3 Ways wearing PPE can sometimes expose you to hidden dangers

If you want to protect yourself from dangers in the workplace you need to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)! Whether you work in a factory, construction site or laboratory, you always need to wear the correct PPE to avoid injuring yourself or exposing yourself 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.

If you’re not careful, there can be a negative side to wearing PPE, especially if you use it improperly…

It can give you a false sense of security

A false sense of security can be dangerous and even deadly! Just because you are wearing your PPE doesn’t mean you cannot be harmed, accidents can still happen. Workers who wear PPE and believe they are completely protected can be careless when it comes to handling chemicals, electricity and other dangerous objects.

It can create hazards

PPE doesn’t fit everyone the same, it is not one size fits all, so you need to wear the PPE that is specifically designed for your work. If you wear the wrong PPE protection or the incorrect size then you are putting yourself in harm’s way.

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 includes hard hats, helmets, safety boots, gloves and masks as well as hearing protection and so much more – always wear the correct PPE and plan out your PPE program carefully.

6 Tips for Farmers to Protect their Hearing

Farmers are often exposed to high levels of noise which can extremely harmful. Fortunately noise exposure can be controlled in a variety of ways. 

Here are 6 helpful tips agricultural workers can use to protect their hearing…

Reduce noise levels. When you are purchasing new equipment always ask about the sound levels first and pick the quietest option to reduce noise levels.

Perform equipment maintenance. Fix engines that have noisy mufflers, lubricate bearings and replace any parts that are worn out to reduce the noise levels and improve overall farming operations.

Remove yourself from the noise. Try to use motorized equipment that has enclosed cabs to reduce your exposure to high levels of noise.

Always use the proper PPE. Use the correct hearing protection when you’re working in a noisy environment – take a look at the wide range from L&A Safety and place your order today!

"HIGH NOISE ZONE". Always have signage anywhere there is a risk of exposure to high levels of noise and have hearing protection close by!

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

If you’re a farmer of work in the agricultural industry be sure to use these 6 tips and always wear the correct hearing protection!

3 Shocking Workplace Eye Injuries that can occur if you don't wear Eye Protection!

Wearing eye and face protection in the workplace is important, especially when there is a high probability that you can prevent the injury from occurring by wearing the correct PPE.

How do eye injuries happen?

> Striking / scraping injuries. Majority of injuries to the eyes happen when tiny particles or objects strike the eyeball or scrape it. This can be caused from a variety of materials including dust, dirt, cement, metal, wood, etc. Large objects can also strike or scrape your eyes, causing blunt-force trauma.

> Penetration injuries. Nails, staples, wood and metal are all dangerous objects that can go through the eyeball and result in serious injuries such as permanent blindness.

> Chemical / thermal burn injuries. Chemicals and cleaning products are common causes of burn injuries to the eyes. Thermal burns often occur due to using a welder without the proper protection, these burns can seriously damage the eyes!

For most eye protection requirements, the average safety glasses will do just fine and they generally have side shields to protect from flying objects. While safety glasses can protect your eyes from hazards, they do not offer your eyes complete protection like safety goggles do. Safety goggles offer a seal against the fact that protects the eyes from dangerous objects as well as contaminants and chemicals!

Are you looking for eye protection protects that are affordable as well as reliable? At L&A Safety we offer a wide range of PPE, including safety glasses and safety glasses! Give us a call on 021 552 0665, email tish@landasafety.co.za or pop into one of our stores in Milnerton, Vredenburg or Robertson.

7 Essential Reasons why you should Wear Steel Toe Boots at Work

Are you sure that you’re wearing the correct PPE, including protective footwear for the environment that you’re working in? If not, you need to know why it is so important for you to be wearing steel toe boots in the workplace.

L&A Safety offers reliable PPE, such as work boots, hard hats, safety goggles and so much more - all at prices that everyone can afford! Give us a call on 021 552 0665 or pop into one of our stores in Cape Town, Vredenburg or Robertson.

Here are the 7 essential reasons why you should be wearing steel toe boots at work…

1 – Protects you from falling objects

You never know when something is going to fall from a height and land on your feet, especially if you work at a construction site.

2 – Protects you from punctures & cutting hazards

Stepping on a sharp object can cut through the sole of your shoe and seriously injure your feet, so can dropping something sharp.

3 – Protects you from electrical hazards

Steel toe boots can also prevent electrical injures, such as electrical shocks from standing water and the build-up of static.

4 – Stops you from slipping & falling

Falls are the most common way to injure yourself at work. Make sure the wear the right steel toe boots which will provide grip to prevent slipping, tripping and falling.

5 – Stops you from feeling fatigued

Comfortable and supportive work boots mean your feet will feel happy, and this in turn means that your work day will be a lot better and you’ll feel less fatigued.

6 – Protects you from extreme weather conditions

Protect your feet from the most extreme temperatures as well as keep them dry with a sturdy, comfortable pair of steel toe work boots.

7 – Compulsory in the workplace

A lot of workplaces require the correct PPE to be worn at ALL times, especially in a construction site. Avoid being fired or seriously injured by wearing the correct steel toe boots as well as the correct PPE.

Although it may seem like a mission to wear PPE all the time, it is vital that you do for your own protection. Wearing steel toe boots will protect your feet from the most dangerous hazards as well as keep you comfortable throughout the day.

Machinery in the Workplace – 5 Vital Safety Tips you need to know!

Machinery in the workplace is there for a reason, to finish tasks in a timely and effective manner, however it needs to be handled in the correct way. Machinery is capable of causing serious injuries and in some cases, even fatalities, this is why it is so important to know how to use the machinery properly.

Here are 5 vital workplace safety tips to ensure machine safety in the workplace…

> Always have the correct guarding on all the machinery. Machine guarding is crucial when it comes to protecting workers from dangers such as rotating parts, flying objects, sparks, etc.

> Always wear the right PPE for the job. Operating machinery or even just standing close to a machine requires you to wear the correct safety equipment and gear. There are no exceptions – safety equipment should ALWAYS be worn! L&A Safety offers affordable, high-quality PPE in Cape Town, Vredenburg and Robertson - give L&A Safety a call on 021 552 0665 or email tish@landasafety.co.za

> Always avoid interfering with machinery. While a machine is on and operating, NEVER interfere with it or the worker operating it. Touching moving parts of a machine can easily result in a serious injury or even a fatality.

> Never operate machinery you have not had training for. All machines in the workplace require training in order to operate it. If you ever try to use machinery that you have not had all the correct training for you could put yourself as well as others at risk.

> Never get in the way of machinery. Machines are unpredictable, so the best thing to do is to steer clear of any machines that are unloading or loading. Machines can malfunction which can result in an injury or fatality.

Machines are great in the workplace when it comes to completing difficult tasks; however it is for your own safety that you are always aware of how to stay safe around them.

4 Common Workplace Foot Injuries and how you can avoid them

Having a comfortable pair of work boots is vital for any employees who have jobs in the construction business, police enforcement, etc.

Workplace injuries usually slow down and even stop the business productivity; here are the 4 most common workplace injuries and how to avoid them…

Broken Bones – In some industries, it is not uncommon for people who do not wear the correct safety boots to have their feet crushed by heavy machinery or cargo. These injuries can be avoided by wearing the correct pair of work boots that have enough resistance to protect your feet or toes from being crushed.

Cuts and Lacerations – Employees who work with machinery often end up with cuts and lacerations, this is why steel toe boots are often the best footwear to invest in. Comfortable tactical boots are a good option as well, but make sure they have some level of compression resistance.

Puncture Wounds – Work industries where there are a lot of dangerous metal objects such as nails, staples or scrap metal often end up causing painful puncture wounds. Prevent these injuries from happening by wearing high quality, heavy duty safety boots.

Electric Shocks – Workers sometimes have to be prepared for the risk of an electric shock, such as electricians and construction workers. In cases such as these, you need to invest in a boot that is thick with a rubber sole.

Ultimately it is critical to examine your workplace and figure out what safety footwear is right for you…

At L&A Safety we provide a range of safety boots and footwear, to order yours, give us a call on 021 552 0665, email tish@landasafety.co.za or pop into one of our stores in Vredenburg, Robertson and Cape Town

The 7 Benefits of Wearing Waterproof Footwear

When you’re in the workplace, whether it’s raining torrentially or you’re in the middle of a disaster situation, wearing the right footwear for the both is vital.

Here are the main benefits of having waterproof footwear for the job…

1. Warm, dry feet. This is one of the most obvious reasons to wear waterproof footwear when necessary! When you have to deal with extreme weather conditions such as flooding, you don’t want to have to deal with having wet, cold feet.

2. Staying hygienic. Water running through the streets is pretty dirty and when you have to walk through floodwater it can mean you are exposing yourself to all sorts of contaminants. Often this can lead to health issues, so it’s best to wear the correct waterproof footwear at all times.

3. Protection from debris. Do you know what is hidden beneath that puddle of water? All kinds of debris and possibly hazardous items can be uprooted by the wet weather and possibly cause a serious injury. Your best bet is to wear sturdy, waterproof footwear that offer protection; it might even be wise to consider steel-toed safety boots.

4. Avoiding slipping. Even when you can see where you are going, wet conditions can cause slipping. Avoid a disastrous situation, such as falling and injuring yourself, by wearing waterproof footwear that has rubber or strong grips on the bottom for solid resistance, traction and a secure grip.

5. Resistance to chemicals. If you’re stuck in a disastrous situation or it’s flooding badly, be aware that water shouldn’t be the only liquid you should be worried about. Chemicals, fuels and solvents can often be disrupted by flood waters and high winds, so consider a high quality pair of rubber boots and always have an emergency first aid kit nearby (Get yours online from Supply Doctor)

6. Shock protection. Extreme wet weather and strong winds can bring trees down as well as power lines and this can be a serious danger. While you should never walk close to a downed power line, you should always wear waterproof safety shoes that are rubber and antistatic. These will help avoid any electrostatic charges and shocks.

7. Comfort. This one might seem obvious, but when you’re in the middle of a flood or extremely wet weather, having dry feet can make a huge difference in how you respond and get your work done. There are waterproof boots and footwear that are shock absorbing as well as lightweight, which is vital when you’re on your feet for long periods of time.

In addition to the correct waterproof footwear, you also need the correct PPE. L&A Safety in Cape Town, Robertson and Vredenburg offer high-quality, reliable PPE that everyone can afford! Take a look at the website here, call 021 552 0665 or email tish@landasafety.co.za

Respiratory Protective Equipment for the Workplace

Some work processes can involve using harmful substances, fumes and chemicals – by breathing in these substances you can put yourself and the people around you at risk!

Respiratory protective equipment is used to protect workers from these substances that could be potentially hazardous, such as…

Gases
Sprays
Solvents
Dusts

Wearing the correct equipment can include a range of things, including…

Visors
Hoods
Masks
Helmets

When it comes to using protective equipment such as respiratory masks, they should not be the only protection you use to stay safe in the workplace. However, wearing RPE is a good temporary precaution to take before you get the proper protection.

Always remember that your respiratory protective equipment should be the correct type for the task and environment as well as fit you correctly to insure maximum protection.

Subjecting yourself to a work environment that is potentially hazardous for your health can result in a number of issues, including respiratory diseases, asthma, cancers as well as diseases in the airways and bronchitis.

Looking for the correct safety PPE for the job at a price you can afford? L&A Safety offers a range of PPE, including respiratory equipment – contact us today on 021 552 0665 or email tish@landasafety.co.za otherwise pop into a store in Cape Town, Robertson or Vredenburg.

Common Noise Hazards and What Hearing Protection to Wear!

A workplace that exposes you to loud noise constantly can really affect your hearing in the long run. The louder the noise you are exposed to, the more damage it can do and in some serious cases, it can even lead to permanent hearing loss.

You may be at risk! These are the most common noise hazards:

- Powered or pneumatic tools

- Impact tools, such as hammers, drop forges or riveters

- Powered cartridge-operated tools, guns or punching tools

- Constant interfering noise, such as a vacuum cleaner, busy street or crowded bar

Activities that generate high levels of noise:

- Agriculture

- Waste recycling

- Wood & plastic processing

- Heavy construction, demolition or road repairs

Wearing hearing protection should always be worn by those who are exposed to noise levels that are above 85db(A).

Hearing protection comes in two main forms – protection that covers the ear such as safety ear muffs and electronic hearing protectors. As well as protection that is inserted into the ear such as ear plugs.

L&A Safety offers high quality safety wear and equipment at affordable prices. Be sure to pop into one of our stores in Cape Town, Vredenburg or Robertson otherwise take a look at our website www.landasafety.co.za

Hearing protection is just as important as wearing safety goggles and hard hats, so make sure you wear the right protection that fits you right and that is properly maintained!

Respiratory Equipment to Protect against Common Breathing Hazards

Breathing in any hazardous substances when you are at work can put your health at serious risk and can even cause diseases and conditions such as asthma, COPD and cancer!

This is why if you are working in an environment that has a variety of chemicals including substances that create fumes, dust and other substances you need to always wear respiratory protective equipment. L&A Safety offers high quality PPE that won’t put a hole in your pocket – order online from www.landasafety.co.za or call 021 552 0665

Some of the most common breathing hazards can come from situations such as…

- Dust exposure from grinding or sanding an object

- Mixing or pouring chemicals

- Using certain chemicals

- Wearing the wrong kind of respiratory protection equipment

- Not managing and cleaning surfaces that are contaminated

You or your employees should be alert and especially vigilant and ensure that the right steps are taken if you work with or around…

- Solder flux

- Glues and resins

- Laboratories

- Chemicals in hairdressing

- Spray paints, etc.

- Wood, flour and grain dust

Respiratory protective equipment comes in many different forms, including visors, hoods, masks, helmets, etc. Any equipment that you have to wear while working should be the correct type for the task, size and fit as well as the substance and the working environment.

You can use the L&A Safety website to take a look at the various types of equipment and determine what kind you or your employees need.

Which Gloves should you wear for Dairy Farming?

In agriculture, gloves have many uses and they are an important part of the job, especially when it comes to the dairy farming business.

The gloves that many people in the business swear by are disposable nitrile gloves, but why? Studies show that worker and animal health needs to be improved as well as high quality milk. This is why nitrile gloves are used on a regular basis.

Here are the main benefits:

>> Less bacteria is transferred from the hands to the milk which means the milk is cleaner. Nitrile gloves make it difficult for the bacteria to stick to the hands when compared to the crevices of your hands without gloves on.

>> Nitrile gloves protect against repeated exposure to teat dips.

>> Superior resistance to iodine used to prevent contamination between cows, a resistance not found with latex gloves

Wearing gloves for protection is vital in the dairy farming industry. If a cow becomes infected or sick, this means precious time and money lost for the farmers. Plus the problem will become worse if the infection spreads to other cows.

Rather than taking that risk, all dairy farmers should stock up on nitrile glove supplies to provide the correct protection.

For a wide range of PPE, including a nitrile gloves and a selection of work gloves – visit L&A Safety’s website today or pop in at one of their stores in Cape Town, Vredenburg or Robertson.

Construction Safety Topics to discuss in the Workplace

Safety during construction should not be taken lightly. This is why discussing construction safety topics before work starts are highly important.

So, what is the main aim towards holding safety meetings? For every business or organisation, its employees’ safety and security is of the utmost importance. This is why; these topics can help reduce the number of injuries and even fatalities suffered by workers. If workers are exposed to hazards while they are inside or outside the work zone, the responsibility of the supervisor increases.

For helpful topics on construction safety, consider discussing the following topics…

- Use of first aid
- Use of hard hats
- Power tool safety
- Proper personal hygiene
- Proper road work safety
- Effects of sleep deprivation
- How to drive construction vehicles during winter
- What are workplace distractions
- Hearing protection devices
- Fall rescue techniques
- Proper grounding checks
- Asphalt worker safety
- Proper construction site hygiene
- Why is safety important in the workplace
- Asbestos use in construction
- Emergency fall response
- Construction fall protection
- Contractor safety work permit
- Construction ladder safety
- Demolition safety planning
- Safe lifting techniques
- Safety rules for power tools
- Employee safety responsibilities
- Are we prepared for an emergency
- Crane operation hand signals
- Importance of safety training
- Demolition safety checklist
- Hazardous material warning labels
- How to handle injuries
- Safety regulations in the workplace
- Construction site electrical hazards check list

The safety topics provided in this list will help employers and employees become educated better about workplace safety and security, ultimately reducing any chance of mistakes.

Looking for affordable and reliable PPE including safety boots, hats, gloves, clothing, equipment, etc. Pop into an L&A Safety store in Cape Town, Vredenburg or Robertson or visit the website www.landasafety.co.za

L&A Safety Products – Frams Safety Footwear

L&A Safety have branches throughout the west coast, including Cape Town, Robertson and Vredenburg. With a wide range of PPE on offer, from hard hats and safety goggles to reflective vests and work boots – L&A safety is your one-stop shop for quality safety wear and equipment.

You can order your Frams Safety Footwear online or from any L&A Safety store.

Frams is an original South African safety footwear brand that is proudly part of the BBF Safety Group (Pty) Ltd. Everything about this consistent, economical, reliable footwear is aimed at pleasing all customers, from general work to heavy construction and mining duties.

With a wide range of customers comes a wide range of needs, everyone is faced with different challenges when it comes to their safety, here are the key features that Frams offers…

- Steel toe caps
- Male and female footwear
- Genuine leather design
- Chemical protection
- Non-conductive
- Antistatic

If you work in these industries it is recommended that you buy a pair of Frams safety footwear…

- General work
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Smelting/foundries
- Mining
- Transport

Do not hesitate to contact us today to order your Frams safety footwear…

▪ MILNERTON

Unit 19, Central Park, Platinum Crescent

T: +27 (0)21 552 - 0665

E: tish@landasafety.co.za

▪ VREDENBURG

Shop 16, Westcoast Centre, Cnr. Long & School Street

T: +27 (0)22 713 - 3149

E: vredenburg@landasafety.co.za

▪ ROBERTSON

Unit 2, Cnr. Church & Industrial Street

T: +27 (0)76 532 - 5533

E: bensin@natko.co.za

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.