of accidents.    Most of them could have been avoided if the proper protection had been used.
Keep your eyes protected at all times, so you’ll never miss a thing!

Source: Gateway
NIOSH

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Respiratory Safety

ASBESTOS PART II

According to OSHA, there are an estimated 1.3 million employees in the construction and general industry that face significant asbestos exposure on the job.  Other workers involved are those in the manufacture of products that contain asbestos: textiles, friction products, insulation and other building materials, and persons that do automotive brake and clutch repair work.
Structures that were built before 1980 likely contain asbestos, and those constructed thereafter still may have ACM’s (asbestos containing materials.)  Plaster, insulation, tiles on floors and ceilings ductwork, roof shingles, adhesives are among the parts of buildings that have ACM’s.

Although asbestos is still legal, under federal rules, it is classified as a toxic substance. Your home, school, or office more than likely has asbestos.  It is not a threat as long as it is undisturbed and in good condition.  If you plan to continue living/working in this building, here are ways to ensure safety:

  • If the floor, ceiling, etc. are in good shape, leave them alone and undisturbed.  Be sure to check them often to see that they are in good condition.
  • Enclose with airtight barriers.  For example, floor tiles could be covered with another type of flooring.
  • Encapsulate with materials that surrounds or embeds the fibers with materials such as foams.

If your only option is to renovate or destroy the building, here is some valuable information:  individual owners may do it themselves, but they still must follow federal, state and local guidelines regarding waste transport and disposal.  Removal is a very expensive and complex option, and is better handled by contractors with special training, who understand the importance of personal safety equipment, isolation of dust, and monitor waste containment.  Contractors must follow OSHA guidelines and regulations.

If non-friable ACM can be removed whole and undamaged, the precautions listed below may be overkill, but for common situations such as removing ACM’s where free-floating asbestos fibers are an invisible hazard, these are instructions must be followed to ensure the workers’ safety:  they should

  • Be covered, head to toe, with disposable protective clothing
  • Wear special respirators with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters
  • Use rubber boots and gloves

OSHA prevention measures include requiring companies to provide engineering controls such as evaluating exposure time, furnishing showers, and ensuring that proper respiratory protection and clothing are furnished.

There are “many do-it-yourselfers” that may not understand the underlying respiratory problems that can be caused by little critters hiding in their houses.  We hope this article aids in their becoming conscious of the importance of using proper protection when undertaking projects that require extra safety measures.
OSHA
Asbestos.net
Asbestos-Abatement.com

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

More About Protecting Your Eyes

2 Comments

In researching eye injuries at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, their logo is “Use Them or Lose Them”, picturing a person with safety glasses on.  Thousands are blinded each year from work-related injuries that could have been prevented with proper use of eye and face protection.  More than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses and worker compensation are due to eye injuries alone.  Each day, over 2,000 U.S. workers have job-related eye injuries that require medical treatment. Safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and welding hoods, and full-face respirators must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards.  The frame of safety glasses must have Z87 or Z87+ on the frame. Anytime workers face hazards of flying particles or objects, they are required to have side protection or side shields on glasses.  Those who work in health care, janitorial, construction, laboratory staffs, construction, and welding, risk permanent damage to their eyes if they do not wear the proper PPE for face and eyes.  Employers must determine the types of hazards that are present before assigning PPE to workers. Side shields come in a variety of styles that will fit just about any shape of safety glass, and are used widely among many professions.  They are a great safety convenience, as they slip on and off safety glasses, but give the added security of side protection.  Wrap around glasses also furnish protection from wind, flying particles, dust, and much more.  Eye injuries occur because of inadequate side protection, proper fit, or particles that fell from above, such as drilling or hammering overhead. What have you observed at your work site?  How many workers are wearing any type of eye protection?  And do they keep it on all day?  A very common response after the fact of an eye injury is “I didn’t think I needed it.”  With all the wonderful features that safety glasses boast, there’s just no excuse for not wearing eye protection!  There are safety glasses available for  all kinds of work that are stylish and have features, such as fitting over regular prescription glasses, numerous tints, even ones with bifocal lenses. The next time you need a pair of sunglasses, check out the cool new styles of safety glasses.  They look great, cost less, and furnish much more protection.  You’ll be stylin’ with your new safety glasses on the job, working around the house, or at play. Sources: OSHA NIOSH

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products, Respiratory Safety, Weather Protection

MT REDOUBT – WILL IT, OR WON’T IT

Scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory have been closely watching Mt. Redoubt, an active volcano in the largely volcanic Aleutian Range, since the end of January, when geologists recorded a sharp rise in earthquake activity.  Volcanoes can shoot ash 30,000 to 50,000’ high, and depending on wind and velocity, be carried more than 100 miles away.   The threat level (Aviation Hazard Color Codes) has been raised from yellow to orange, which means there is heightened unrest with an increased likelihood of eruption, or volcanic eruption under way with no ash or minor ash emission.  Anchorage is the nearest large city to Mt Redoubt.  Falling ash and ash flows carry toxins into rivers and lakes.  Glass particles in ash can also cause damage to vehicles.

Citizens of Alaska are not unfamiliar with these occurrences, and usually have advance warning in order to be prepared for the eruption of a volcano.  These volcanoes are different from the types of those in Hawaii, as they produce molten lava.  Ash fall from the Alaska volcanoes are tiny parts of rock and glass, which can cause severe injury to breathing passageways, eyes, nose, and open wounds.

As with any natural occurrence, we encourage persons in the area to be prepared the best way possible, by:

  • Staying inside as much as possible
  • Covering face with wet cloths, if masks unavailable
  • Keeping fresh supplies on hand, i.e., water, food
  • Closing windows and vents to chimneys.

Following most eruptions, the possibility of short-term minor discomforts such as nasal and throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, uncomfortable breathing, skin irritations, and painful itchy eyes are typical results, rather than more serious health problems.  However, persons who suffer from respiratory ailments should take extra precautions to be prepared.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Home Safety Products, Uncategorized

Think Safety on Purpose

2 Comments

Below is a testimonial from a friend who, like most of us, did not consider the dangers of doing even normal household and maintenance chores without protection.  I know I’ve trimmed trees and hedges dozens of times without using protection.  I think now I will reconsider!

Several years ago I stuck a mulberry branch stob into my right eye.  I had laser surgery and was not wearing glasses, the first form of eye protection.  My accident caused me to endure two additional surgeries and an extra year of treatment.  Since then, and due to my unfortunate experience, I wear safety goggles during all my tree trimming yard work.  They are not an inconvenience, and are much easier to deal with than almost blinding yourself.

Bill La Barr

United Methodist Church

Eye Protection

FOCUSING ON OCCUPATIONAL EYE INJURIES

4 Comments

According to Prevent Blindness America, 90% of all workplace eye injuries are preventable if proper safety eyewear is worn.  New employees should have vision testing and current workers should have regular eye examinations.  In work locations such as plants, it should be mandatory that 100% of the employees wear safety glasses that meet OSHA standards.

Workers must be responsible for the care of their safety eyewear; the company’s responsibility would be having eyewash stations readily available, and training their employees in first aid.

Employers should have written accident prevention policies for all type of on the job accidents, including a “NO EYE INJURIES” goal. Support from management should be foremost, with policies being reviewed and revised as needed, and displayed in prominent places where employees couldn’t miss seeing them!

For older workers, bifocal safety glasses are available.  Vision challenges are more common in workers who become frustrated by trying to focus on objects near at hand and switching between their safety glasses and prescription glasses.  Magnifying lens built into the safety glass lens perform just like standard bifocal glasses.  There are also safety glasses that fit over prescription glasses.

The US Consumer Products Safety Commission reports that eye injuries from welding account for more than 15,000 per year, with power tool eye injuries coming in second, at 10,000 per year.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than 700,000 work-related eye injuries occur per year.

Protecting eyes from permanent damage should be on everyone’s high priority list.  It’s a simple thing to put on a pair of safety glasses, and not taking the time to do so could be very costly.

Gateway Safety
Prevent Blindness America
USCPSC
BLS

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

FRYING THE TURKEY THIS YEAR?

If you see your neighbor sporting safety goggles, safety mitts, and carrying a fire extinguisher, it’s a good guess that he’s not headed to a fire, but getting ready to fry the turkey!  It has become quite a tradition to fry Thanksgiving or Christmas turkeys instead of the old-fashioned way, baking them in the oven.  But the aforementioned equipment might come in handy to keep the cook safe!

Despite the delicious outcome, make yourself aware that there are certain risks involved:

  • Most fryers do not have thermostats; therefore, temperature should be checked often because the oil could overheat to combustion. Never allow grease or oil to exceed 350°F.  Oil will ignite at 550°F to 700°F.
  • Turkeys that are not completely thawed could also cause oil to splash, threatening burns.
  • It is always important to follow manufacturer’s instructions and use extra caution when cooking with hot oil, which presents a fire hazard as well as a burn hazard.
  • Do not overfill pot with oil.
  • Never use inside an enclosed area (garage, patio) or under overhang of house.
  • Cooker should only be used on a level stable surface, away from wood decks, dry grass, shrubs, etc.
  • Keep propane cylinder at least 18” away from cooker while in use.
  • Keep an operable type BC fire extinguisher within easy reach.
  • Sides of pot can become extremely hot, so use mitts to prevent burns.  Goggles can protect ones eyes from oil splatters.
  • Never leave cooker unattended.  Keep children/pets away from cooker, even when through cooking, as the oil will remain very hot for a long period of time.
  • Cooker must not be operated in the rain.  Cover the pot immediately and turn it OFF.
  • If parts to the cooker are damaged, missing, or improperly installed, do not operate it.

If you choose to furnish this scrumptious main course for the holidays, just keep these safety tips in mind.  Cook with care, and enjoy your feast!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Weather Protection

A’ Hunting We Will Go!

If you are getting ready to exercise your right to bear arms, whether it’s against deer, turkey, moose, or waterfowl, here are some reminders for your safe hunting:

  • Always treat your firearm as if it were loaded.
  • Be certain of your target and what is beyond it.
  • During daylight hours, be sure to wear a hat or cap, vest, rain wear, or outer garment that is Hunter Orange and visible from all sides.
  • Some states allow camouflage vests if they are 50% Hunter Orange.
  • Keep control of your emotions.
  • If you are in an elevated deer blind, wear a fall resistant device, when climbing, sitting, or descending from position.
  • Maintain your weapon properly.
  • Carry flashlight for dim situations, so that you may be seen.
  • Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.

Waterfowl hunters should wear waterproof, warm clothing, and take spare clothes.  Chemical hand warmers come in handy when hunting in cold conditions.

Be sure to tell someone where you plan to hunt and when you plan to return.  Take your cell phone for added security.  Happy Hunting!