The Truth about PPE

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is designed to protect employees from serious workplace injuries and illnesses caused from chemical, radiological, physical, electrical or mechanical hazards. The truth is that PPE is paramount for your protection, as it provides the last line of defence against an injury.

98% of employees said they have seen others not wearing PPE when they should have been and 30% said this happens repeatedly!

What are the top four excuses for not wearing proper PPE?

- Looks unattractive

- Too hot

- Poor fit

- Now easy accessible

Head Injuries

9% of all injuries are head injuries
84% of employees who sustain a head injuiry are not wearing head protection

Eye Injuries

50% of construction workers will suffer a serious eye injury during their career
90% of all workplace eye injuries are preventable with the use of proper safety eyewear

Hand Injuries

25% of all workplace accidents involve hands and fingers
Wearing gloves can reduce hand injury by 60%

Ear Injuries

25% of workers are regularly exposed to noises at or above recommended limits
99% of noise-induced hearing loss is preventable if proper hearing protection is used

Put it on! From head to toe, always make sure you have the right protection for the job! 

Looking for affordable PPE?  Visit L&A Safety's website or pop in to one of the branches in Cape Town, Vredenburg or Robertston!

Hearing Loss among Farmers and Agricultural Workers

Why Should Farmers and Agricultural Workers be Concerned About Hearing Loss?

• Hearing loss from exposure to noise is common among farmers and agricultural worker
• Hearing loss from noise is permanent and irreversible
• Hearing loss causes loss of life quality for farmers and farm families
• For most farmers, hearing loss occurs gradually over many years and may only be noticed once it is a serious problem
• Hearing loss from noise can be prevented

What are the Sources of Hazardous Noise in Agriculture?

Hazardous levels of noise are produced by many kinds of agricultural equipment, including:

• grain dryers
• tractors
• combines
• livestock
• chainsaws
• firearms

What is Too Loud?

Any noise that leaves you with ringing in the ears or a temporary reduction in your hearing is TOO LOUD! If you are in a noisy location and you have to raise your voice above a normal speaking voice just to be heard, the noise is TOO LOUD!

How Can Farmers Protect Their Hearing?

Exposure to noise can be controlled many ways. The following are common methods for agricultural workers:

1. Reduce Sound Levels. When selecting new equipment, ask about sound levels and pick the quietest option.

2. Perform routine equipment maintenance. For example, fixing mufflers on engines, lubricating bearings, and replacing worn parts will reduce noise levels and improve farming operations.

3. Isolate yourself from noise. Working in motorized equipment equipped with cabs or enclosures will reduce noise exposure. Open tractors, loaders, and ATV exposure operators to more noise than similar equipment with enclosed cabs. 

4. Use personal protective equipment. Since purchasing newer, quieter equipment is not always an option, use hearing protection when working in noisy settings. The earmuff style offers the best protection and is easy to use. Expandable ear plugs are the next best option but these require proper insertion to be effective: roll them up, insert into the ear, hold in place while they expand to fill the ear canal. 

5. Mark “HIGH NOISE ZONE” anywhere there is risk of excessive noise exposure. Have a set of earmuffs or earplugs in or near every high noise setting on the farm. The less trouble hearing protection is to use, the more likely it will be used.

6. Limit daily exposure duration. Reducing the amount of time you are exposed to noise can limit its harmful effects.

How to Wear Soft Foam Earplugs

To get the best protection from your soft foam earplugs, remember to roll, pull, and hold when putting them in. Use clean hands to keep from getting dirt and germs into your ears!

Roll
Roll the earplug up into a small, thin "snake" with your fingers. You can use one or both hands.

Pull
Pull the top of your ear up and back with your opposite hand to straighten out your ear canal. The rolled-up earplug should slide right in.

Hold
Hold the earplug in with your finger. Count to 20 or 30 out loud while waiting for the plug to expand and fill the ear canal. Your voice will sound muffled when the plug has made a good seal.

Check the fit when you're all done. Most of the foam body of the earplug should be within the ear canal. Try cupping your hands tightly over your ears. If sounds are much more muffled with your hands in place, the earplug may not be sealing properly. Take the earplug out and try again.

Always make sure to wear the proper ear protection!