Tag Archives: protection

Eye Protection

UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE OF EYE SAFETY

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As we begin a new year, the economy may still be causing employers to examine ways to cut costs, and many times, safety budgets may be the primary avenues they take.  Safety experts say many companies see safety as an overhead cost; but eye injuries alone account for more than $300 million per year, according to OSHA.  This figure includes medical expenses, worker compensation, and lost production time. 

January is National Eyecare Month.  Once good vision is lost, it can’t be easily replaced.  Prevent Blindness America reports that an estimated 94,500 persons are treated in emergency rooms for eye injuries every year in the United States.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that around 2,000 people suffer eye injury at work each day.  That’s one in every ten, leading to at least one or more missed workdays.  The correct eye protection could either prevent 90% of those injuries or lessen the severity of damage to the eyes. 

Employers must furnish personal protective equipment that matches the particular hazards of the job.  Protective Safety goggles, safety glasses, sideshields, faceshields, and full-face respirators are designed to protect the eyes from impact, flying objects, dust, tools, chemicals, radiation, and many other hazards.  Companies must assess eye safety dangers and eliminate hazards before employees begin their work.  Employees should be trained to know that they should wear safety eyewear and other protective equipment at all times that there is risk of injury.   

Safety lens may be made of the following materials that meet or exceed the requirements for protecting the eyes:

  • Polycarbonate lens:  Protect against splatter, are not likely to fog; stronger than glass or plastic, have higher impact resistance than the others; but are not as scratch-resistant as glass.
  • Plastic lens: Also lighter weight than glass, not likely to fog either, but are not as scratch-resistant as glass.
  • Glass lens: are not easily scratched, and can be used around harsh chemicals.  They can be made with corrective prescriptions; however, they are sometimes heavy and uncomfortable. 

If a person is working with chemicals, they should wear goggles.  Working near hazardous radiation, such as welding, lasers, or fiber optics requires the worker to wear special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or welding hoods designed for that particular task.  If the work area contains dust particles, flying objects, or other like hazards, safety glasses with side protection (side shields) should be worn, unless the employer feels that goggles would be safer. 

The “bottom line” is the fact that although companies think they may save money by cutting down on safety budgets, they might face higher costs because of an eye injury.  Prevent Blindness America estimates that the average eye injury costs a company $28,000 in medical expenses, lost time, and production slowdowns.  How many of their products would the business need to sell to offset that kind of expense, after a serious workplace accident?  They may feel that although accident protection is important, it may not be that urgent until something happens.  Let’s hope that isn’t the case.

Hearing Protection

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? (OCCUPATIONAL HEARING LOSS)

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Controlling occupational noise can be one of the most cost-effective yet important facets of protection that companies can provide for their employees.  In the United States, every year, approximately 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise.  Noise-induced hearing loss can be reduced or eliminated through engineering controls and hearing conservation programs.  Even though hearing loss is one of the most common occupational illnesses, it is often ignored because there are no visible effects, it develops over a period of time, and with the exception of rare cases, there is no pain.  Persons experience a progressive loss of communication, socialization, and response to their environment.  

If you work in an industrial setting or operate loud machinery, you may experience short-term problems from too much noise, and your ears feel stuffed up, or you have temporary ringing in the ears (tinnitus.)  Repeated exposures to loud noise can lead to permanent, incurable loss of hearing or tinnitus.  Employers should reduce the noise exposure to below 85 dB (decibels.)  Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is a number that appears on the labels of all hearing protection products sold in the U.S.  This rating equals the level of noise reduction in decibels provided by the particular type of protective equipment (earmuff, earplugs) in a laboratory setting.  Since these conditions may be different from the actual working circumstance, the real work setting should have a walk-around survey, and possibly more complete evaluation to screen for noise exposure.  By checking the particular areas and how long the noise exists, needs for the correct protection can be determined. 

For factory or other environments, employees should choose options that decrease workplace noise levels.  They should select hearing protection that is comfortable, convenient, and easy to put on and off as needed.  Some of the choices are:

  • NRR Earmuffs: completely cover the ear.
  • Canal Caps: earplugs that are on a metal or plastic band that can go around the neck when taken off.
  • Premolded, reusable plugs: silicone, plastic, or rubber – “one size fits all,” as well as available in various sizes.
  • Expandable foam earplugs: made of formable material designed to expand and conform to the shape of each individual’s ear canal. 

Employers understand the risks associated with not controlling the noise level in their business, such as:

  • When employees cannot hear clearly, they may miss warnings from other workers and may be unable to avoid an accident.
  • Creates stress.
  • Reduces productivity.
  • If the noise level is 80 dB, persons have to speak very loudly to be heard.
  • If the level is between 85 and 90 dB, persons have to shout to be heard.
  • If the level is above 95 dB, persons would have to move closer to hear each other at all.

For example, after a survey is done of the work environment, if the time-weighted average noise level of, say 97 dB, the worker would need earmuffs with an NRR rating of at least 16 or earplugs with an NRR rating of at least 24, based on the ratings on the packaging. 

Not only can persons get hearing damage or loss from their work environment if they do not wear the proper protective gear, but young persons should pay heed to their parents’ advice to turn their music down.  When our son was a teenager, we could hear him a block away from the house, because the music was so loud in his truck.   I have noticed our grandson’s I-pod is so loud, I can hear the beat of the music he’s listening to with the speakers in his ears!  (Evidentally, they didn’t listen to me!)  Persons have been known to have hearing damage from noise levels at events such as World Cup soccer, football games, car races and other sporting venues.  It’s a good idea to invest in a pair of earplugs if you plan to attend a noisy concert or any loud event. 

Employers must make a decision that if there is a risk to their employees from exposure to noise, on how they can prevent or control this exposure to all sources of noise, even personal stereos.  Regular hearing checkups for employees can be useful to find out if they are experiencing any loss of hearing.  A unique tool, (individual dosimeter) is a personal sound noise measurement  device.  This system consists of a small dosimeter that is worn by employees in a shirt pocket or on the back of a hardhat.  It has special earplugs or an earmuff with integrated microphones that record real-time, in-ear noise levels, with a connecting harness.  An infrared reader allows safety managers to retrieve data from the dosimeter at the end of each shift or work-week and analyze the results on a personal computer.  The Personal Attenuation Rating determines the effectiveness of the employee’s earplug over a range of frequencies.  Then safety managers know if their employees are getting the best protection, or if they need additional training on how to fit their earplugs, or try something different. 

Think about this: noise-induced hearing loss is the second most-often reported occupational injury, and hearing loss is permanent and irreversible.

 

Sources: OSHA, NIOSH, HSME

Hand Protection, High Visibility Safety

WORK GLOVES: FUNCTIONALITY AND STYLE

Company health and safety experts know that selecting the right gloves for their workers is a vital part of ensuring the success of keeping their employees hands’ protected.  Depending on the particular hazards of the job, much thought must go into making the right choice.  Style is also important to workers and helps ensure compliance.  Some PPE (personal protective equipment) may be unattractive, but leading glove manufacturers have gotten the message from retail and athletic clothing markets and developed fashionable, yet functional styles that workers will wear. 

Health and safety experts also know that wearing a pair of gloves will not protect the hands of workers unless those workers are careful in performing their work duties, which includes being aware of the dangers their hands are exposed to, even while wearing gloves.  Because gloves are made of materials that protect from abrasions, nicks, vibrations, and other hazards, some employees may think they are invincible.  They are required to wear their PPE at all times on the job.  If there are periods that they do not have to wear gloves, glove guards are handy to attach the gloves to clothing, where they are readily accessible. 

Of course, as in any setting where PPE is required, training is mandated before the person starts his/her job.  They must understand how important their personal protective equipment is, how to take care of it, and the need to report and replace any damaged or worn product.  Workers that must wear gloves as part of their PPE must remember that unsafe conditions and acts cause injuries.  The most important thing a worker can do is to keep those gloves on at all times, while working carefully.  Be sure they fit and are comfortable, and if they look good, that’s a plus, too.  There is no one type of glove that will prevent all hand injuries, and no glove will help avoid injury if it is not worn.  Individuals must continually think about how he/she is handling the product he is working on, lifting, or running a particular type of equipment.  He doesn’t want to go home missing a finger, or worse. 

There are gloves that are high-visibility, others for furnishing good grip and protection.  Women want to wear gloves that are made for their smaller hands.  Gloves must fit properly to help the hands do their job.  If they are too large, grip is lost.  Some gloves furnish better ventilation than others, and there are fingerless gloves for mobility, yet they still allow good grip.  Then there are gloves for the gardeners, for ranchers and farmers, and drivers.  We see football players wearing gloves, as well as golfers (a golf glove).  Why not look as sharp as they do, when we are working?  I plan on getting some hi-vis gloves to wear this winter when taking walks with Buddy.  

Gloves furnish dexterity, sensitivity, durability, and tactility.  Each type excels in one or more of these descriptions.  Some medical and industrial grade gloves may not meet the “style” factor, but play a very important part in protecting healthcare, food processing, and other types of workers’ hands.   Leather gloves are soft and supple, yet are protective.  One glove  that even helps “do” the job in dark areas (such as under the hood of a car), has a light on the back of it!  

Employees must be taught to know that PPE is the last (but very important) line of defense for their protection.  Workers are the front line.

General Safety Issues

KEEPING OUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSETS SAFE – OUR CHILDREN!

November marks National Child Safety and Protection Month – a time that reminds us of something that we should bear in mind every day – how to protect our children.  From the time of their birth, we are vigilant about their safety.  We have months to prepare for their arrival.  Picking out the perfect baby carriers, beds, clothing, safest bottles, formula, baby monitors, are only the tip of the iceberg.  Thankfully, hospitals are extremely careful in protecting newborns, as in the past, some persons have tried to slip in and take them.  When we first take a newborn out in the public, our eyes are constantly focused on that baby. 

That vigilance should carry over through their toddler years, ‘tweens, and teens.  Somewhere along the way, though, we get so very busy that safety may get pushed into the back of our minds.  We hear of parents and caregivers that forget and leave their little ones in the car.  We hear of the nightmare of missing children, and the agony that friends and family experience. 

Parents have the greatest influence on their children, so it starts from the very beginning of their lives.  They should be taught healthy routines and healthy habits.  The National Crime Prevention Council reminds us that we must talk to our kids and be involved with them.  Parents are responsible for furnishing safe toys.  They must install devices in their homes to protect toddlers from the hazards of electrical outlets, medicines, stairs, and many other ways their children can be injured.  

In many families, both parents work, or there may be a one-parent home.  When child care is required, the parents should do a thorough investigation of the  applicant to be in charge of their little one every day.  You are leaving your child in their care and you want to be sure this person will be responsible.  It’s a smart idea to install “nanny cameras,” for your peace of mind.  If you opt to leave your child in a day-care facility, be sure it is licensed, and ask parents you know that leave their children there about their experiences.  Day care centers are an excellent source of teaching children how to get along with each other. 

Parents need to monitor their children’s school activities, and be familiar with the school’s emergency plans, what kinds of foods are offered, and the safety of playground equipment.  They need to also plan their rides to and from school: either by carpooling with persons they know well, riding the bus, or bicycles, and be sure they stay on safe routes if they walk or ride a bike to school.  As they grow older, kids need to be involved in extracurricular activities, such as sports, hobbies, organizations, and/or Boy or Girl Scouts.  There are neighborhoods with gang activities, and keeping kids busy with other fun things will divert any interest in gangs. 

Every day, there is news somewhere of a missing child.  We hear every detail, when a little body is found.  That little person was someone’s angel, and we need to think about what went wrong and how our system can be fixed to better prevent persons from abusing children.  People that hurt children, the elderly, or animals are cruel and should be put away so they can never hurt anyone again.   Every child deserves to be safe.  Do your part – if you suspect a child is being abused, report the people that are doing it.  (Sometimes it does take a village!)

Being a parent, step-parent, or foster parent is a huge responsibility.  When your kids are grown and have kids of their own, you will reflect on what you could have done better to protect them as they grew up.  When you are a grandparent, you think of how you can keep them safe when they are in your care.  There’s a big checklist of things to do to protect our children.  We may not get every check marked off, but in the big picture, if we have raised them to be responsible adults, we will have done an excellent job.  

 Be on the same frequency as your children.  Stay engaged with your kids; you can be their friend as well as their parent.  Long after they are grown, they will realize that their parents will always be their best friends.  If we do our job in loving and protecting our children, they, in turn, will do the same for theirs.

 

 

 

Uncategorized

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL ANIMAL SAFETY AND PROTECTION MONTH

Animal Safety and Protection Month – October, is to promote the well-being of both wild and domestic animals.  You’d have to have a pretty hard heart to not be touched at the site of a newborn animal.  They are a very important part of the circle of life, and without them, our lives would be pretty dull.  Let’s set aside talking about safety at home, work, or play, and focus on our furry, four-legged friends today. 

Our cities are growing at a rapid pace, and as they do so, they are destroying the habitats of wild animals – coyotes, foxes, rabbits, deer, and many other species.  It makes one wonder where they will eventually wind up?  When the weather is extremely dry, these animals return to private homes, looking for water and/or food.  Building of homes, roads, and businesses are taking their homes away from them.  The wildlife in our oceans are being harmed by sewage, industrial waste, and oil spills.  How can anyone forget the site of those poor birds covered by oil during the recent tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico?  Thanks to several dedicated workers, many birds’ lives were saved by hours of cleaning them, and then moving them to other habitats.  We even have rainforests in the United States, in the Pacific Northwest, where clear cutting is endangering wildlife in that region. 

On a trip to Alaska this past spring, we visited a bear sanctuary in Sitka.  We were shown a cute black bear cub, and informed that he was being sent to our home state, Texas.  When a fisherman discovered him, he was barely alive and his mother was already dead.  At the time we saw him, he fit into a carrier that most middle-size dogs could fit in.  He was soon flown to Texas, to live out his life in an exotic animal sanctuary.  It was fun to read the newspaper accounts about his journey, and see him featured on Dallas television.  He is a very lucky little bear, who happened to be found and taken to a place where he could be cared for until he could make the trip.  He is in a safe place where visitors can observe him and other wildlife. 

There are many things we can do to protect animals.  If you suspect that an animal is being abused, report it to your local ASPCA or law authorities.  There are many organizations that rescue animals, finding homes for them, after they are spayed and neutered and given their shots.  These animals can be adopted and what a reward adopting one of them can be.  You are saving a life, as well as gaining a faithful companion. 

There’s nothing more fun than taking your children to the zoo, so they can learn firsthand about nature’s gifts of wildlife.  Children are fascinated by seeing animals, reptiles, and sea creatures; just watch their faces while they are visiting an aquarium or zoo, if you don’t believe it. 

When children ask for a puppy or kitten, it’s an exciting time – until the new wears off.  They want to play with them, but when time comes to feed them, it’s often left up to Mom or Dad.  So they should learn how to feed and take responsibility for their new pet.  When we welcome an animal into our home, they are part of our family, and deserve to be treated that way.  We have to feed them, make sure they have their shots and take them for treatment when they are sick.  

It’s hard for me to hide that I love animals……..we have had many dogs during our marriage, as well as cats, too.  Our kids brought a few strays home through the years, and they made great pets.  One was a little pointer-mix puppy that had been thrown out beside the road with both her front legs broken.  We took her to the vet, and because they had already begun mending, he suggested that we leave them alone.  Because we had a very active little Cairn Terrier, and they played every day, her legs healed just fine.  She turned out to be one of the sweetest dogs we ever had.  Now, we have a 10-year old Jack Russell, who has been the most challenging breed of dog we ever tackled, but what a pleasure he is.  Buddy and I walk every day, rather, he walks me everyday! 

Remember to be wary of those animals that don’t know you, or dogs that are sitting in the back of a pickup truck.  You don’t want to risk getting bitten.  Leave wild animals alone, as it’s tempting to want to touch them, but they might be dangerous, especially if they have little ones around. 

Do what you can to protect the critters of the earth, keeping them safe and protected.  Most domestic pets such as dogs and cats will be your best friends until they take their last breath.  To quote Dereke Bruce, “In order to keep a true perspective of one’s importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him.”

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

AN AUGUST REMINDER FOR IMMUNIZATIONS!

August is designated by the Centers for Disease Control as National Immunization Awareness Month.  Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director of the CDC’s  National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases states, “Immunization is one of the single most important steps parents can take to help assure their children grow up to be strong and healthy.”  

Communities and cities are already reminding parents through the media such as newspapers, radio, and television  to take their children for the immunization shots now, to be ready for the beginning of school.  Because of the fact that so many people wait until the last minute, schools are announcing that children will not be admitted without proof that they have received the proper vaccines.  It is hard to understand why parents procrastinate about taking their children for these vaccines, when in many cases, there is no cost to them. 

Here is a list furnished by the CDC of preventable diseases for children, thanks to vaccines:

  • Diptheria
  • Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Influenza
  • Measles
  • Meningococcal Mumps
  • Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Pneumonossis
  • Polio
  • Rotavirus
  • Rubella (German measles)
  • Tetanus (lockjaw)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)

Some adults think that vaccines that they got when they were children will protect them for the rest of their lives, but consider these factors:

  • Some never were vaccinated as children;
  • Newer vaccines were not available when they were children;
  • Immunizations may have faded over time;
  • With age, we become more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections, (i.e., flu, pneumonia). 

It’s wise to remember that young adults to senior citizens can benefit from immunizations.  Vaccines are recommended to adolescents and adults based on factors such as age, health status and medical history.  Some vaccines are vital to most adults, especially senior citizens.  Others are not appropriate for persons with underlying health issues.  Your physician can advise you.  The following diseases can affect persons over 65 very seriously: diphtheria, Herpes Zoster (shingles), pneumonia, flu, and tetanus. 

If you plan to travel outside the United States, you need to visit with your physician at least 4 weeks prior to your vacation or business trip.  Certain vaccines take a period of time to become effective.  There are three types of vaccines in regard to travel – routine, recommended, and required.  You may be exposed to certain diseases in foreign countries that are uncommon in the U.S. 

If you have children, be sure all their shots are current.  Years ago, people died from diseases that are now preventable.  No one  enjoys getting stuck by a needle, but it’s a small price to pay for good health.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

IDEAS ABOUT UV PROTECTION

We haven’t forgotten that July is UV Protection Month, a reminder to all of us to protect our eyes and skin!  It is most important that we do everything we can to preserve our vision.  It is unimaginable to think about being without the gift of sight, or facing malenoma, a life-threatening form of skin cancer.

You have heard  about the types of UV rays, but let’s review them again:

UV-C rays are the most harmful, but are blocked by the ozone layer.  If they ever reach the earth’s surface, they could cause serious health concerns.  UV-B rays have high doses which cause sunburn and can cause skin cancer.  Other age-related signs of too much sun are wrinkles and skin discoloration.  UV-A rays can pass through the cornea, reaching the lens and retina inside the eye.  Overexposure of these rays is linked to certain types of cataracts, and development of macular degeneration.  Both these types of rays are shielded by the ozone layer, therefore, they are not as harmful as UV-C.  Because of weather changes, and seasons, however, we must be mindful that there may be some depletion of the ozone layer.

It is very important to remind you to select sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.  Also be sure that the lens are free from distortion and any imperfections.  Wrap-around styles allow more protection to the sides of the face.  It is of the utmost importance to protect children’s eyes from these rays, as well.  They need to wear glasses that contain the same element of protection as an adult’s,  not toy ones.  Much of the damage from the sun happens during childhood, only to show up later in life.  It goes without saying that in addition to sunglasses, suncreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 should be used often while anyone is in the sun, as well as wearing a wide-brimmed hat, or using an umbrella, if sitting outdoors.

Those who work outside should take precautions to wear eye protection and other types of personal protective equipment.  There are special sunshields that fit hardhats that help protect the face from the sun.

The following UV Index helps explain the stages of exposure to rays:

  • 2 or Less =   Low, for average person.  On hot days, persons should still wear glasses and sunscreen.
  • 3 to 5 =           Moderate.  Use the shadow test.  In early morning or late afternoon if you are taller than your shadow, UV exposure is likely to be low.  If your shadow is shorter around mid-day, levels of UV are higher.
  • 6-7=                  High.  From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the worst time to be outdoors.  Be sure to use at least 15 SPF sunscreen, and often.
  • 8-10=                Very high.  Because your skin will burn quickly, take extra precautions.
  • 11+ =                  Extreme.  Stay out of the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. if possible.

Another thing to remember, if you are around sand or water, is that reflections can damage your eyes.  Reflections from snow almost double that from sand.  Persons with darker skin and eyes  need to protect their eyes the same as more fair persons.

There’s no way we can be immune from the dangers of overexposure from UV rays.  But we can take all the precautions possible to avoid damage to our eyes and skin.

General Safety Issues

COMING ATTRACTIONS: CERTAIN ENFORCEMENTS ON OSHA STANDARDS

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Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA’s role has been to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women.  OSHA has the authority to enforce standards developed under the Act, assist and encourage States in their efforts to carry out such conditions.  Working under the Department of Labor, OSHA provides research, information, education and training, focusing on keeping America’s workers safe.

Through the years, the role of OSHA has been diverse, but here are some of the changes in industrial safety standards brought about in past years:

  • Making sure there are guards on moving parts of machinery.
  • Permissible exposure limits to hazardous chemicals.
  • Confined space regulations.
  • Lockout/Tagout procedures.
  • Workers’ exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
  • Safety restrictions when involved with excavations and trenches.
  • Asbestos exposure standards.
  • Using Personal Protective Equipment, as required.

According to Hilda Solis, current United States Secretary of Labor, “We are strengthening our efforts to be vigilant in protecting the rights and safety of workers by hiring additional enforcement personnel, and revising and improving our regulatory efforts.”  Employers would be wise to take note of the following current considerations being addressed by OSHA:

  • If the Protected American Workers Act (now pending before Congress) passes, there will be enhanced civil and criminal penalties, changes in abatement requirements, expansion of victims’ rights, and revision to whistleblower structure. This may result in significant repercussions for American employers.
  • The national employer record program was announced by OSHA on October 1, 2009, requiring more scrutiny of the company’s ability to properly prepare OSHA logs, reporting workplace incidents, injuries and illnesses.
  • Another mandate from OSHA is requiring uniformity in the language of ALL settlement agreements- language that uses the settlement process as a way to get employers to agree to undertake more obligations.
  • OSHA issued a final rule allowing citations be given employers on a “per employee basis” for failure to wear/use required Personal Protective Equipment.
  • On April 29, 2009, OSHA announced it would initiate rulemaking on combustible dust hazards.
  • The issue of ergonomic hazards will be revisited by the Obama administration.
  • OSHA is seeking to align its Hazardous Communication Standard with the provisions of the United Nations Globally Harmonized Standard of Classifying and Labeling of Chemicals.

While employers face many challenges in their daily operations, the safety and well-being of their employees should come first.  Organized safety meetings, planning, hazard assessments, risk management, and ensuring compliance are just part of the steps to be taken to create a safe work environment.   In the event of a company mishap, OSHA will be knocking on the door to make sure that all safety policies and procedures were followed.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

Keep an Eye on Your Workers

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Guest Blogger: Vince Hundley

Workers who refuse to follow your safety glasses policy are your biggest risk.  If they don’t conform, you have to take a hard line. I am telling you because I have years of hard data to back me up.

Years ago, I was managing our company’s safety program. We were performing at about the national average on-the-job injuries, but I was desperately looking to affect some improvement to reduce our accidents and lower our loss ratios.

I was having limited success, so I analyzed our accident data and the only obvious trend that I found was that accidents occurred when people took shortcuts. So I did what anyone would do, I implemented a 100% safety glasses policy.  I suspected that 100% compliance would prevent injuries.

What I found was surprising!  I received widespread pushback from the workers.  They told me that their safety glasses made them feel less safe!  They whined because they couldn’t see, or that they were getting headaches.  The resistance was so strong that I nearly gave in.

With the backing of our superintendent, I held my ground.  Over time the complaints dissipated, and soon only a few people were resisting the program. I was able to target those obvious individuals and gave them this ultimatum: “Either they change their behavior or they will move on– Whether voluntarily or not.”

As time went on, our incident rate improved significantly. Many of the careless accidents we’d experienced were not happening anymore. Then it occurred to me, the people not wearing safety glasses were the most likely to get injured!

How did I make that connection?

Workers that did not follow the policy were more likely to participate in risky behavior.  They just plain did not value their safety as much as their safer co-workers. I concluded the people that refused to wear glasses were Anti-Safety!!  If they pushed back on wearing safety glasses, then I knew they would push back on other things.

So if you are trying to reduce accidents and create a safety-conscience culture in your company, you should isolate those people that refuse to follow your safety policy on eye protection policy, and you should take a hard line.  It will help your employees, your safety culture and it will help your bottom line.

Pass this advice on to your family, friends and coworkers, because the more we talk about safety, the less we’ll hear about accidents.

Eye Protection at Your Workplace
All safety glasses and goggles should be ANSI Z87.1 certified for industrial eye protection with the Z87 mark on the frame or lenses. In certain occupations, a face shield and/or goggles should be mandatory.

ABOUT VINCE HUNDLEY:Hundley
Mr. Hundley graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety from Illinois State University, and completed his Master’s of Science in Industrial Hygiene at SDSU.  He is certified by the Board of Certified Safety professionals as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).  Mr. Hundley is President and CEO of SMART Safety Group and President of OSHA outlet. 

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

LOOKING OUT FOR #1!

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There aren’t many jobs in this world that don’t have a certain amount of risks involved.  Sure, a steelworker has a more dangerous job than a secretary sitting behind a desk!  But there are many hazards in even an office.  Tripping over wires, file cabinet drawers being left out, are just a few of the dangers lurking in an office.  It’s up to the individual to be safe.

Those who must wear Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, have the responsibility of wearing it in the correct way, and not removing it while working.  Companies train employees in the proper use of PPE in relation to their job duties.  Employees should pay attention to the training they are given, and to the risks they encounter on an every-day basis.

Injuries occur at work, but many times they can be avoided.  Watching out for both yourself and the other guy will pay off.  Know your job hazards.  If you pay attention to your job, use common sense, avoid distractions, and follow company policies, hopefully you will go through your entire work experience without a scratch.

PPE is there for a reason:
There are many types of Personal Protective Equipment for hundreds of uses, but remember, it works best when used properly.  Your company can buy it for you, but it’s up to you to wear it and take care of it.  Be sure it fits comfortably.  If something becomes worn, report it to your supervisor, so it can be replaced.  Certain jobs at home require types of PPE, whether to protect your eyes with safety glasses or goggles while mowing the lawn, working in the shop, or wearing gloves when gardening.  Taking the time to put on a pair of gloves, glasses, or whatever is needed is the best way to be safe.  Whether your tasks are at home or work, play it safe!  Know your equipment and protect yourself at all times.