Safety Topics

Millions of people around the world wear different types of respirators to filter the air they breathe and protecting their lungs. In heavily populated areas, pollution is a concern. Some work applications require respiratory protection by law. Even at home, people wear filtering face-pieces to protect their lungs from allergies, common sickness like the cold or other health reasons. Depending on the application, specific types of filtering protection will be required. Lets take a closer look at the different types of Respirators and their purpose. 

As with any topic, we can all agree that a clear concise message is helpful for everyone. Regarding safety signs, you may have noticed two notable authorities have guidelines to help you comply with the law.   Both OSHA and ANSI rules are meant to help you select the right signs for your business but who's guidelines should you follow? The information below will help clear up the confusion and point you in the right direction.

Americans who work with stone, cement, masonry, tombstones and more are at risk of potential hazardous exposure to crystalline silica. These tiny particles are generated from sawing, cutting, crushing and drilling the materials mentioned above. When these particles enter the respiratory system can increase the risk of developing silicosis, lung cancer and kidney disease.

Why is workplace safety so important?  There is more to this question than you think.  In a day and age where people still get injured on the job, you would think safety would be a banner held high by everyone, but unfortunately it isn't.  Money and apathy seem to be the two leading reasons why safety sometimes takes the back seat.  We've listed 7 reasons why putting safety in the drivers seat is a winning proposition for everybody.

Did you know that certain industries have been identified as noisy and are associated with higher risks of hearing loss? According to a study completed by the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health, 22 million American workers are impacted by dangerous noise levels. In this new study it is reported that 50 million people in the United States experience ringing in their ears, known as Tinnitus. 

Millions of American workers are exposed to all types of hazardous conditions. While Personal Protective Equipment such as safety glasses, hearing protection and respirators are worn to protect the worker from known hazards, little is done to help protect the largest organ the human bodies has, the skin. 

We highlight 5 types of jobs that can cause hearing loss.  To reduce the rist of permanent hearing damage, noise levels should be reduced as much as possible.  Hearing protection should always be worn at all times in loud environments.  OSHA warns us that about 30 million American workers are exposed to unsafe noise levels each year.  In some instances, proper PPE is not enforced or required.  

Workplace Hand Protection - According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, more than 20,000 nonfatal occupational injuries occurred to the hands and wrists in 2013 alone. As the hands are one of your body's most important tools, injuries can result in missed days of work, pain when performing tasks or reduced work efficiency. 

Research has already been conducted showing solvents, cleaners, chemicals and other potentially toxic materials are harmful to our skin. 13 million workers are exposed to potentially harmful disorders and skin diseases every year. Skin is our bodies natural layer of protection from disease and infection. When we compromise our skin, we have a much greater chance of infection and even life threatening diseases. This brief article is designed to build awareness of how important our skin is and how we can protect it while we are at work.

Take a look at our MFASCO exclusive infographic about why workplace safety is so important.  Please share this with your friends to promote a safer & healthier work environment.