Preventing Safety Hazards in the Workplace

When you are at work, there are important things you should keep in mind to prevent any injuries. There are some guidelines in place to control, correct and prevent potential and current hazards. You should understand the guidelines for equipment you are operating and wear all required protective clothing to make sure you stay safe while in the workplace. It is important that you make sure that safety precautions are always followed…

     1.       Follow all work safety procedures. Wear protective gloves, safety masks and ear protection when required. Wear safety goggles and follow all instructional policies for the equipment being operated.

     2.       Provide regular breaks for employees in hazardous working conditions. Rotate workers through various areas and provide exercise breaks for employees to prevent fatigue.

     3.       Make sure to give employees and management hazard training and assessment classes. All machines and techniques involved with the job need to be taught and repeated throughout the work force. Make all employees aware of the dangers and hazards of all equipment and supplies they deal with on a daily basis.

     4.       Track all corrections made to hazardous work areas. Always keep records of any accidents that occur in the workplace. Use this documentation to locate possible hazards and work to eliminate future accidents.

     5.       Conduct preventative maintenance on all equipment and systems before replacement or repair is needed to prevent workplace hazards.

     6.       Prepare for emergencies, whether accidental or those of natural cause such as the weather. Have drills and plans of action in place.

     7.       Implement medical programs within the business. The size and scope of the medical program will vary based on the number of employees and characteristics in the workplace. Larger companies can even hire on-site medical staff while smaller companies should make arrangements with local clinics.

As an employer you have a responsibility to protect workers against safety hazards at work, as they exist in every workplace. Some are easily identified and corrected, while others create extremely dangerous situations. The best thing to do is learn how to prevent them!

Are you in need of some quality safety wear and equipment at an affordable price? Visit L&A Safety in Cape Town, Robertson or Vredenburg or visit www.landasafety.co.za today!

How to Stay Safe while Welding

There are many risks when welding; some of them include electric shock, inhaling toxic fumes, injuring your eyes and burns.

These risks mean that protective clothing should ALWAYS be worn during all welding operations… The correct welding protective gear includes:

Respirator / Welding Mask – There are many different types of masks to choose from, you need to buy the one that is created for the tasks you will be doing.

Ventilation – Before you start welding make sure the area has the correct ventilation. If an area is badly ventilated it can lead to plume poisoning. Should you feel you have inhaled any toxic fumes – get help right away!

Make sure your welding area is clean and check any gasses for leaks.

Eye Protection – Protect your eyes from flying debris and the effects of ultraviolet light with the right eye protection. Different types of welding means you may need types of helmets, varying from shade number, lenses and comfort.

Fire Protection – Did you know that welding sparks can cause fires? Keep a fire extinguisher close by as well as water and sand.

Protective clothing – All your skin needs to be covered when you are welding in order to protect from metal and sparks.

For all your PPE clothing and equipment, contact L&A Safety or visit on of their branches in Cape Town, Vredenburg and Robertson.

The Most Important Safety Features that Work Boots need...

Safety is obviously the most important aspect of a work boot. But it you are a construction worker for example, your work boots are going to differ from an electricians’. 

Need a reliable pair of work boots? Just visit L&A Safety today! But, it does pay to know what kind of conditions you will be up against before you head out onto the field!

Here is a rundown of some of the most commonly seen work boot safety features.

SAFETY TOES

The safety toe is probably the most talked about work boot safety feature, and a steel-toe boot is for more than just kicking someone’s butt. If you work in the lumber, carpentry, or construction industries, work boots with safety toes are a must.

Any time you find yourself working in a situation where heavy objects could potentially fall in your vicinity, safety toes are a good idea, as they can prevent serious foot injuries. However, not all safety toes are created equal—they can typically be found in three varieties:

- Steel Toe
- Composite Toe
- Aluminum Toe

PUNCTURE PLATE

If you work in construction or in any field requiring you to trudge through rubble, debris, or demolition zones, puncture plates are a must. Without a puncture plate, you risk serious injury by way of stepping on a potentially tetanus-laden nail or jagged glass chip.

A nail in the foot has to be among the worst reasons to leave work early. Luckily, a puncture plate is a common work boot feature that keeps the bottoms of your feet safe. The puncture plate lies between the insole and midsole, providing additional support along with guarding against punctures and pierces.

OUTSOLE GRIP

Grip is vital to staying on your feet. A pair of boots with a solid grip is going to do a significantly better job of keeping you right side up than boots without. As mentioned before, over one-third of all fatal construction accidents are a result of a slip or fall.

Traction is key. There are limitless workplace scenarios where slipping and falling can pose a major hazard. Many workers need to balance on metal roofs or uneven surfaces. Worse still, oil slicks and/or precipitation greatly increase the odds of slippage.

So, how can you avoid falls? Being mindful and aware is probably the greatest accident prevention method, but sometimes the only way to conquer hazardous conditions is with the right gear.

ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE

Do you work around live wires and other electrical hazards? It’s best to be protected against electrical injury from the bottom up.

First off, do not wear steel toe or aluminum toe boots if electrical hazards are abound in your line of work. A composite toe is a great alternative to metal toed boots because there is no threat of electrical conduction, and the odds of static shock is significantly decreased with the plastics found in composite materials.

Safety first. Always. The right work boots can save you a toe, or even your life. You never know what can happen out on the field, but it’s important to prepare with the best gear for the job.

Wearing PPE can sometimes expose you to Hidden Dangers

PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) is clothing or equipment that people wear to protect them from dangers in the workplace. Whether you are working in a factory, or handle chemicals daily in a lab, PPE should always be worn to minimize your exposure to anything dangerous.

For affordable PPE, including safety wear and equipment, visit L&A Safety’s website or pop into one of their stores in Cape Town, Robertson or Vredenburg.

The negative side is that wearing PPE improperly can sometimes expose you to hidden dangers…

>> It creates a false sense of security

Having a false sense of security can be deadly! Just because you are wearing the correct PPE doesn’t mean you are invincible – accidents can still happen. Workers who believe they are completely protected from chemicals, electricity, sharp objects, etc. can be careless.

>> It can sometimes create hazards

Each piece of PPE doesn’t fit everyone the same – it is designed differently for each job and wearing the wrong type of protection or the wrong size can put someone in serious danger.

>> Pre-Contact vs. Point-of-contact

PPE protects workers during point-of-contact hazards, such as exposure to ultraviolet light or contact with dangerous acid. Yes, PPE improves worker safety by reducing the risk of injury, but it doesn’t eliminate the hazard! Pre-contact controls are essential to improving worker safety as they eliminate hazards completely.

PPE can include anything from helmets, hard hats and safety shoes to hearing protection and so much more. So make sure your PPE program is planned out carefully and introduced in stages.

Why is PPE so Important in the Mining Industry?

There are many potential hazards and risks that you may come across while working on mining work sites. It is vital for employees to wear the correct safety equipment and follow the safety protocols to protect their health.

Here are some reasons why protective clothing and equipment is so important:

Get noticed. Employees who wear high visibility gear are much more likely to be seen by other people. This is especially important if employees are working near machinery or a road.

Protect their skin. Protective clothing is specifically designed to protect employees’ skin from cuts, grazes or any other injury.

Barrier to the elements. Employees are often required to work in extreme conditions such as rain, high winds, cold and extreme heat.

The types of protective equipment used in the mining industry includes safety goggles, steel-toed boots, safety helmets, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, high visibility vests, ear plugs and hats.

Businesses are required to train their employees on the appropriate way to wear protective equipment and how to use it correctly.

Organisations must also ensure anyone visiting the workplace wears the appropriate protective equipment where necessary. It’s then essential to inform any visitors of safety procedures and alert them of potential hazards.

It is important to purchase the right personal protective clothing for each specific situation to protect employee’s health and safety. Check out landasafety.co.za, where they have a wide range of personal protective equipment, safety equipment and corporate clothing.

Wearing protective clothing when working in the mining industry won’t stop accidents from happening, but it can greatly reduce the risk of injuries and health problems.

Is it Time to Get a New Hard Hat?

From all the wear and tear of being used every day, hard hats get old over time and need to be replaced. Even if you bought your hard hat at a reliable store at the highest price, it’s always important to get a new one when the time comes.

Here’s how to tell if it is time to buy a new hard hat…

- Cracks appear in the shell
- Shiny surface appears dull or chalky
- The shell becomes brittle

While you are busy checking if your hard hat needs to be replaced, you should also check the suspension. You’ll know when you need a fresh one if…

- The suspensions become brittle
- One of more of the mounts breaks off
- The suspension will no longer hold securely to the head
- The cradling straps break or become worn

It is generally a good idea to inspect your hard hat before and after each time you use it. Although there is no set service life for hard hats, manufacturers recommend that you replace it after no more than five years.

Are you looking for a one-stop safety wear and equipment store for all your needs, including high-quality, affordable hard hats? Visit L&A Safety at their shops in Milnerton and Vredenburg or take a look at their website today!

The Types of Workplace Dangers to look out for

Certain jobs have a lot more workplace hazards than others; however there is no environment that has absolutely no risks.

Take a look at the list below and keep an eye out for any potential workplace dangers when you’re at work again…

Safety Hazards

  Ø  Anything that can cause you to trip, such as wires or cords on the floor

  Ø  Being in a situation where you can fall off a ladder, scaffold, etc.

  Ø  Machine parts that are not guarded

  Ø  Improper wiring or overloaded power strips that can cause electrical hazards

Physical Hazards

  Ø  Extremely high temperatures

  Ø  Radiation caused by microwaves, radio waves, etc.

  Ø  Exposure to high levels of ultraviolet rays

Ergonomic Hazards

  Ø  Lifting heavy objects on a regular basis

  Ø  Repeating the same motions repetitively

  Ø  Chairs that are not adjusted properly and do not support your back

  Ø  Frequent awkward movements

Chemical Hazards

  Ø  Exposure to pesticides

  Ø  Coming into contact with harmful cleaning products, paints, acids, etc.

  Ø  Inhaling gases like propane, carbon monoxide or helium

  Ø  Flammable materials or gasoline

Biological Hazards

  Ø  Contact with bodily fluids like blood or saliva

  Ø  Fungus and mould

  Ø  Bacteria and viruses

  Ø  Potential insect bites

PPE comes in all shapes and sizes, each piece of equipment make to protect you from something different. Get the best PPE at the most affordable prices from L&A Safety – call 021 552 0665, visit www.landasafety.co.za or pop into a branch in Cape Town, Robertson or Vredenburg.

Stop using these Safety Excuses!

If you have been a safety professional for a while, you’ve probably heard all the safety excuses in the world. They can range from the most ignorant excuse to the absolute absurd. Yet we continue to hear them.

Make sure to check out L&A Safety for a wide range of quality safety wear and equipment, don't make any excuses - order today!

Part of a safety professional’s job is to get these people to understand that by making excuses they are actually putting lives at risk. Here are some of the most common safety excuses.

   I’ve been doing it this way for xxx yearsOkay I’m pretty sure that every single person has heard this one before! Old-schoolers are very resistant to change, that’s why they believe that what they have been doing for all those years is okay. Just because a man has never died before from falling doesn’t mean he should never wear fall protection.

  Seemed like a good idea at the timeDid it? You should never buy into this excuse. This statement shows that certain employees never stopped to think before what they were about to do. One of your biggest tools in your toolbox should always be planning.

 I have a job to do / I wasn’t thinking / I forgotThis excuse shows that the worker does not take their own safety very seriously. If a worker has this attitude they have not been properly educated on the risks of their job, they probably need training and quickly!

 This is how I was told to do it / the boss said…If this excuse is accurate then you may have a problem and the supervision is putting the workforce in serious danger. First you have to get the employee to understand that they have a say in their own safety and they need to speak up, especially if they feel they have been forced into a dangerous situation.

 You caught me the ONE time I did this
This excuse is actually quite funny. How many times have you seen a worker the ONE time they weren’t wearing their safety goggles. The fact of the matter is, if you catch somebody during an inspection, odds are they’ve done the exact same thing before when you weren’t around.

Sometimes the worst thing about these safety excuses is that the companies or workers actually believe them. Part of being in the safety profession is to understand that an excuse is an excuse and it can lead to dangerous accidents.

Do it yourself, but Do it safely!

When you tackle any DIY job it’s important that you know how to be safe, especially if you are a beginner.

Here’s how to complete your DIY project safely by using the correct PPE…

  ü  Choose the right gear for whatever task you are going to do. If you are going to be welding, you’ll need a welding mask and gloves, if you’re going to be spray painting, you’ll need a respiratory mask, etc.

  ü  If you are unsure of what PPE you will need, do not hesitate to contact L&A Safety on 021 552 0665 or email tish@landasafety.co.za

  ü  To protect your eyes, always use safety goggles or glasses

  ü  To protect your ears, always use ear plugs

  ü  To protect your hands, always wear gloves

  ü  Always make sure your PPE fits properly, otherwise it’s pointless wearing it

General Safety Tips:

     1.       Do not wear loose fitting clothes that could get caught in machines or tools

     2.       Make sure your working area is clean and tidy

     3.       There’s no need to rush! Do your project slowly and safely

     4.       Pack your tools away in a safe place when you are done

     5.       Always have a properly stocked first aid kit close by. Contact Supply Doctor for affordable first aid kits on 087 001 0511/2 or email westcoastsales@supplydoctor.co.za

     6.       Do not use a tool unless you are familiar with how to use it

     7.       All your tools should be in good working condition

A DIY project is a fun, affordable way to get things done around your home or business. However it is vital that you ALWAYS wear the right PPE. Pop into an L&A Safety store in Cape Town, Robertson or Vredenburg today!

Why is it so Important to Wear Safety Goggles

Safety goggles are generally worn to protect the user from dangers objects and chemicals. They come in all shapes and sizes, depending on what they are protecting the wearer from.

Let’s take a look at why safety goggles are so important…

There are a number of reasons why safety goggles are so important. Firstly if you work with hazardous materials and chemicals you can handle them without the fear of possibly damaging your eyes. Safety goggles also protect the wearer from anything falling or flying into their eyes. 

For example should your be welding and sparks are flying, your safety googles are the only thing protecting your eyes. Another example could be an explosion in a science lab – you could be potentially blinded or seriously injured without safety goggles.

If you are in doubt about whether you should be wearing your safety goggles are not, it’s better to just wear them and be safe than sorry. If you find It difficult to remember wearing them at all times, simply put them on every time you enter the construction site, garage, laboratory or where ever your place of work may be.

Safety goggles can be pricey, not at L&A Safety! 

For affordable, but high-quality PPE, including safety goggles visit one of our branches in Cape Town, Vredenburg or Robertson or browse through the website catalogues here - http://landasafety.co.za/

PPE in the Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry is a dangerous line of work. Every year hundreds of people die while performing oil and gas extraction while thousands others are injured.

Wearing the correct PPE is vitally important to ensure all oil and gas workers stay safe, it must be worn at all times to reduce a workers exposure to dangers. Here are three factors you need to know in order to stay safe…

HAZARDS:

Dangers can be found just about everywhere in the gas and oil industry from chemicals and building foundations to working the drill site. Because of all the dangers, employees NEED to assess the environment and match the PPE to the possible dangers. Most potential hazards are physical and health related some include: slipping and falling, explosions, fire, hand and eye injuries, hearing loss and exposure to dangerous chemicals and gases.

REQUIREMENTS:

Employees should always wear the proper PPE and take the proper safety precautions, but in the end it is the responsibility of the company or the employer to ensure a safe working environment is provided. The general PPE that should be used at all times such as eye, face and head protection as well as protective clothing and respiratory devices.

ADVANCEMENTS:

Workers often need to feel comfortable as well as protected in their PPE and advancements in PPE have really allowed workers to use their equipment with ease. In addition, uncomfortable or PPE that doesn’t fit properly can become irritating and workers would rather leave it off than wear it.

The oil and gas industry is a dangerous place – stay safe and wear the right PPE!

L&A Safety is your one stop PPE store. Visit the website or pop into one of our stores in Cape Town, Vredenburg or Robertson.

8 Vital Ways Safety Shoes Protect your Feet

When you think about safety shoes, the first thing that probably pops into your mind is heavy-duty, steel toe boots. These shoes are vital for foot protection as they have been reinforced to shield you from a range of dangerous or heavy objects.

Other types of shoes exist to protect you including those that provide traction, support, slip protection and other safety benefits. If you are not sure what shoes you need for the job, it is best to do a safety assessment first and determine what risks pose a threat.

Shoes may not be at the top of your list before safety head gear and eye wear, however they are vital to your safety! Here’s how safety shoes or boots can protect you in the workplace:

     1.       Falling/flying objects – When working in a place such as a construction site, there will be dangers all around like machines and vehicles. Falling and flying objects are a regular occurrence and can cause serious injuries, protective shoes like steel cap boots can prevent serious injuries.

     2.       Punctures – Heavy duty shoes protect workers when sharp objects puncture from above or underneath.

     3.       Cutting Hazards – Machinery such as chainsaws can provide dangers like cutting. Boots made from cut resistant materials can mean the difference between safety and catastrophic results.

     4.       Electrical Dangers – Certain workers such as electricians can face potential electric shocks which can cause deadly results. Footwear that is made from materials like leather and rubber are best to wear as they don’t conduct electricity.

     5.       Slips, Trips and Falls – Accidents happen in any workplace at any time. Consider installing anti-slip floors and make sure everyone wears shoes that have proper traction.

     6.       Fatigue Prevention – For those who stand all day at work, fatigue is a real thing! Muscle in your feet as well as in your legs can grow tired and suffer if you do not wear the right footwear for the job.

     7.        Burns – Burns from fire can happen, but then again so can chemical burns and even burns from cement. If you work in an environment that includes these dangers, make sure to wear the right footwear that is made from durable materials.

     8.       Extreme Weather – We all know extreme cold weather can end in frost bite and hypothermia; this is why it is vital for those who work in these conditions to wear insulated, waterproof protective footwear.

Improve your safety and comfort by wearing the right safety boots for the right job! L&A Safety has a wide range of PPE, including safety shoes and boots – visit the website here… Or pop into one of their stores in Cape Town, Vredenburg or Robertson!

How to Prevent Hearing Loss in the Workplace

Hearing loss from too much noise in the workplace is one of the most common work-related health issues. Every year workers all over the world suffer from noise exposures loud enough to be extremely hazardous.

Not only does hearing loss affect your life in a negative way, but it can also be really expensive.

Always be aware that workers should never be exposed to noise louder than 85 decibels for more than 8 hours.

So, what factors influence hearing loss?

Noise level – As the noise gets higher so does the risk of hearing loss.

Duration – The longer you sit and expose your ears to the noise, the more dangerous it becomes.

Impulsiveness – Noises that are abrupt such as hammering, fireworks, gunfire, etc. are more dangerous than a constant noise at a certain level.

Intermittency – When there is a time when the noise stops or quietens down, this allows the ears to rest and reduce the risk of hearing loss.

If you would like to minimize the risk of hearing loss in the workplace, make sure you take the correct steps...

     1.       Monitor noise exposure

     2.       All workers should wear hearing protection devices. Visit the L&A Safety website here

     3.       Engineering and administrative controls

     4.       Audiometric evaluation

Complete removal of the noise would be the best option; however it is not possible in some workplaces such as a construction site. Make sure your workers wear their hearing protection!

For cheap, high-quality PPE visit L&A Safety in Robertson, Vredenburg and Cape Town or visit their website here.

Look out for these 7 Potential Dangers during the Rainy Season

It’s so easy to forget how dangerous the rain can be. Even a bit of a light drizzle can cause a slip or mean visibility issues.

Rainy weather affects many things on the job site:

PPE. If workers are busy working in the rain then they need to wear the right PPE, this includes rain coats, waterproof footwear, hats, gloves, etc. If the job site is near moving water your workers need to wear safety flotation devices, such as a life jacket.

Exposure to the cold. As the weather gets colder, the rain starts to get colder too. The cold rain can put workers at risk of cold exposure.

Live wires. The wet weather means that live wires a high probability of live electrical cables.

Slippery surfaces. Mean there is any type of moisture, there is a higher chance of slipping and falling. Whether it is on a pathway, scaffolding, in a trench or even a roof – be careful!

Cave ins. Those who work in dug out areas of earth, such as mine workers, need to be careful and aware of cave ins.

Heavy equipment. The combination of rain and strong winds can make it especially difficult to operate heavy duty equipment such as cranes.

Lightning strikes. With the rain often comes the storm, and that combination can often bring lightning. When this occurs, workers need to steer clear of cranes, steel framework and other equipment that could act as a lightning rod.

The colder months ahead mean slick, slippery and often dangerous working conditions – Make sure you know about the dangers and how to stay safe!

Are you looking for affordable PPE? Look no further than L&A Safety in Robertson, Cape Town and Vredenburg - the highest quality PPE with no delivery charges!

What PPE is needed for Cold Weather?

With the colder weather slowly coming along, it’s time to stop and think about how to deal with weather-related hazards in the workplace. In some work environments, special PPE is needed.

COATS and JACKETS

When the environment is very cold, an insulated jacket or coat is necessary. In cases were workers are in different weather conditions, the jacket would need to be water resistant, waterproof or wind-resistant.

SHOES

This all depends on what work is being done. Waterproof boots or insulated boots are a must for some workers, while rubber bottom boots and leather tops may be better for others.

HEAD PROTECTION

Did you know that 50% of body heat is lost through your head? Workers who don’t need to wear hardhats, a wool hat will help to keep them warm.

GLOVES

Workers need hand protection in the cold weather, so opt for insulated gloves to keep fingers warm.

EYEWEAR

When your glasses fog up, it can be really annoying as well as dangerous. Breathing in the cold air can cause your PPE glasses or safety goggles to mist up, so wear protection that is separated from the mouth and nose.

Prepare for the cold today to avoid injuries later!

L&A Safety has a range of PPE suited for cold weather. Have a look on their website today, or pop into one of their stores in Robertson, Cape Town or Vredenburg.

The Four Types of Gardening Gloves

One type of glove is not made to fit every different gardening job. You need to choose a pair of gloves that is perfect for what you are going to be using them for…

L&A Safety offers a wide range of gloves, including those that can be used for gardening, take a look at the L&A Safety's website or pop into one of their stores in Cape Town, Vredenburg or Robertson.

Here are the four different types of gloves used for gardening.

Cloth Gloves – These gloves are usually made from strong cotton or knit jersey. The most common gardening tasks they are used for is planting, mixing soil, cultivating and raking. Cloth gloves are popular because they are cheap and can be used multiple times, however they’re not pleasant to wear when your hands are wet and you’ll have to replace them quite often.

Leather Gloves – Made from either cowhide, pigskin, sheepskin or goatskin, leather gloves are best suited for heavy gardening chores like planting, shoveling, moving rocks and using power equipment. These gloves are durable and keep your hands dry when working in wetness, but they can be expensive to buy.

Rubber-Coated Gloves – Nothing will ever get through these gloves, which is great if you’re working with wet soil, fungicide and liquid garden fertilizers, but we warned that they do puncture easily. Rubber gloves are great because they act as a second skin and you can even wash your hands with them on, but they don’t breathe so they can leave your hands clammy.

Nitrile Gloves – Great as multi-purpose gardening gloves and the best choice when working with fungicides and fertilizers because they offer a watertight barrier. Nitrile gloves are cheaper than leather gloves and allow for good dexterity in the garden, the only disadvantage is that soil particles can seep through the surface.

Gardening is literally a hands-on task, so you need to choose a pair of gloves that allow you to work effectively on your gardening tasks, but at the same time protect your hands in the process.

How to Maintain your Safety Glasses – 8 Easy Tips

When it comes to certain workplaces, safety glasses are a vital piece of PPE. Even while you mow the lawn or play on the sports field, safety glasses serve the same purpose – to protect your eyes!

And like any other PPE, they need to be maintained to ensure they last a long time. L&A Safety supplies a wide range of excellent PPE, including a range of safety glasses. Visit the website now - www.landasafety.co.za

Follow these 8 simple steps:

  ü  Clean them everyday – Whether you rinse them under water or wipe them off with a damp cloth, it will get rid of any debris or dust that may have accumulated.

  ü  Use lens cleaner – Water is the simplest way to clean your safety glasses, but lens cleaner gets rid of the stuff water cannot.

  ü  Clean the sides and ear pieces – You will be shocked at how dirty these parts of your glasses can get.

  ü  Don’t use abrasive cleaners – Glasses become unwearable when you use rough clothes to clean them because scratches will damage the lenses

  ü  Don’t use regular household cleaners – Glass cleaner and things like kitchen cleaner can really damage your safety glasses. Rather use the above cleaning methods.

  ü  Inspect them daily – Look out for cracks and any broken pieces, these can be dangerous if an accident happens.

  ü  Use storage – The best place to store your glasses is in a hard case or pouch. If you don’t want to buy one an old sock is another option!

  ü  Replace them when need be – Damaged or scratch safety glasses are a serious safety hazard. When your lenses are scratched they will impair your vision and if they are cracked they’ll lose the ability to protect your eyes as they should.

Always provide your workers with a well-stocked cleaning station to make sure everyone keeps their safety glasses in good working condition.

Protecting your Eyes at Work

Every year thousands of people sustain eye injuries in the work place. Of all these injuries some will lead to temporary blindness and even permanent blindness!

This is why it is so important to wear the right eye protection...

What are the most common causes of eye injuries in the work place?

> Flying objects like metal, glass, etc.
> Tools
> Particles
> Dangerous chemicals
> Harmful radiation

So, how can you do to prevent eye injuries?

> Always know the eye safety dangers at work
> Use machine guarding, work screens, etc. to get rid of the hazards before they even happen
> Use proper eye protection

The best safety eyewear protection includes:

-- Prescription safety glasses
-- Safety goggles
-- Face shields
-- Welding helmets
-- Full-face respirators

Check out the L&A Safety website for a range of eye protection PPE, or pop into one of their stores in Cape Town, Vredenberg or Robertson.

Eye injuries are common in the workplace; make sure you wear your eye protection!

Safety Gear that every DIY Enthusiast Should Own!

Safety gear is just as important as your most precious tools in your toolbox; it’s there to protect you!

Here are the five most important pieces of safety gear that every DIYer should own...

  ü  Safety glasses

When you’re working with dangerous chemicals, sparks, debris, etc. you’re going to need a pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes. You should have a few pairs of safety glasses lying around in your toolbox. Why? Because their cheap and easy to find. Stick to buying glasses from a reliable source like L&A Safety – visit their website here.

  ü  Hearing protection

Power tools are much louder than you may think; listening to them all day long could damage your ears and even lead to hearing loss. Earmuffs are your best bet as they are comfortable to wear and block most of the noise out. If you’d rather go for the cheaper option, earplugs can be worn but they’re not as comfortable.

  ü  Masks and respirators

Inhaling asbestos, mould and fibreglass can make you seriously ill, so wearing a mask is an absolute must when it comes to doing demolition work. Respirator masks are comfortable to wear and provide more protection than disposable masks.

  ü  Gloves

For at home work, a light pair of leather, canvas or cloth gloves are vital. Steer clear of those huge bulky gloves that take ages just to wear in. The best gloves you can buy for your tool box offer proper protection but are still easy to wear.

  ü  Work boots

Just like your gloves, your boots should be reliable, yet still comfortable to wear. When you’re busy doing your DIY projects you need foot gear that can protect your feet from falling objects, water and even ensure you don’t slip.

Make sure you have these essentials in your toolbox at all times!

Essential Gardening Gear

The sun is out which means it’s time to head to the garden and deal with whatever it throws at you, whether it be a mess of weeds or an overgrown spinach patch. However, before you step outside you need to be wearing the right gardening gear.

You want your gardening clothes to be able to protect you, but at the same time be practical. He’s a list of essential gardening gear you can order now from L&A Safety.

GLOVES

Your gardening gloves need to be durable and withstand regular use in the garden. However the type of glove you buy depends on the type of environment you are working in.

If you choose cotton gloves, they will be comfortable, but they won’t protect you much. All leather gloves are great at protecting your fingers when you’re working with sharp plants and can prevent cuts, however they aren’t very breathable.

I would say the best gloves for gardeners would be gloves made from Lycra or nylon – take a look at the range from L&A Safety.

BOOTS

Gardens offer a range of things, including muddy flower beds, thorns and even spiders, so you need a good pair of boots to protect you from your feet up to your calves. Polyurethane boots are both light, longwearing and have excellent insulation!

Take a look at the L&A Safety website. There Polyurethane boots are light and flexible, insulated correctly, durable, slip resistant, metal free and protect your feet if you step on a sharp object!

GLASSES

The sun is beating down on you and the last thing you need is an annoying glare in your eyes, this is why glasses are so important when you’re gardening.

Choose a pair that suites your needs – a sporty safety pair of glasses with a tinted lens if you’re just pruning your rose garden.  General purpose dust goggles and a clear full face shield if you’re planning on doing some heavy duty gardening like mowing the lawn.

Some other essentials:

- Old, loose, comfortable clothing
- A wide-brimmed hat
- A pouch or apron

Before you step outside into the garden, make sure you have these gardening essentials.

Who uses High-Visibility PPE?

Those who work close to a road or on a road should always wear high-visibility PPE.

Here are a few of the people who would benefit from wearing high-visibility PPE...

-- Road construction workers, highway maintenance, traffic officer’s surveyors and road patrol personnel.  

-- Police officers, fire-fighters and emergency medical personnel who may be on an accident scene during the night.

-- Parking attendants (car guards in South Africa), security officers, airport fight line marshals and tow truck drivers may all wear reflective gear to ensure they can be seen easily by the people driving the cars and the airplanes.

-- Warehouse employees may often wear safety vests to ensure they are seen by moving forklifts. Construction workers and heavy equipment operators could need high visibility clothing as well.

You may feel that it is not necessary for you to wear high-visibility clothing, but it is in fact vital to your safety. Studies have shown that those who wear the right PPE are less likely to be injured or even killed.

To make sure you have the right high-visibility PPE for you, contact L&A Safety on 021 552 0665 or visit their website here...