Category Archives: Protective Clothing

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

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING CHEMICAL SAFETY

Look around your place of work or your home and you will be surprised by the number of chemicals you will find.  Chemicals that you use at home include gasoline, paints, fertilizers, lawn chemicals, bug spray, paint strippers, kerosene, bleach, other household cleaners, and even hair spray.  We must take care when cleaning to not mix cleaners with bleach, as the combination could cause unsafe fumes. 

Chemicals you may use at work are facility-specific solvents, laboratory chemicals, fuels, paint, office copier chemicals, correction fluid, lubricants and corrosives.  Other examples include toxics, corrosives, and solvents. As long as we understand and practise chemical safety and are provided the proper protection, these substances can be handled safely.

If your work requires you to come into contact with volatile chemicals on a daily basis, it can pose a risk to your long-term health. When new chemicals are approved for use on, in, or by humans, there has usually not been sufficient time allowed to determine whether they pose a long-term health threat. Daily exposure to chemicals has been associated with increased cancer risk, particularly when chemical particles are inhaled or ingested, even in tiny amounts. If your workplace provides on-the-job protection, such as protective suits, goggles, or masks, make sure you use them properly and daily to minimize the risk of chemical exposure.

Regardless of the type of chemicals you are around, there are various ways of being exposed.  (1) Ingestion, such as eating contaminated food; (having lunch in work area with airborne contaminants.)  (2) Inhalation: breathing in dusts, vapors or mists (i.e., mixing bags of concrete, cattle feed or similar chemicals without a respirator, or working in dusty environments. (3) Absorption: skin contact with a chemical affects eyes or can cause dermatitis. (4) Injection: forcing an agent into the body through a needle -needle stick or misuse of drugs.

By all means, protect yourself as much as you can!  Read container labels, material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and safe-work instructions before you handle a chemical; (How many times have you started a project that you didn’t read the instructions until after you failed to figure it out?)  Find eyewash stations before you begin working and know how to use them. 

As mentioned before, use personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task at hand; including chemical-splash goggles, a respirator, safety gloves, apron, steel-toed shoes, safety glasses with side shields, etc. Ensure the PPE fits properly and you are trained in its use.   Look for defects in the PPE such as cracks, missing parts, rips, etc.  Leave your contaminated clothing at work. If you wear the clothes home, you can expose your family to the hazards. (Better yet, wear disposable clothing where applicable.) 

These chemical hazard color codes and numbers on the labels are especially important for you to know: 

  • 1.      Red – Fire Hazard.
  • 2.      Yellow – Reactivity Hazard.
  • 3.      Blue – Health Hazard. 
  • 0 –Minimal Hazard
  • 1 – Slight Hazard
  • 2 – Moderate Hazard
  • 3 – Serious Hazard
  • 4 – Severe Hazard 

Other types of warnings on containers of chemicals include symbols, pictures with words, such as flammable, poisonous, etc.  Information on the white part of the label include National Fire Prevention Association labels – acid, radioactive, corrosive.  Hazardous Materials (HMIS) on the white section of the label recommends the type of personal protective equipment that should be used.  After you have READ labels first, consult the Material Safety Data Sheets if you are still unsure.  Chemical hazards can be very harmful to your body and health, and all those working around you.   If you suspect a chemical spill, call the National Response Center, toll-free, 800-424-8801 and report what you suspect has spilled and approximately how much is spilled.  The NRC also has an online reporting tool on their website.

Last, but not least, washing hands often is of the utmost importance.  Especially while you are working, before and after you eat, and before you leave your work.  Also, keep any chemicals (cleaning products, etc.) out of children’s reach and/or away from your pets.

 

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing

FIVE WAYS TO DECREASE THE DANGER OF YOUR SMALL WORKSPACE (GUEST POST)

Workplaces and warehouses can be dangerous places;  it is important that they allow you to work quickly, efficiently, and safely. Small workplaces such as garages and small warehouses can often be poorly ventilated, and cluttered with numerous hazards. Here are five tips to help improve and maintain the safety of your workspace.

At the height of winter small workplaces can not only be a burden to work in, but also be a threat to your health. It goes without saying that warm clothing should be used including fingerless gloves which will not hamper you when performing any manual tasks. Professional standard space warmers should also be considered, as many domestic heaters are not up to the job and are highly inefficient. It is also worth checking the efficiency of any windows and doors, they should be providing a notable barrier from the cold and not allowing any heat to escape. The price of new energy efficient widows and doors may be costly initially, but they could save you a considerable amount on your heating bill and help to keep you warm during any harsh winter days. Heated flooring could also be considered, but the expense can be very large, and wearing thick socks and professional standard boots can be enough to stave off cold feet.

If you work with any large or dangerous machinery,  a cluttered workspace can become a death trap. Working around cluttered spaces is bad enough, but tripping or falling into heavy machinery can be fatal. To decrease clutter it is worth utilising some shelving for items that are frequently used, and find designated areas for items that are less frequently used (a place where they can be stored for long periods of time without being in your way). Any heavy machinery should be out of the way of other items, so space organising around machinery should be of the upmost importance.

If you have a large quantity of clutter, or some very bulky items, it can be worth contacting a professional clearance company. For example companies such as A1 Clearances specialise in the removal of large scale or bulky items from a workspace, and will often consider any item for removal regardless of size. If the clutter you have is manageable then you should designate one day to sift through everything in your workspace and take any redundant items to nearby skips or recycling facilities. By clearing out redundant items you will find that you have more shelf space as well as floor space, hence making your work less dangerous and more efficient.

Make Precautions For Fire 

Even if you are working in a small garage it is important that you lay down your own fire safety regime. The most important part of this is identifying and maintaining a fire exit. In a warehouse you should have an official fire exit and this should never be blocked. In a garage or similar workspaces you should have an exit that can always be reached, and no heavy machinery or other items should be in the way of this exit. Things you can normally dodge will become more of a tripping hazard when panicking due to fire and smoke. You should have the correct fire extinguishers in your workspace as well. For example, a water based extinguisher should be used for any wood or textile based fire, and a CO2 extinguisher for any flammable liquids or electrical equipment. Failing to use the right extinguisher can not only make a fire worse but could also cause a fatal explosion. 

Be Seen At All Times 

If a forklift truck is in operation then high visibility clothing must be worn by all others in the workspace. This simple precaution costs very little but it a proven lifesaver. A forklift truck can easily crush anything in its way, but wearing high visibility clothing can help the driver identify a potential hazard much more quickly. A hard hat should also be used when driving a forklift incase anything heavy is knocked off a high shelf.

 

Author Bio: Robert works with A1 Clearances , a UK-based domestic clearance & removals business.

 

Back Safety, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

WORKING SAFELY WITH CONCRETE AND CEMENT (GUEST POST)

 Whether you are a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, safety should be at the top of your list of priorities when working with concrete. Unbeknown to many, concrete and cement products must be treated with care during all stages of handling, application and storage. We have devised an essential guide to concrete safety so you can take care of yourself during an upcoming residential upgrade or larger commercial project. 

Dust protection 

The dust caused by the handling of cement can cause a real nuisance to tradespeople and home improvers, and precautions must be taken to ensure your airways remain clear during application. Always wear a dust mask and eye protectors to ensure dust does not get inhaled or make its way into your eyes, especially during the cutting or drilling of dried concrete. 

Cement dust can also cause considerable irritation to your skin, so make sure you wear good quality overalls to protect your entire body. Personal protective gear is essential to the correct and safe handling of cement and concrete, and will ensure you are fully safeguarded especially when working in enclosed areas. 

Handle with care 

It’s not just dry cement powder that causes complications during handling and application, wet concrete also causes difficulties and irritation. Make sure the wet concrete solution does not come into contact with your skin, which isn’t always easy with the splashes created during pouring.

 If the wet concrete does come into contact with your skin, eyes or nose, use a mild soap and clean water to remove. 

Working with concrete accessories 

The concrete accessories you use during the application process also come with their dangers. Concrete buckets must be treated with particular diligence, especially during movement. Never ride on the buckets whilst they are in motion, and take care when the buckets are being lowered, swung or pulled to a height. 

Forming pins can also result in a trip to the emergency room if precautions aren’t taken. It is recommended that you paint these forming pins in a bright colour to ensure they are fully visible to each and every contractor working on site. Opt for a reflective coating to prevent trips and falls come day or night. 

Use your head 

In addition to using respirators, goggles and protective overalls, you must wear a hard hat to protect your head during preparation, application and storage. Head injuries are a common occurrence on site but by using a hard hat you can ensure you are fully protected whether working at height or at ground level.

 Think about your back 

When working with concrete products, it is all too easy to damage your back and legs with incorrect lifting techniques. Make sure you are fully clued up on how to move heavy materials, lifting with a straight back and bent legs is a sure-fire way of preventing serious back injury. If the concrete mix you are looking to move is too heavy, don’t suffer and struggle in silence, ask a friend or work colleague to assist you.

 

This post was written by Brittany Thorley. She works for ReadyMix Concrete (http://www.readymixonline.co.uk/) and regularly advises both professional contractors and homeowners about health and safety when working with concrete and cement.

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

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR THE MOST DANGEROUS JOBS (GUEST POST)

We all need to get jobs; that’s a reality we all face. And all jobs, no matter how mundane they may seem, carry with them a certain level of danger. Of course, these levels of danger vary from to another. Let’s say you make a living wrestling and catching wild bears, then there aren’t really many effective safety precautions you can take aside from not catching and wrestling those bears. Working in a typical job, like an office or so, still can be dangerous, and here are some of the dangerous “normal” jobs out there and the safety precautions you can take to avoid accidents. 

Construction and Related Fields 

        If you work in construction or some other job that requires you to be physically present in a construction site, the first step to staying safe is recognizing that the construction site is inherently a dangerous place. With all the dangerous materials, heavy equipment, and the work going around, the chances of an accident happening is extremely high, no matter the amount or quality of supervision. The common safety precaution for being in a construction site is to always wear a hard hat, as the primary risk is having something heavy land on your head. A hard hat is your friend. Keep it on your head at all times. 

Jobs Involving Chemicals and Toxic Materials 

        Working with chemicals tends to be dangerous for your general health. There have been a lot of cases wherein people suffered burns, inhaled harmful substances, and other complications that came about due to exposure to these materials. When you work in an environment where hazardous chemicals and materials abound, the common safety precaution is to wear protective gear like goggles (in case of splash back), gloves, aprons, boots, and masks all made with protective materials like rubber or latex. In more extreme cases, hazmat suits are a popular choice. 

Work Involving Animals and Fieldwork 

        Being amidst the natural elements has provided the world with officially the most dangerous jobs ever. Fishing, farming, ranching, and logging are considered to be jobs that have seen the most accidents. These accidents are hard to avoid, as most of them come from unpredictable elements like animal attacks. While there are a number of equipment that can be used to lessen work-related injuries in line with these trades, the number of these injuries can be reduced mostly by workers themselves. Working in pairs, taking extra care of themselves on and off the field (maintaining one’s self in tip top shape and getting enough rest does make one more focused and alert), along with other precautions, would be helpful. 

        At the end of the day, working is hard and dangerous as much as it is personally and financially rewarding. Whether you’re a nine to fiver working in an office, or out in the open ocean fishing, one small accident can alter your life forever. The best courses of action are watching out for yourself, getting yourself covered with a personal accident insurance plan, and hoping for the best. 

Author’s Bio

Ryan Del Villar is a writer and online marketing specialist at Money Max, Philippines’ leading online comparison portal. Ryan is also a freelance writer at Helm Word, an Online Reputation Management company. He worked as an online video editor before he started his writing career.

 

 

 

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

PROTECTING BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTE RISK (GUEST POST)

If you live in an industrial community, it is understandable for you to be concerned about chemical spills and industrial waste. You would want a guarantee that public health is not being affected by industrial businesses. The Environmental Protective Agency has encouraged partnerships with environmental contracting companies as a helpful solution to reduce the risk of industrial waste and hazardous spills. 

If you own a business, especially a business that deals with chemical waste, there are many extensive environmental regulations that you must meet in your daily operations. Keeping up with the complexities and changes of these industrial waste laws can be a cumbersome and laborious process. However, if you ignore environmental laws, you could end up paying lots of money in fines. 

Even with the necessary precautions, chemical and petroleum spills can still occur.  When these spills happen, the law requires that specific steps be taken to protect the environment from pollution. Environmental contracting companies help safeguard industrial businesses from waste accidents. 

With the already demanding operations of construction, it can be difficult for  businesses and contractors to arrange and facilitate clean up in the event of a spill. With every passing moment, your business could be fined at a greater level when they are in violation of the environmental codes. This is where you could benefit from environmental construction companies.  They give you the confidence and assurance to operate your business freely and handle industrial waste management for you. 

These environmental contracting services are available to provide around-the-clock support for companies to help keep the environment safe from pollution and your company safe from disaster. These environmental contracting companies are highly trained experts at construction oversight, groundwater and soil treatment systems, industrial waste management and emergency disaster response. 

How Environment Specialists Serve the Industrial Community

Environmental contractors provide many benefits to contractors and communities with the expertise to clean up chemical spills and other hazards that could cost your company a fortune. 

An environmental expert is at the forefront of emerging technologies and has the latest equipment to help you keep the environment safe and construction companies protected. They will assess your construction project and the chemicals that you use in your business. They devise a customized plan based on their extensive knowledge to help you clear hazardous materials and safely and discretely dispose them off. 

This special industry is able to partner with companies in planning future projects, providing valuable expertise that can help save money and time. All of the legal aspects are already handled for their customers, and they are with you throughout every step of your project. Having an environmental contracting service by your side can also improve your chances of your work being approved your state and local agencies. 

Working with an environmental specialist will help you remain in compliance with industrial waste laws and focus on what matters to your business the most. You can take advantage of an immediate response any hour of the day and receive emergency assistance. Environmental contracting companies are a team of experts that serve the environment by partnering with industrial businesses to do construction right.  

The FGS Group is a leader in the petroleum cleanup program and a full service environmental engineering, remediation, and waste management company serving businesses in Tampa, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Orlando, Florida and the surrounding areas. 

Note: These professional companies are trained and equipped with all the proper personal protective equipment (i.e., gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and hazardous waste protection.) pb

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

STAYING SAFE IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY BY CLEANING YOUR TANKS (GUEST POST)

  Industrial accidents are more than just frustrating occurrences: they can be potentially disastrous and dangerous for employees and employers. In order to prevent these instances of injury, taking preventative measures and solving problems before they begin can help decrease the chance of problems and loss of profit. For those in the oil and gas industry, staying safe and maintaining the integrity of the product are the highest concerns. By having a regular tank cleaning and maintenance system will ensure the longevity of the product as well as the protection of the employee. 

1. Preventative Maintenance 

By regularly and effectively cleaning oil tanks, you can maintain the life and functionality of the tank. Tank malfunctions can cost companies huge losses in time, profit as well as employee attention to their other respective tasks. A tank malfunction can lead to leaks and more, which is not only time consuming to fix, but as the employer you are exposed to legal ramifications, and that’s where the real cost is going to be.

 2. Sludge Removal               

The material accumulation at the bottom of oil tanks is technically referred to as “sludge” and this accumulation can be potentially problematic if not properly and consistently removed. By using industrial tank cleaners, you can remove or regulate this sludge so that you can maintain the most product. 

3. Decommissioning 

 By cleaning oil tanks properly, the ability to decommission them can be done quickly and safely. If not, decommissioning an oil tank can be become extremely dangerous and will require more employee time and energy to take apart. 

4. Maximize Oil Recovery               

By maintaining a regular cleaning schedule for oil tanks you can also maximize the product you have. Many industrial tank cleaners can re-use the sludge by converting it back to the liquid so that there is no loss of profit. By keeping this sludge to its lowest and by using the best equipment, you can ensure that employees do not have to enter the tanks or expose themselves to harmful inhalation or accidental injury. 

5. Maximize Storage Capacity               

Maintaining proper storage space for materials like oil is crucial in keeping employees and businesses safe. If the tanks experience pressure or improper space requirements, the product risks becoming compromised and will require human intervention to correct. This is when safety becomes an issue and easily preventable.   Cleaning tanks is the key to maintaining the safe and good standing of your company. 

                This guest post was written by Steve Bronson in association with Waterline Tank Technologies. They have pioneered an inexpensive and effective method of crude oil tank cleaning.  More information can be found at http://www.waterlinellc.com/.

Note:  When workers are required to go into tanks for cleaning, much personal protective equipment is required.  Tanks are considered confined spaces, and there is the danger of fumes that can cause respiratory problems, in addition to the sludge and other hazardous materials they may have to wade through.  Companies should furnish the proper protection such as rubber boots, protective clothing, gloves, hardhats, respiratory protection, and eye protection. pb

 
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)

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)

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 1

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.

Welders 2

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)

Back Safety, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S SKIING ACCIDENT – WHAT LESSON DOES IT TEACH? (GUEST POST)

Nothing is considered as a failure if you learn from your mistakes and stop repeating them over and over again. The human history is full of interesting incidents that teach us plenty of lessons. However, most people are unable to learn and continue suffering because of the blunders they make. 

Even if you are not interested in knowing about the past, you just have to look around and see what is happening everywhere. You can connect to the internet and find out everything about the world in order to become more knowledgeable. Although any sort of information will help, yet the most significant piece will be the one that aims at improving your personal safety. 

People related to racing, especially on two wheels, are always at a risk of sustaining serious head injuries, thus it is extremely crucial for them to wear the right kind of protective gear that can at least prevent the brain from damage. You can easily find some high quality helmets at JS Accessories and find some other useful gear as well. 

However, racing is not the only activity that puts your life at a risk, as there are numerous other fields of life in which you have to take precautionary measures. For example, working at a construction site or a mine requires you to be fully equipped with protective helmets, goggles, boots and different other things that are necessary. 

While working at such a workplace, you should always be prepared for the worst, as there are things that are simply out of your control. Simply by wearing a helmet, you can reduce the risk to a greater extent, as this wonderful head gear saves you from direct impact. Then of course you have the skull that can also shield your brain to some extent, but that alone will not work in most of the situations. 

Recently, a legendary sportsman was involved in an accident in France that left him fighting for his life. He was neither racing someone at that time nor was he at a work station, yet you can learn an important lesson from the accident that he encountered. 

If you have not guessed it by now, the person involved in the accident was the seven-time Formula 1 champion, Michael Schumacher, who fell on his head while skiing with his son in the French Alps and sustained serious head injuries.

Luckily for the 44-year-old, he was given immediate medical attention by some of the best neurosurgeons in the world. He was initially thought to be perfectly fine, as he was conscious and talking after being brought to the hospital. However, he soon went into a coma, which indicated that something was terribly wrong. 

Looking at the condition of the former Ferrari and Mercedes F1 driver, the doctors decided he needed an operation. By this time, his brain has been operated twice and there has been a slight recovery, which is positive news for his fans worldwide. However, no one is really sure whether what will happen to the legendary figure, who has been in an induced coma since the day he hurt his head. 

Despite that, the doctors made one point quite clear that Schumacher could not have made it this far, had he not been wearing a helmet. Although people do not take this quality head gear seriously, yet it has numerous benefits and it certainly does work. 

So, the message is quite clear for everyone out there regardless of what field they belong to. If you are involved in any sport or work at a place where your head can be exposed to any danger, you should always wear a helmet or any other protective gear available. Nothing is more precious than your own life, so value it as much as you can. 

Even if a helmet cannot give you 100 percent protection, it can offer the most amazing thing that a person can have – hope. It is the same hope that millions of people worldwide have kept alive for Schumacher that he will be fine and smiling once again like he used to in the past. 

Author Bio:

This Guest post is written by Randy Martin. He is a bike racer and blogger who like to write on safety tips while riding Motorbikes. 

 

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing, Weather Protection

TEXAS AMERICA SAFETY WANTS TO HELP YOU STAY WARM THIS WINTER

Our parent company, Texas America Safety Company, has been in the business of selling quality personal protective equipment for over twenty years.  There are many items you may not know about, so we would like to take the time to introduce some winter products to help you stay warm.  Whether you plan to be sitting outside at a football game, going on a ski trip, hunting, or working every day in the outdoors, we think you will enjoy viewing these products.

Here is a list of some of our items that will help you stay warmer, and chances are, at a lower cost than retail stores.  You can see full descriptions on our cold weather comfort products page.

  • Winter liners.  These are worn under hardhats to keep your head warm from outside cold. They can also be worn underneath a regular hoodie to add warmth.
  • Knitted tube liners.  Warm liners that fit over hardhats; they are either full-face or half-face. 
  • Plush Fleece Balaclava winter liners.  These work much better than scarves, and come in navy, orange, or camo colors.  Drawstring ensures warmth around your head and neck.
  • Multifunctional Winter Gaiters. Made of microfiber, these can be worn 10 different ways.
  • “Hot Rods” Warming Packs!  Handy little packets that warm up your hands, feet, anywhere you need to stay warm!  Be sure to check these warming packs that last for hours.  You’ll be glad you did!

It is our goal to furnish you with safety information on a daily basis.  We thank all our readers and blog contributors this past year, and wish all of you a safe, happy, and healthy New Year!

 Don’t forget to ask for the 5% discount we offer if you mention that you read about it on our blog!