Category Archives: Hearing Protection

Onsite equipment operation can put operators at high risk for injury, no matter their skill or experience level. In fact, it was reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that in just one year, 8,450 amputations were performed due to occupational injuries caused by machine operation. To significantly reduce the risk of worker injury, it is imperative that employers make equipment operation as safe as possible on their job sites. While there is always risk for injury, there are certain measures you can take to eliminate a substantial amount of risk in your operations. To give you a better idea of how you can start developing a plan for safer equipment operation, we’ve provided the following five safety tips to help you get started!

Safety equipment

Safety equipment is a vital component of any workplace, especially for onsite equipment operations. To increase the safety of your workers, facilitate and enforce the use protective clothing and gear. Goggles should always be supplied and used to protect your workers’ eyes. Depending on the type of equipment you operate on your site, you may want to use full face goggles. It is also imperative that your employees wear gloves and closed toe shoes. Hard hats are, of course, another important item to include in the safety gear you provide your workers with. You will also want to include ear protection, dust masks, safety signs, and first aid kits.

2. Training

Workers face fewer hazards when they have the proper training and information necessary to operate the machinery onsite. Employers need to provide employees with training, offer instruction manuals, and make certain that each employee can effectively operate their equipment before allowing them to work independently.

3. Driving and Operating

Before your employees operate any equipment, it is important that you make sure that it has been properly inspected and serviced. Training your employees to thoroughly check surroundings and confirm full clearance before moving or backing up will also prevent accidents. It is important that your employees know to never leave a machine on an inclined surface with the engine running and never allow additional riders on equipment that does not permit them.

4. Maintenance and Repair

When gear is under repair, place a sign saying “Under Repair” in the seat, remove the start key, or lock out controls. Remind your workers to stop engines during refueling and shut off equipment before making repairs. It will also be important to carefully inspect all used construction equipment before putting it to work to ensure that it has been properly maintained and is ready for safe operation.

5. Parking and Security

Remind your workers to always lower allocates and set the parking brake before dismounting the equipment. Be sure that they are securing the equipment when finished for the day, making sure it is clear of foot traffic. If it is not clear, they will need to mark it with glares or red lights and lock it up.

Your employees need proper training, safety evaluated work areas, proper safety equipment and effective operation procedures to operate industrial machinery and high-tech equipment. Safety is always the most important objective when operating heavy equipment. Now that you know how you can create a safety plan, it’s time to get to work! Start by developing policies, ordering necessary safety equipment, and updating your workers’ training as well as your machine maintenance.

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

Unseen Dangers of Workplace Nobody Will Tell You About (Guest Post)

March 10, 2014 pat brownlee 1 Comment

It would not be wrong to say that every workplace has some dangers lurking for the employees. These often go unnoticed by the employees, sometimes causing much damage and irreparable injury. It could be a result of carelessness on the part of the management, lack of required security for workers or simply ignorance about the existence of the danger a particular activity or device holds. This post looks into those potential dangers and discusses workplace hazards we need to be careful and alert about.

Workers in the Hospitality and Services Industry

All those working in hotel kitchens and whipping up delicious dishes would probably never have thought about constant dangers they are exposing themselves to. The heat and fumes that they are constantly functioning in are extremely damaging to the health of the lungs. The hot pans and bulky vessels are other sources of burns and injuries that workers in the kitchen often work with and take little care. Poor lighting in kitchens, uncared for inflammable substances are other dangers lurking around in the kitchen.

The owner of the place must ensure proper lighting, storage, ventilation and functioning appliances in proper condition for the employees. On the other hand, the relatively innocent looking fryers and pans could also be sources of danger. While there should be a warning board displayed in every restaurant kitchen for newbies, that isn’t the case always. And so nobody will tell you that you never put anything frozen in a fryer, the oil will bubble up and burn your hands. Similarly you must always use gloves to handle pans and pots, even those that have handles. Also a slightly unwelded or loose handle can cause the pan and its contents to fall on you. Sharp objects in the kitchen exist in abundance and you must always be careful when handling knives, scissors, peelers and other sharp objects.

Workers in the Construction Industry

Construction workers have one of the most high risk jobs. They are constantly exposed to all sorts of danger at work. Four workers falling to their death on Christmas Eve in Toronto was a complete jolter and again brings into focus the nonchalant, lackluster attitude some employers have towards the safety of their workers.

While working around a backhoe, being electrocuted, cut by machines and crushed between boulders and vehicles are the obvious dangers workers are encountering at all times, there is another latent kind of danger that is of late becoming increasingly common in the construction industry. It is this phenomenon called “independent contractors”. A lot of desperate, migrant workers function as cheap labor and pump in their blood and sweat (literally) into these industries. The scarey fact here is, that employers are completely exploiting these “independent contractors” as they are not properly covered within the employment benefits. The employers as well as the insurers can get around not paying them benefits and worker’s insurance coverage.

States must take into account these desperate workers and make laws that help them to cover expenses and financial blows experienced due to an injury at the workplace. These workers can also seek legal counsel from aggressive and dedicated personal injury lawyers who will fight for their rights and litigate to secure them the best possible settlement in the given circumstances.

Besides these, construction workers are exposed to a number of other things that can be highly dangerous to them. Contaminated building products lead to a lot of damage in the worker’s bodies but one building product that few people know is very harmful for workers is asbestos. Painters, demolition workers, roofers, masons and bricklayers are all exposed to asbestos in some form or the other. There has been an increased incidence of peritoneal cancers and lung cancers in asbestos exposed workers. Studies have revealed that employers are using much higher concentration of asbestos than recommended, which is immensely harmful for the employees. Respirator protection, eye protection, and safe gloves are required for these workers.

When Working as Drivers

Motorbike delivery services, truck drivers, taxi-drivers, chauffers may get into the job thinking it is relatively risk-free. After a few days into the job they will know it’s not. You are expected to meet deadlines when you are in the delivery service and travelling on a bike, you will be speeding for your job. A fall or an accident can never be too far and you are always at risk.

Those jobs that involve loading and unloading can give you serious spine and back injuries. Many drivers also become a victim of violence and assault while on the road, which most of them do not expect and are not prepared for. Prolonged sitting on the job can lead to a lot of health problems like backaches and bad posture. Handling of constant communication tools even while on the road is dangerous though not deemed so by the owner of the vehicle or the driver. If you are in this profession, avoid using your cell phone as much as possible. Moreover, your job can involve engines, brakes, doors malfunctioning anytime, which can again lead to serious accidents.Regular servicing and maintenance of the vehicle is a must to make the automobile/truck as safe as possible for the drivers.

When You are a Farmer or a Rancher

While many believe farming as one of the most safe and satisfying occupations, the truth is slightly deviated from that. Satisfying, yes, probably for most, however, there are a lot of dangers lurking in farming as well. Constant exposure to various types of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides can lead to breathing problems as well as allergies. Ask a farmer and you will believe me. In addition, you are also dealing with some pretty big animals (who have horns and teeth) on your ranch. They are well behaved and somewhat tame, but if any of these animals get out of control, they can severely injure you – causing fractures, deep cuts, or spinal injuries. Hence, it is not surprising to know that the death rate percentage among farmers and ranchers as high as 21.3 per cent, which makes it actually counted as one of the most dangerous occupations in U.S.A.

Conclusion

Most of us spend the largest chunk of our lives at the workplace whether it is a farm, car or office. Each place and each job comes with some inherent risks and potential dangers. Some of these dangers are known to us and we know how to tackle them. But there are other physical and emotional dangers associated with the job as well, which we may not be aware of and that is what makes them all the more risky. If you have discovered any such unknown danger at the workplace, letting others know will help save many from injuries, fatigue and fatalities.

Author’s Bio:

Attorney Mike Hulen is a personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of Hulen & Leutwyler, LLC in Colorado. Hulen has more than 30 years of legal experience in helping the people to rebuild their lives after being injured in accidents. Whether you are looking for a strong representation in your personal injury case or need immediate help, call us at 888-717-7891.

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection

IS YOUR JOB THE “SECOND TIME AROUND?”

March 9, 2014 pat brownlee

Many senior citizens have found themselves taking on a semi-retirement job. Due to financial need or simply because they enjoy working, more and more seniors are working past the retirement age.

Those who have certain professional experience from their first job, or the one they retire from, may use those skills in another setting. Employers are happy to have older employees with experience, as they are very dependable and have a work ethic not found in many younger workers. There is aways new technology they must learn, but they are willing and able to do so.

Continuing to work helps keep our minds sharper. We have to think about each step, especially when learning a new skill set. Employers are conscious about the safety of all workers, but know that they must provide all employees with the personal protective equipment that fits the job duties, whether it is hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, or ergonomic products. Older employees may be more susceptible to injuries, but their job descriptions must fit their physical abilities.

By working after age 65 into their 70’s, senior citizens have the feeling of accomplishment. Most of them are just not ready for the rocking chair. There are many activities to participate in that allow us to enjoy life, but when we are working, there is not only the sense of pride in doing a job well, but there’s also a paycheck that helps, as well.

It is sad that there are so many unwilling to work because they think a job is beneath them. Too many citizens draw benefits that should be going to ones who really need and deserve them. When you see an older person working at a grocery store, convenience store, or any other business, you should admire what they are doing. You have no idea why they haven’t retired, so be happy for them that they are able to work.

Having worked in many different occupations during my life, I have enjoyed every one of them. It would be hard to imagine what I would do if I didn’t have this part-time, semi-retirement type of job! There are other things that fill our lives, our family and friends, but each day that I can work on this safety blog is a gift. I have met so many friends through this website; ones from countries all over the world, and it is a pleasure to have had them share their safety tips with our readers. In this type of work, there is no age barrier. I have no idea the ages of our guest authors, nor do they know mine.

That’s the way all work should be: respect for your co-workers, no matter how young or old they are. Everyone’s expertise is needed, and it’s amazing how much we can help each other if we just try. Keep yourself safe at all times, and if you aren’t ready to retire, don’t. Just find something that keeps you going and be proud that you still have your talents to give to the world.

Without the help of our team (of all ages) at Texas America Safety Company, my job would be very different, but thanks to their support and assistance when I need it, there’s always someone who lends a helping hand. I can honestly say “work is better, the second time around”, and mean it.

Pat

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety

SAVING LIVES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES BY REDUCING HAZARDS (GUEST POST)

March 4, 2014 pat brownlee 1 Comment

In order to keep the staff and management safe on construction sites, it is important that both parties participate in the proper safety standards and regulations. Not adhering to safety rules can put everyone involved in danger, can damage equipment and can cost the project time and money. Construction sites are some of the most dangerous work environments because of falls, equipment malfunctions, cuts, electrocution, backovers and so much more. Here are few suggestions for keeping your construction safe for all present and to finish your project with all of your staff still intact.

1) Employee Training

When hiring a staff to perform construction duties, it is easy to want to hire the cheapest labor possible, but that also means you may be paying for less experience and training. Many people assume that any able-bodied person can work with a construction company but this is a job that requires equipment knowledge and experience to perform the proper safety measures. Taking the time to educate your staff on safety standards and OSHA regulations can protect your staff from injury and your company from legal consequences. Making sure new hires are familiar with safety techniques, equipment and tools can save from surprises later on down the road. Having continuous education for your staff on new innovations in the field is another way to keep them safe and valuable.

2) Equipment Maintenance

Keeping equipment properly maintained and updated is essential to keeping construction staff safe. When you start to notice that certain tools or instruments used by your crew are beginning to malfunction or fall apart, be sure to mark them and put them aside from the other tools. Construction equipment is expensive and can break easily but it is better to throw these pieces away instead of having someone pay for negligence with a visit to the emergency room or the morgue. Every six months, inspect the tools and equipment the labor uses and be sure that your managers are informing you and the staff when certain equipment is out of commission.

3) Loose Wires and Exposed Hoses

Usually there is a lot going on at the average construction site. And in the confusion it can be easy for something small like a loose wire or an exposed hose to become to a big problem. During the process of installing the electrical systems, there are often hanging wires and loose cables lying around a site. These wires are dangerous because they can cause electrocution to a member of the staff or become entangled in equipment and be damaged. Improper electrical work will cost time and money later on and likely cause the finish date of your project to be postponed. Instead, use cable protectors from companies like Brahman Systems to protect the cables and wires that your staff need to operate. Exposed hoses are also a common site during the construction process. Hoses should be protected with steel reinforced hose protectors so that what they supply or transport can be properly maintained and not damaged by vehicles or materials.

4) Proper Uniform

The proper uniform should always be present at construction sites and is the employee’s first line of defense against injury. Proper uniform includes rubber soled shoes, hard hat, gloves, safety goggles, denim jeans, and reflective vest if working at night. If the employee is going to using equipment that is extremely loud like a jackhammers or nail guns, be sure they are wearing protective earmuffs or foam earplugs. Another aspect of proper presentation should be that no employee be found under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When one employee is not of proper state of mind, they put everyone at the site in danger and place the company under huge liability. Construction sites should have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drugs and alcohol on the job.

This post was written by M.G. Bachemin in association with Brahman Systems, a Louisiana producer of cable and hose protectors that decrease worksite hazards.

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

Avoidable Workplace Health and Safety Hazards (Guest Post)

February 19, 2014 Doug

Because prevention is always better than cure……..

Any type of work involves risk, whether you are working in a home office or on an oil rig. The risk levels vary of course and some are prominent while others are subtle but this doesn’t change the fact that they exist.

This is why it is important to take precautionary measures in any work environment. Common health and safety hazards in the workplace include; slipping and falling, transmissible diseases, transportation accidents, internal violence, toxic events (chemical and gas exposure), electrocution, ergonomic injuries, eye injuries, and hearing loss.

Of the examples given above, some are direct causes of injury while others slowly and steadily deteriorate our health. In certain professions the hazards are fairly obvious and each working environment is different so firstly, all potential risks in your particular workplace need to be identified.

Here are some tips to avoid a few of the most common health and safety hazards in the workplace:

Slipping and tripping

This is probably the most obvious and it can happen anywhere! It may be a bit trivial but industrial and commercial industries are at risk here not only for workers but for members of the public as well. General insurance does not cover compensation in the aftermath of an injury sustained by a member of the public so this is slippery ground for business owners (excuse the pun). Rather have things in place to avoid this simple hazard.

If you’re in an office, make sure that the computer, internet and phone cables are covered or take them off the floor completely, mount them against walls or desks. Where liquids are commonly used such as in a kitchen, ensure rubber mats are used and workers are geared in proper uniform.

Transmissible diseases

In a results driven society, people are encouraged to work even when they’re sick. Enforcing a different sick-day policy may cost the company, but rather have one worker stay home as opposed to having four workers infected with the same virus become bed-ridden. Unfortunately viruses can be incurred anywhere and it has an inordinate effect on an employer especially where deadlines need to be met. A tummy bug or a flu going around in a work place is not an ideal situation at all. Rather put the infected worker in home quarantine!

Hearing loss

This happens mostly in industrial environments like construction and mining. Correct gear is of utmost importance in environments where there is excessive noise like earplugs and headphones. Where possible, loud machines should be separated from the workforce.

Education and prevention

Employees should be aware of the risks they face in a particular job. As much as legal regulations guide workplaces in safety precautions, many accidents occur due to negligence or operating equipment incorrectly. Workers should be educated on how to prevent accidents and training should also be provided by the employer to ensure that workers know how to handle all apparatus in the workplace.

Accidents are unforeseen which is why there should be intervention to avoid misfortunes. The simplest of products could make a huge difference. Anything from cable ties to dome mirrors, wheel stops to corner guards can be used to minimise potential hazards. Unfortunately the good old computer-typed sign is hardly effective anymore in today’s bustling workplace.

Bio

Emily Ford is a writer for the bollard shop, a Perth based supplier of numerous building safety devices including custom designed bollards, parking protectors and traffic barriers.

Author Bio: Emily Ford,
Copywriter | Property Institute

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

TOP TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE DOING DIY PROJECTS THIS WINTER (GUEST POST)

February 5, 2014 pat brownlee

Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/criminalintent

DIY is something that most of us will tackle at some point or another around the home. Yet, if not done carefully, it can result in accidents and injuries, and is one of the top reasons for a visit to hospital. With winter in full force, this time of year can pose further challenges for DIY enthusiasts, so read on for some top tips to stay DIY safe this winter.

Always read instructions

There’s always so much to do in the run up to special guests or holidays; a growing to-do list, you might want to tackle those neglected DIY projects in time for the festive season. However, no matter what DIY job you tackle, always make sure you are fully prepared and equipped with the right tools for the job. Read instructions and understand what needs to be done. Accidents may well occur if you’re in a rush to get things checked off your list.

Let there be light

Natural light levels are low in wintertime, so make sure that you tackle any DIY tasks with sufficient extra lighting. If you can’t see what you’re doing properly, then you may end up banging a nail into your finger, instead of the wall!

Be careful using ladders

No matter what time of year you use ladders, it’s always important to be safe and careful when using them. In winter, using ladders outdoors can pose more of a compromise to safety, especially if your boots are muddy making the steps slippery. Don’t go up a ladder in windy weather, either. If there’s a problem that needs fixing, for instance with your roof, then call a professional out.

Electrical awareness

We’re prone to wetter and windier weather in winter, so if you need to do any DIY work in the garden involving the use of electrical items, make sure that you don’t operate them on a wet day. Electricity and water don’t mix, and could result in a nasty electric shock.

Don’t mess with gas

During winter we are reliant on our boilers to keep us warm and provide hot water. If your boiler conks out on the coldest day of the year, don’t be tempted to tamper around with it, in an effort to get it up and running again. Messing with gas can be very dangerous, especially for the amateur DIYer, so it’s always worth calling out a professional if your boiler does end up letting you down.

Wear protective equipment

Don’t cut corners with any DIY tasks by not protecting yourself. Make sure your eyes, ears, hands or feet are protected for the particular DIY tasks that you are undertaking.

Lifting heavy objects

Many people like to have a makeover or shift furniture around as the different seasons change. If you need to lift, move or carry anything at home, make sure that you do it safely and don’t cause injury to your back in the process. Get help to carry items, if needs be. The last thing you’ll want is to spend your time laid up in bed with a back injury because you were too impatient to get your DIY tasks done, or didn’t ask for help.

A lover of all things DIY, Justine writes for one of the UK’s leading online suppliers of high quality tools and machinery – Tool Orders UK.

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

WAYS TO INSPIRE YOUR EMPLOYEES ABOUT THE NEED FOR WORK SAFETY (GUEST POST)

January 27, 2014 pat brownlee

Work safety and sound precautions against health hazards is indeed a major aspect of all kinds of businesses, big or small. It is necessary that employers provide all kinds of safety dress, equipment and head/body gear in order not only to ensure avoidance of work related accidents but also ensure maximum safety, security and hazard free working environment for employees at all levels of work.

The equipment that may be needed are helmets and hardhats, ear plugs, goggles and eye care, body wear, gloves and hand wear, safety belts, care of limbs and both lower and upper extremity, stockings and boots, and so on. It is the right and privilege of each and every worker to gain protection from any kind of accident and mishaps and it is obligatory for employers to provide it to them.

Thus employees need to be provided a safe and hazard free work place, devoid of any kind of occupation or work related risks. However, despite best efforts, accidents do occur, and some of them may be lethal and dangerous, not only involving loss of limb but also that of life itself. Each and every work site must have medical and First Aid personnel and supplies commiserating with type, extent and degree of potential harm. Medical first aid services are addressed in specific standards for general industry, employment, terminals and construction industry. All businesses must have at least one first aid kit in office room and at construction area sites. The presence of an Automated External Defibrillator could indeed be life saving in event of heart attacks, as well as the need for first aid kit, bloodborne pathogen kit, with gown etc, CPR pack, disposable towels, plastic use and throw gloves, facial masks for mouth, eye shield and one way face shield.

Most safety minded and hazard avoiding companies would need to use a regular first aid kit that would have basic first aid treatment aids like splints, gauze, antiseptics, bandages, alcohol pads and also aspirin, burn cream or burn spray containers, eye wash kit, plastic gloves, compress for head and swollen injuries and also other needed first aid supplies. Each work environment has different safety and hazard intervention needs and requirements due to diverse kinds of injury potential and possibilities.

However, if the injury requires more treatment than just first aid, it is important that hospital numbers are called; meanwhile, first aid is administered as it should be done. It is necessary to research the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website for gaining best data on accidents and how these could be prevented.

The main idea behind OSHA is to offer safe and healthy working environment for working men and women by approving enforcement of required standards developed under the OSHA and by assisting and encouraging states in their endeavors to offer safe, reliable and healthy working environment by allowing research, data, education and training in the domain of occupational safety and health and for other purposes too. All field employees need these work safety even the essay writing factory workers.

Sent to us by Julius Kelty

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

HOW FAR HAS CONSTRUCTION SAFETY COME IN 50 YEARS? (GUEST POST)

January 18, 2014 pat brownlee

Whether you’re thinking in terms of technology, scientific knowledge, or health, there’s no denying that we’ve come a long way over the past fifty years. Safety in the construction industry is no exception.

The most significant event occurring over the past fifty years that has resulted in safety improvements both in construction and general industry was the signing of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970 by President Richard Nixon. This law resulted in the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as well as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

OSHA Standards

Initially, OSHA regulations were based on national consensus standards and began to take effect in 1971. The first standard specific to construction, however, was issued on November, 23, 1972. Since then, a number of standards affecting the construction industry have been developed. While it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss each covered topic in detail, major categories include:

o Personal protective and lifesaving equipment
o Fire protection and prevention
o Materials handling
o Hand and power tools
o Welding and cutting
o Electrical
o Scaffolding
o Fall protection
o Concrete and masonry construction
o Steel erection
o Stairways and ladders
o Cranes and derricks

The complete list of covered topics and related narrative can be easily accessed on the OSHA website.

Part 1926 contains the construction regulations with part 1910 being for general industry. However, whether one is involved in the construction business or another industry, it is necessary to refer to both, as there is a considerable amount of overlap between the two.

Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that states can, and often do, have requirements that are more stringent than the federal regulations. Twenty-seven states and territories currently operate state plans that are OSHA-approved.

ANSI Standards

Contributions from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have had a positive impact on safety over the past fifty years as well through the development of standards to which equipment manufacturers must adhere.

Examples include criteria for safety glasses and fall protection equipment. ANSI standards normally go into much more detail than the OSHA regulations. OSHA will incorporate them by reference into its own standards in many cases.

Safety as Good Business

Technological advancements have resulted in the reduction of hazards through more effective engineering controls and substitution of hazardous products with safer alternatives.

In addition, companies have begun to understand that an effective safety program makes good business sense. Robust safety procedures often carry over into other disciplines and positively impact things such as quality, productivity and cost control.

Hiring With Safety In Mind

Looking at a contractor’s safety record when making hiring decisions can save a company a considerable amount of future grief. For example, negative publicity resulting from a serious injury that occurs on the property, even though the injured person was a contractor’s employee, can be difficult to overcome.

During construction activities, the regulatory agencies will consider the facility a multi-employer work site and can hold both companies accountable for any safety violations. Any citations issues could result in a significant financial impact in addition to negative public relations.

A review of the prospective contractor’s OSHA 300 log, on which any significant injuries must be recorded, can provide a quick overview of how the contractor incorporates safety into the day to day operations. An unusually large amount of entries or multiple entries for the same type cause can raise a red flag that something is amiss.

Information regarding citations and fines levied by OSHA against the contractor are a matter of public record and can usually be found through a web search. When it comes to hiring a construction contractor, a small amount of due diligence up front can save a lot of regret later.

Jason Kane is an advocate of workplace safety in all industries. He is a blogger for Federal Steel Supply, Inc., the preferred choice of the global community since 1979.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing

UNIQUE SAFETY NEEDS OF WELDERS (GUEST POST)

January 14, 2014 pat brownlee

The Unique Safety Needs of Welders

Practically any industrial production job involves some degree of risk to workers, and welding certainly provides its share. The application of high-temperature torches onto metal surfaces inevitably creates dangerously bright light, hot sparks and flying debris. As a result, welders must use specific types of clothing and equipment to meet their unique safety needs. Let’s look at some of these modes of protection.

Eyes and face – The most obvious threat to a welder involves hot sparks, bits of metal or other debris flying up into the face, eyes or hair. For this reason alone, a welder would always need to wear protective headgear that includes both a faceguard and a helmet. Additionally, however, welders must protect their eyes against dangerous frequencies of ultraviolet light that can cause serious eye damage or even blindness after prolonged or repeated exposures.

While many construction workers might simply don a pair of safety goggles (tinted or un-tinted) to keep foreign matter and bright sunlight out of their eyes, welders must be equipped with a specially designed welding hood that includes ANSI-certified shading against the hazardous UV frequencies generated by their work. Since different types of welding torches generate different degrees of UV, welders should select a model that includes protection against their specific type of job or project, based on an IR scale of 1.5 (minimum shading) to 14 (maximum shading).

Some models, such as the Pyramex Auto Darkening Helmet, can provide IR shades ranging from #9 to #13. This design also includes plenty of interior room for a respirator if needed.

Welders must use suitable eye and face protection against blinding, scorching sparks.

Head and ears – While a full-scale welding hood may protect the entire head, welders using just a faceguard may need to add a separate helmet to protect their hair from sparks. At the same time, however, they should also worry about flying debris entering the ear canals and causing blockages, infections or serious damage. Earplugs can close off the ear canals against this threat, while earmuffs such as the Pyramex PM1010 also protect the outer ear, provided that you can fit them underneath your helmet. These products have the added advantage of protecting your hearing in a noisy manufacturing or construction environment.

Hands and feet – A welder’s hands come closer to the source of dangerous sparks and flying debris than any other part of his body, so thick, fire-resistant gloves should be on every welder’s essential equipment list. Choose gloves specially designed for welding and other high-heat applications, such as Goatskin Tig Leather Welders or Kevlar Wool Lined 14-inch Gloves.

At the same time, however, keep in mind that sparks may also fall downward toward the feet, igniting ordinary cloth shoelaces, or a heavy piece of substrate may slip and drop onto them, causing serious injury. Leather boots with steel-reinforced toes can help protect against both of these dangers, while shoe covers can keep sparks off of laces.

Other considerations – Even if welders own all of the above items, they may need to take additional measures to protect themselves when welding. Gulfport Indura coveralls or similarly flame-resistant garments can reduce the risk of a stray spark igniting on the shirt or pants, for example. Heavy organics such as wool and cotton always make better choices than synthetics, which tend to melt when ignited.

Pants should always fit over boots instead of tucking inside them so debris or sparks cannot fall inside the boots. The sleeves should extend over the arms at all times.

Don’t forget the flame-resistant coveralls!

When properly used by workers (and properly required by management), these protective items can make all the difference between tragedy and “just another day at the office,” so make the effort to safeguard yourself or your employees. Happy welding!

William Reynolds has worked as a freelance copywriter since 1997. William specializes in website content, ghost-blogging, print marketing content and audio/video scripts for providers of health and safety products such as Miracle-Ear.

(Images courtesy of gameanna and suwatpo /FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection

U.K. Hearing Loss Statistics (Guest Post)

January 13, 2014 Doug

Our thanks again to Thomas Fairclough for sending this guest post from Asons Solicitors. If you would like to learn more about industrial deafness,or the hearing loss claims process information is available at www.asons.co.uk

An alarming 1/6 of the UK population suffer from some form of hearing loss. Of those suffering from hearing loss around 6.4 million are over the age of 65+ and about 3.7 million are of working age. Surprising about 3.7 million people aged 16 – 65 have hearing loss, and around 135,000 of them are severely or profoundly deaf.

Of the 10 million who suffer from hearing loss, more than 800,000 people are severely or profoundly deaf.

About two million people in the UK need hearing aids, but only 1.4 million decide to use them regularly. Of those who suffer from hearing loss more than six million would benefit from the use of hearing aids.

About 10% of adults in the UK suffer from constant tinnitus. 1% of adults have tinnitus that affects their quality of life. Similar to hearing loss, the risk of developing tinnitus increases with age. Up to 30% of over 70s experience tinnitus, compared to 12% of people in their 60s and just 1% of people aged under 45.

Due to the increasing age of the UK population, there will be an estimated 14.0 million people with hearing loss by 2031. The World Health Organisation predicts that by 2031 adult onset hearing loss will b one of the top ten diseases in the UK, more common than diabetes and cataracts.

On average it takes people ten years to finally address their hearing loss. Even when they do decide to take action, 45% of people with hearing aids say that initially their GP failed to refer them directly to an audiologist when they first mentioned that they felt they were suffering from hearing loss.

Note: Hearing loss can be prevented if those exposed to loud environments will wear earplugs or earmuffs that are designed to protect their hearing. Once the damage is done, it is permanent. pb

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