Tag Archives: protective glasses

LET’S FOCUS ON PREVENTING EYE INJURIES

The month of October is designated as National Eye Injury Prevention Month.  Protecting our eyes is a full-time job.  Did you know that more than 2,000 eye injuries happen per day?  The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that about 70 per cent of eye injuries studied are the result from falling objects, or sparks striking the eye.

First, it is important to take care of our children’s eyes.  Early detection and treatment of eye conditions and diseases are important to keeping good vision at every stage of life.  Children with a family history of childhood vision problems should be screened for common childhood eye problems before they are 5 years old.  Children’s eyes are as sensitive to excessive sunlight, water reflections, snow, etc. as adults; therefore, it is important that they wear sunglasses to protect them.  Most young adults have healthy vision; however, if problems such as pain, flashes of light, visual changes, seeing spots, excessive tearing or excessive dryness occur, the American Academy of Opthalmology recommends they get to an eye doctor.  Those adults between the ages of 40 to 65 should have an eye checkup every two to four years.  Those over the age of 65 should see an eye doctor at least every one to two years.  The key to preventing eye injuries and health is to take a more proactive approach to maintaining healthy vision.

Out of the 2,000 eye injuries that happen annually, approximately one-half of those injuries happen in American workplaces alone.  Ninety per cent of eye injuries are preventable when wearing protective eyewear.     It is important to wear the right type of eye protection that comes the closest to the demands of the job.  Wrap-around safety glasses and safety sunglasses protect the eyes from objects entering the eye from the side.  Goggles are required for those who work around chemicals, and other hazards such as particles entering the eye.  Welders wear shields that contain the right amount of shade to protect their eyes, in addition to protective eyewear.

It’s no surprise that the BLS reports that about three out of every five workers injured were either not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident or were wearing the wrong kind of eye protection.  Eyewear must fit properly and be designed to protect workers while they work.  As stated above, it is possible to prevent about ninety per cent of eye injuries if workers wear their safety eyewear.  OSHA has standards requiring employers to furnish their workers with appropriate eye protection.

For working in the yard, you must remember to slip on those safety glasses or goggles while mowing , trimming trees, or stirring up any dust and particles.  We only get one pair of eyes, so we must do all we can to keep them safe and healthy.

 Source: U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services; Atlantic Eye Institute

FRYING THE TURKEY AGAIN THIS YEAR?

If you see your neighbor sporting protective eyewear, safety gloves, and carrying a fire extinguisher, it’s a good guess that he’s not headed to a fire, but getting ready to fry the turkey!  It has become quite a tradition to fry Thanksgiving or Christmas turkeys instead of the old-fashioned way, baking them in the oven.  (Seems to be a “man” thing.)  Just in case, the aforementioned equipment might come in handy to keep the cook safe!  Despite the delicious outcome, make yourself aware that there are certain risks involved: 

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

If you choose to furnish this scrumptious main course for the holidays, just keep these safety tips in mind.  If you prefer to “play it safe”, bake the turkey in the oven.  The bird should be completely thawed (in the refrigerator), which may take a day or two, prior to cooking.  Either way, cook with care, and enjoy your feast!    Oh, by the way, a gentle reminder: please drive safely if you are on the road this holiday season.  Happy Holidays!