Thousands of people are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries that could have been prevented with the proper selection and use of eye and face protection. OSHA reports that eye injuries alone cost more than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses, and worker compensation. Among the most common hazards for eye and face injury are flying objects such as large chips, fragments and sand/dirt; chemical hazards such as fumes and vapors; harmful dust and anything emitting extreme heat.
To this end, OSHA has published a final rule that updates requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers in general industry, including construction. Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, or coveralls, vests and full body suits.
According to OSHA, the final rule reflects current national consensus standards, and ensures that workers can use up-to-date eye and face protection.
One of the first obligations for employers on a worksite is to complete a written hazard assessment to determine what potential dangers exist for workers and to make sure proper protection is available. Proper training is also paramount when it comes to using respirators and eye protection, specifically workers should know:
- When PPE is necessary
- What PPE is necessary
- How to properly adjust, and wear PPE
- The limitations of the PPE
- The proper care, maintenance of PPE.
An effective PPE program also includes monitoring of the program to ensure its ongoing effectiveness. There are several online resources that employers can consult with answers to frequently asked questions.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is the governing body that certifies PPE and the final rule updates the construction standard by deleting one of the 1968 versions of the ANSI standard and now includes three ANSI standards to ensure consistency among the agency’s standards.
OSHA’s final rule becomes effective on April 25, 2016. For more information, and to schedule a complimentary safety audit of your worksite, contact Diversified Safety Services.
