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/