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See Clearly, Stay Safe: Choosing the Right Safety Eyewear Lens for Your Work Environment

Protective eyewear is essential for preventing workplace eye injuries. According to the CDC, approximately 300,000 workers in the U.S. visit emergency rooms each year due to job-related eye injuries. These incidents result in an estimated $300 million in annual costs, including workers’ compensation, medical expenses, and lost productivity, as reported by OSHA.

The good news? Most of these incidents are preventable—all it takes is a simple, proactive step: wearing the right protective eyewear.

In this article, we’ll explore safety eyewear lens types and their applications across various work environments, helping you make informed choices to See Clearly and Stay Safe.

Why Optics Matter

Light enters the eye through the cornea and passes to a convex lens, bending to focus on the retina. From there, images are processed and sent to the brain via the optic nerve. This natural process faces challenges in the workplace as the eyes are exposed to various light hazards.

Protective lenses are vital for shielding vision from these hazards, but not all lenses are created equal. Imperfect optics can bend light incorrectly, causing the eye muscles to adjust constantly. Over time, this strain can lead to eye fatigue, headaches, and reduced focus, compromising workplace safety.

Lens color also plays a significant role. Different tints filter and adjust light to optimize optical clarity for specific tasks and environments. By reducing strain and improving visibility, the right lens color makes it easier to perform tasks safely and effectively.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lens

Selecting the appropriate lens type involves more than just choosing a color. Consider the following factors to ensure optimal performance and protection:

  1. Lighting Conditions: Determine whether your work involves natural light, dim environments, or artificial lighting such as sodium vapor or LED.
  2. Work Environment: Identify hazards like glare, reflective surfaces, or exposure to blue or infrared light. The right lens can mitigate these risks.
  3. Task Requirements: Assess job-specific needs, such as precise color recognition, enhanced depth perception, or improved contrast.
  4. Comfort and Fit: Opt for eyewear that fits securely and comfortably. Adjustable frames and lightweight designs help ensure a perfect fit.

Another important consideration is fogging. Fogged lenses can obstruct vision and pose safety risks. For additional insights, check out our blog on Choosing the Right Anti-Fog Coating.

Common Lens Colors and Their Applications

Choosing the correct lens color is essential for optimal protection and performance.

Here’s a guide to commonly used lens colors and their applications:

  1. Clear: Ideal for indoor use with normal lighting conditions, offering maximum visibility and impact protection.
  2. Gray: Reduces glare and eye strain, perfect for outdoor use in bright sunlight.
  3. Neutral Gray: Maintains true color perception while reducing glare, ideal for tasks requiring accurate color recognition.
  4. Light Blue: Neutralizes yellow light, enhancing contrast in environments with sodium vapor lighting.
  5. Amber: Blocks blue light, enhancing contrast and brightness in low-light conditions; great for foggy or overcast environments.
  6. Brown/Mocha: Enhances contrast and depth perception, often used outdoors in natural environments.
  7. Orange: Blocks blue light, improving contrast and sharpness; commonly used in low-light environments.
  8. Infrared: Protects against infrared radiation, often used in specialized industrial applications.
  9. Mirror Coatings (Blue Mirror, Silver Mirror, Brown Mirror): Reflects sunlight and reduces glare, making them ideal for outdoor use in bright conditions.
  10. Polarized Lenses: Available in shades like gray or brown, designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces—perfect for outdoor work.
  11. Indoor/Outdoor: A versatile option with a light mirror coating, suitable for transitioning between indoor and outdoor settings.

Liberty Safety: See Clearly, Stay Safe

At Liberty Safety, we understand that every worker and task demands the right eyewear. BrandX™ and iNOX™ are engineered to deliver the perfect solution for “Seeing Clearly and Staying Safe,” delivering optimal vision without compromising safety compliance.

BrandX™ Premium Safety Eyewear goes beyond the ordinary, combining durability, modern style, and superior performance—on and off the job.

iNOX™ Trusted Safety Eyewear delivers unbeatable value and protection, offering high-quality, cost-effective solutions with all the essential safety features —providing the reliability workers can trust.

Choose BrandX™ and iNOX™ for your safety eyewear needs and experience the perfect blend of protection and performance. Each pair is designed to meet the highest safety standards, ensuring that workers remain safe and productive throughout the day.

Learn More Online at – libertysafety.com/products/eye-protection/

Your safety is our priority — it’s all part of our Freedom in Full Gear Promise.

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Winter Wellness Guide: Essential Tips for Staying Warm and Safe

Winter Worker

As winter sets in, outdoor workers and anyone exposed to chilly conditions must take proactive steps toward staying warm and healthy. In this guide, you’ll find essential wellness tips, insights on wind chill, and our top recommended winter products to help keep your team safe and comfortable throughout the season.

Understanding Wind Chill: The Hidden Danger

Wind chill refers to the cooling effect of wind on exposed skin, creating a temperature significantly lower than the actual air temperature. For example, if the air temperature is 45°F with a wind speed of 25 mph, the wind chill drops to 36°F. Being aware of this can help you take the necessary precautions.

Use the Wind Chill Calculator

To understand the potential impact of wind chill, you can use the National Weather Service (NWS) Wind Chill Calculator. Simply input the air temperature and wind speed to determine the wind chill temperature for your area.

Recognizing Cold Stress: Signs and Symptoms

ConditionSigns & SymptomsRecommended Actions
Dehydration– Thirst
– Dry mouth
– Fatigue
– Drink plenty of fluids
– Avoid caffeine and alcohol
– Monitor fluid intake regularly
Hypothermia– Shivering
– Confusion
– Slurred speech
– Seek medical help immediately
– Move to a warm area
– Remove wet clothing and wrap in blankets
Frostbite– Numbness
– Pale or hard skin
– Tingling sensation
– Warm the affected area slowly (do not rub)
– Seek medical attention if severe
– Avoid re-exposure to cold
Trench Foot– Pain or tingling in feet
– Swelling
– Blisters
– Dry and warm feet thoroughly
– Elevate feet to reduce swelling
– Seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Chillblains– Red, itchy patches
– Swelling
– Painful sores
– Keep the area warm and dry
– Avoid scratching the affected area
– Apply a topical cream to soothe irritation

Work/Warm-up Schedule for Cold Environments

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has developed a comprehensive work/warm-up schedule to help manage the risks of cold environments. This schedule provides guidelines for outdoor workers to adjust their work and rest cycles based on temperature and wind chill conditions.

Work/Warm-up Schedule Overview:

  • Temperature Range: Consider both air temperature and wind speed, as lower wind chill increases the risk of cold stress.
  • For temperatures above 30°F: Schedule breaks every 60 minutes.
  • For temperatures between 20°F and 30°F: Schedule breaks every 30-45 minutes.
  • For temperatures below 20°F: Schedule breaks every 20-30 minutes or as needed based on worker conditions.
  • Break Locations: Ensure breaks are taken in a warm, sheltered area to allow workers to rewarm and hydrate effectively.
  • Monitoring Conditions: Supervisors should continuously monitor weather conditions and worker status, adjusting the schedule based on individual tolerance and workload.
  • Signs of Cold Stress: Encourage open communication among workers. Immediate action should be taken if anyone shows signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

Spotlight on Winter Products

Stay safe and warm this winter by exploring our selection of winter products designed to elevate safety standards in the workplace:

  • Insulated Gloves: Keep your hands warm and functional.
  • Cold Weather Jackets: Our jackets provide superior insulation and protection from the elements, ensuring you stay comfortable on the job.
  • Beanies: Stay cozy and retain body heat with our acrylic knit and fleece beanies.

Explore Our Winter Catalog

Check out our Winter Catalog to discover a full range of products designed to help you stay comfortable and safe in cold conditions.

Conclusion: Prioritize Your Winter Wellness

Taking proactive measures for your wellness during the colder months is essential for anyone exposed to harsh conditions. Equip yourself with the knowledge and gear to ensure a safe and productive winter.

Your safety is our priority. It’s all part of our Freedom in Full Gear Promise!

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Stay Visible: Enhance Your Safety Standards with The HiVizGard™ Series

Your Logo Here Image

As we prepare for Daylight Savings, it’s essential to remember that while the clocks may roll back, your team’s visibility shouldn’t! Working in low-light conditions can significantly increase the risk of accidents. That’s why we’re excited to spotlight our featured High-Visibility Safety Apparel—designed to keep your team safe and visible.

Why Visibility Matters

Statistics from the CDC reveal that an average of 123 worker fatalities occur annually at roadway construction sites. In 2019 alone, there were 762 fatal crashes resulting in 842 deaths. (Ohsonline.com).

These findings underscore the critical role of High-Visibility Safety Apparel (HVSA) for workers operating near roadways, heavy machinery, or in low-light environments. Featuring bright colors and reflective materials, HVSA serves as a crucial first line of defense, ensuring that workers remain visible to motorists and equipment operators, enhancing overall safety.

Introducing HiVizGard™ Tech Series Gear

HiVizGard™ Tech Series takes visibility to the next level with innovative features that prioritize safety without compromising comfort or functionality. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Enhanced Durability: Crafted from high-quality materials and reinforced stitching, HiVizGard™ Tech Series is built to withstand the toughest conditions, ensuring reliable performance in demanding work environments.
  • Improved Visibility: Our styles come with contrasting trim or ORALITE® GP105 Prismatic retroreflective tape for maximum visibility in low-light conditions.
  • Functional Design: Equipped with strategically placed external and internal pockets to provide convenient storage and easy access to tools, enhancing efficiency and safety on the job.

Explore Our Featured Products

C16019G Class 2 All Mesh Two-Tone Surveyor Vest

Available in Hi-Vis Green and Orange, this vest combines visibility and comfort, featuring an all-mesh design for superior breathability to keep you cool in hot conditions.

Key Features Include:

  • Front zipper closure
  • 2” silver reflective tape with black contrasting trim
  • Dual mic tabs on shoulders
  • Clear ID badge pocket and 2-tier, 4-division pen pocket on chest
  • Six external pockets and two internal pockets
  • Double-zippered pass-through back pocket

Discover more about this product and request a quote online!

C16018G Class 2 Solid Front Mesh Back Two-Tone Surveyor Vest

Available in Hi-Vis Green and Orange, this vest includes multiple pockets and compartments for conveniently storing tools, instruments, and personal items.

Key Features Include:

  • Front zipper closure
  • 2” silver reflective tape with contrasting trim
  • Dual mic tabs on shoulders
  • Clear ID badge pocket and pen pockets on chest
  • Seven external pockets and three internal pockets
  • Double-zippered pass-through back pocket

Discover more about this product and request a quote online!

C16033GB Class 2 Black Bottom Two-Tone Surveyor Vest

Available in Hi-Vis Green and Orange, this vest features a black bottom design that effectively hides dirt and grease in high-contact areas while ensuring visibility with 2” silver reflective tape and contrasting trim.

Key Features Include:

  • Front zipper closure
  • 2” silver reflective tape with contrasting trim
  • Dual mic tabs on shoulders
  • Clear ID badge pocket and elastic spray can pockets
  • Seven external pockets and three internal pockets
  • Double-zippered pass-through back pocket

Discover more about this product and request a quote online!

C16724G Class 3 Detachable Hood Sweatshirt

Available in Hi-Vis Green and Orange, this sweatshirt with a detachable hood allows you to adapt to changing weather conditions.

Key Features Include:

  • 100% polyester fleece
  • Front zipper closure
  • 2” silver reflective tape
  • Elastic ribbed cuff and waistband
  • Adjustable pull cord
  • Two external pockets

Discover more about this product and request a quote online!

C16734GB Class 3 Black Bottom Attached Hood Sweatshirt

Available in Hi-Vis Green, this sweatshirt features a black bottom design that effectively hides dirt and grease in high-contact areas, while the attached hood provides full coverage in wet weather.  

Key Features Include:

  • 100% polyester fleece
  • Front zipper closure
  • 2” silver reflective tape
  • Elastic ribbed cuff and waistband
  • Adjustable pull cord
  • Two external pockets

Discover more about this product and request a quote online!

C16728GBX Class 3 Black Bottom Waterproof Softshell Jacket

Available in Hi-Vis Green, this softshell jacket provides flexibility and ease of movement. The fully insulated fleece liner ensures warmth in cold working environments.

Key Features Include:

  • Fully insulated fleece liner and collar
  • Front zipper closure
  • 2” silver reflective tape
  • Dual mic tabs on shoulders
  • Adjustable cuffs with rubber pull tabs
  • Three external pockets

Discover more about this product and request a quote online!

C16725G Class 3 Black Bottom Waterproof Insulated Bomber Jacket

Available in Hi-Vis Green and Orange, this bomber jacket offers warmth and waterproof protection. The black bottom design effectively hides dirt and grease in high-contact areas.

Key Features Include:

  • PU-coated polyester shell with quilted liner
  • Front zipper closure
  • 2” silver reflective tape
  • Elastic ribbed cuff and waistband
  • Dual mic tabs
  • Detached hood with adjustable pull cords
  • Pen pockets on sleeve
  • Three external pockets and one internal pocket

Discover more about this product and request a quote online!

C16729GB Class 3 ORALITE® Black Bottom Waterproof Rain Jacket

This jacket features ORALITE® GP105 prismatic white retroreflective tape, ensuring maximum visibility in adverse weather conditions.

Key Features Include:

  • 100% polyester oxford shell with PU coating and polyester mesh lining
  • Front zipper closure with storm flap
  • 2” wide ORALITE® GP105 prismatic white retroreflective tape
  • Cape vented back and D-ring pass through slot
  • Hidden collar hood
  • Adjustable wrist cuffs
  • Left chest radio pocket
  • Two lower front patch pockets with snaps closure

Discover more about this product and request a quote online!

C16740GB Class 3 Black Bottom Waterproof Rain Jacket

This jacket provides optimal visibility in low-light environments, and its waterproof design features durable, seam-sealed construction to keep you dry in wet conditions.

Key Features Include:

  • 100% polyester oxford shell with PU coating and polyester mesh lining
  • Front zipper closure with storm flap
  • 2” silver reflective tape
  • Underarm air vents
  • Hidden collar hood
  • Adjustable wrist cuffs
  • Left chest radio pocket
  • Two lower front patch pockets with snaps closure

Discover more about this product and request a quote online!

Understanding the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Standard

The American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Accessories (ANSI/ISEA 107-2020) is the latest edition of the industry consensus standard governing High-Visibility Safety Apparel (HVSA) in occupational environments. Since its inception in 1999, this standard has been the authoritative guide for the design, performance, and materials of high-visibility PPE in the United States. It has been codified into the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations, and referenced in other worker protection standards.

ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 maintains a Type-Performance Class designation for garments, with the Type based on the expected use setting and the Performance Class identified by the finished garment’s visible materials and design attributes. Understanding these classifications is vital for ensuring compliance and selecting the appropriate HVSA for specific work environments.

Learn More About the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Standard.

Choose the Right Gear for Your Team

Selecting the appropriate High-Visibility Safety Apparel (HVSA) is essential to comply with safety standards and protect your workforce. Liberty Safety’s HVSA meets the latest ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standards, giving you confidence that you’re investing in quality safety gear.

For personalized guidance, contact a Liberty Safety representative to connect with one of our product experts and ensure workforce safety.

Special Offer: Get Your Gear with a Bonus!

Showcase your brand while keeping your team safe and visible on the job.

For a limited time, enjoy a FREE one-color, one-placement logo on orders placed from October 7th through November 27th with promo code HIVIZ24.

View the full promo here

Conclusion

How do you plan to enhance safety for your team this season? As we adjust our clocks, let’s make safety our top priority. Our High-Visibility Safety Apparel is designed to boost your workforce’s visibility and protection, ensuring your team is ready for the challenges ahead.

For more information or to place an order, request a quote online.

Your Safety is our priority. It’s all part of our Freedom in Full Gear Promise!

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Cold Stress Prevention: Protecting Workers from Winter’s Chill

Cold Stress Prevention

Winter’s chill poses significant risks for outdoor workers and those in artificially cold environments, such as cold storage facilities. In these settings, serious cold-related injuries and illnesses, such as cold stress, can occur. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 1,800 workers in the United States died from hypothermia in 2019, with 32% of these fatalities being work-related.

These statistics highlight the importance of understanding and addressing cold stress to safeguard your workforce’s well-being. This comprehensive guide provides practical strategies, proactive measures, and effective solutions to mitigate the risks of cold stress and ensure safety in cold work environments.

Understanding Cold Stress

Cold stress occurs when the body is unable to maintain its normal temperature due to prolonged exposure to cold environments. Typically, the body maintains an internal temperature of around 98.6°F (37°C). However, exposure to cold conditions can disrupt this balance, causing the body to lose heat faster than it can produce, leading to a drop in temperature.

Symptoms of cold stress become apparent when the body’s internal temperature drops below approximately 95°F (35°C). At this point, individuals may experience shivering, numbness, loss of dexterity, confusion, and fatigue. If untreated, cold stress can progress to more severe conditions such as hypothermia, frostbite, or trench foot, which can pose significant health risks and even be life-threatening. Therefore, individuals must remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring their health and safety in cold environments, as the consequences of neglecting these symptoms can be severe.

Identifying Who’s at Risk

Outdoor workers are often considered most susceptible to cold stress due to their direct exposure to environmental cold conditions on job sites. However, cold stress can impact workers across a wide range of industries, whether they work indoors or outdoors.

Several professional sectors face the risks of cold stress, including:

  • Outdoor industries: Construction, agriculture, landscaping, logging, postal and delivery services, transportation, utility, maintenance, and more.
  • Indoor industries: Refrigerated storage, food processing, warehousing, manufacturing, and more.

It’s important to recognize that cold stress can affect workers in any industry, regardless of their work environments. Understanding this broad impact is crucial for implementing effective cold stress prevention and response measures across all workspaces.

Tips for Cold Stress Prevention

  1. Warm Breaks: Provide frequent, adequate warm breaks for employees when avoiding harsh conditions is impossible. Ensure workers have access to warm shelters to recover from the cold.
  2. Schedule Management: Avoid scheduling work during extreme cold weather conditions whenever possible. Plan tasks during the warmest part of the day to minimize exposure to the cold.
  3. Health Monitoring: Regularly monitor employees to ensure they are in proper physical health and can tolerate harsh weather conditions. Be vigilant for health conditions such as hypertension, hypothyroidism, or diabetes that could increase susceptibility to cold stress.
  4. Safety Measures: Equip employees with essential safety measures, including thermometers to monitor body temperature, chemical hot packs in first aid kits, and warm fluids to drink to help maintain body heat.
  5. Training and Education: Provide comprehensive training on cold stress awareness, early symptom recognition, and emergency response protocols. Educate workers on how to protect themselves and their colleagues from the risks of cold stress.

Recognizing Early Signs of Cold Stress

Identifying the early signs of cold stress is crucial for prompt intervention and preventing more severe conditions. Warning signs like shivering, numbness, confusion, and fatigue should never be overlooked. Instead, they serve as vital cues for immediate action, including moving to a warmer area, seeking medical attention, and ensuring the person is adequately warmed and dry.

Emergency Response

Swift action is imperative in cases of severe cold-related illness. Emergency response protocols prioritize moving the affected individual to a warm, sheltered area as quickly as possible. Then, remove any wet clothing and replace it with dry, warm clothing or blankets to help raise the body temperature and prevent future complications.

Additionally, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention, especially if symptoms of hypothermia, such as severe shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and loss of coordination, are observed. By following these protocols diligently, we can ensure the safety and well-being of employees in cold work environments.

Choosing the Right PPE

Selecting the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for ensuring safety and comfort in cold work environments. Our comprehensive range of Head-to-Toe PPE solutions is designed to meet the unique needs of professionals across diverse industries.

Explore our Winter Catalog for a full range of PPE designed to keep you warm and safe all season long!

Liberty Safety Winter Catalog

Conclusion

At Liberty Safety, we are committed to partnering with you to ensure your team is prepared to face winter’s challenges. Through innovative PPE solutions and expert guidance, we are dedicated to providing the tools and resources necessary to combat cold stress effectively.

By prioritizing prevention, recognizing early warning signs, and implementing proactive measures, we can mitigate risks and create a safer, more productive work environment for all. Together, let’s master cold stress prevention and ensure the protection and well-being of our workforce.

Your safety is our priority. It’s all part of our Freedom in Full Gear promise!