Page 44 - OHS, June 2023

PPE: HEAD & FACE PROTECTION between the two colors which could make or break a day of work in the heat of the summer. Adding in a full-brim hard hat is another good way to keep the head shaded. Finding one that is breathable with an integrated sweatband to keep cool and wick sweat can make all day wear more comfortable. Not to mention, it performs double-duty of helping to keep the head safe from falling objects while providing a bit of sun protection. Head protection that incorporates comfortable padding and allows for height adjustment makes it easier to wear during long shifts. Depending on the site and differing hazards, providing a Type 1 or Type 2 hard hat can make a difference. Type 1 hard hats protect the top of the head from falling objects like a falling hammer. Type 2 hard hats protect the head from the top and sides. If encountering sharp corners, a Type 2 hard hat might be the better choice. Face Protection Protecting the face from splatter, spray or dust is necessary for protecting workers, but it can also lead to an uncomfortable day. Comfort plays a large part in respiratory protection compliance. Every face is different, so finding a mask or respirator that can mold to different face structures is critical. In the summer months, a humidity resistant filter can improve comfort levels and breathability. If a mask isn’t comfortable, a worker may not wear it properly or at all. Respirable crystalline silica can be found at almost all construction sites, and inhaling these particles can cause serious health issues later in life without the proper protection. According to OSHA, scoutori/Shutterstock.com about 2 million construction workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in over 600,000 workplaces.3 Using a respirator is necessary if there is a lot of grinding, cutting or sawing materials like concrete, stone, brick and sand at a site. Fit testing is another way to help ensure workers are using respiratory protection correctly because ensuring a good seal on a mask is vital to avoid inhaling contaminants or particles. EyeProtection According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20,000 eye injuries occur in the workplace each year, which can lead to consequences ranging from missed days at work to temporary or even permanent vision loss.4 Safety eyewear can make a huge impact on the wearer’s health and safety and have been cited to prevent more than 90 percent of serious eye injuries. While crystalline silica dust is a huge respiratory health hazard, it can also be a hazard to the eyes. It is imperative to protect the eyes against dust, woodchips, metal particles and even windblown particles. Goggles, safety glasses and sealed eyewear all offer various levels of eye protection against different elements. Assessing workplace risks and hazards to the eyes can be the first step to figuring out what type of eye protection is needed. Sealed eyewear is a great option if the main hazard is keeping dust and debris out of the eyes. They stay snug on the head and are usually cushioned around the eye, 42 Occupational Health & Safety | JUNE 2023 www.ohsonline.com National Safety Month offers a chance to spreadawarenessoftherisksandhazardsand solutions that help eliminate risks and injury. Ensuring proper head protection is a necessary component in helping to keep workers safe.