Hazards in the workplace and on the road are among the most common accidents that happen worldwide. Safety is always a priority in such environments and there are ways to prevent accidents that may endanger your life or the life of others.
Safety clothing, for one, is important in any workplace since it protects people from health and safety risks. Also called personal protective equipment or PPE, it lessens the probability of injuries, illnesses, or any impending legal issue caused by accidents. Here are some of its applications and importance:
External factor protection
No matter how careful we are, we cannot control the people around us. All we can do is to give them a warning. For instance, if your staff is delivering goods at night on a motorcycle, other motorists might not be able to see them and could possible ran them over. This is where PPE comes in. High visibility clothing, for instance, is a type of personal protective equipment that is used mostly by occupational workers. It is known as “Hi-Viz” because it has highly reflective properties and a bright color that is noticeable from any environment. It is also used by industrial workers working in railway, roads, and airport. Safety clothing can be ordered online in bulk and is accessible to any industry.
Eye and face protection
Safety goggles and full-face shields provide protection for the eyes and face. It is commonly used in metalwork, woodwork, and air tool operations. Safety goggles is sometimes used in construction sites to avoid debris such as sand from entering the eyes.
Hand and skin protection
Injuries and occupational diseases, such as skin cancer and contact dermatitis, can happen in any workplace. A good way to prevent them is to wear gloves. Some of the types of gloves your workers can use are cut-resistant, chainsaw, rubber, and heat-resistant gloves. These can also help prevent injuries involved in working with hot materials, slippery objects, breakables like glass, electricity, chemicals, and sheet metal.
Head protection
Hard hats are common in construction. These are designed to protect workers from flying or falling debris that can hurt their heads. To find the right one, its straps should be adjustable and the hat itself should fit well on the head. It would also be best to find hard hats that have accessories or attachments such as earmuffs and face shields.
Hearing protection
Industrial noise is an occupational hazard and can cause hearing impairment to workers. The manufacturing industry has the most cases of hearing loss in workers and it should not be disregarded. Earplugs and earmuffs provide protection for hearing. Earmuffs are beneficial for workers who are always exposed to high-frequency noise, while earplugs are effective for environments that produce low-frequency noise.
Respiratory protection
Face masks and respirators provide protection from toxic substances that could enter the lungs. These are designed to filter the air from particulates like dust. It also protects from harmful fumes from spray paint, pesticides, and other dangerous substances. Respiratory protection should always be used in working environments with air contaminants or where there is inadequate ventilation.
The use of personal protection equipment is important in workplaces that can be hazardous to workers. It is an employer’s responsibility to provide these as it is part of every safety and health regulation. Working environments in different industries can be harsh, and employee health should always be a priority.
