Industrial workers have several responsibilities that vary based on position and project. However, if they are not practicing safety measures, the industry does not have a workforce it can depend on. It is not just these workers to consider but the families and communities who depend on them. Providing them with safety-compliant PPE is vital in keeping everyone safe so the workforce can do its job in an environment where no one has to get hurt. There are science-based solutions that can ensure this safety, and it is based on PPE products that have been proven to keep workers safe on the job.
It is the role of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women. OSHA deems that providing PPE is the responsibility of employers because they should provide employees with proper equipment to do the job, including safety equipment. There are hazards in every workplace that take many different forms like sharp edges, falling objects, flying sparks, chemicals, and then there is the threat of Covid-19. The role of PPE is to minimize the exposure to each of these hazards, and examples are listed as follows because understanding the different types of PPE is vital to moving in a safe direction.
Eye and Face Protection
Employees can be exposed to several hazards that pose a danger to their eyes and face. This requires employers to ensure that employees have appropriate eye or face protection if exposed to flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, potentially infected material, or even harmful light radiation.
Proper eye protection could include safety spectacles which are protective eyeglasses with safety frames constructed of metal or plastic and touch the face around the eyes on all sides. There are also safety goggles with tight-fitting eye protection that completely cover the eyes, eye sockets, and the facial area immediately surrounding the eyes. Safety goggles offer better protection than safety spectacles. Some goggles fit over corrective lenses.
In addition to safety spectacles and safety goggles, there are face shields. These are transparent plastic sheets that extend from the forehead, below the chin, and across the head. Face shields protect against nuisance specks of dust and potential splashes or sprays of hazardous liquids. Face shields used in combination with goggles or safety spectacles will provide additional protection.
Head Protection
Protecting employees from potential head injuries is a key element of any safety program. A head injury can be fatal or at least impair an employee for life. Wearing a safety helmet or hard hat is one of the easiest ways to protect an employee's head from injury. Hard hats protect employees from electrical shock, burn hazards, impact, and penetration hazards. Every employer should offer hard hats and other PPE forms to protect against hazards to the head and face, and industry workers know that these measures must be taken to ensure their safety. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that these safety measures are in effect.
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