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PPE That Encourages Flu Safety in the Workplace

PPE That Encourages Flu Safety in the Workplace

Influenza is a yearly occurrence, and it can result in employees missing work and losses in revenue. The right personal protective equipment (PPE) can play a significant role in helping reduce the spread of the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that, so far this season, there have been at least 25 million illnesses, 270,000 hospitalizations, and 17,000 deaths from flu.

In response to these alarming numbers, the CDC advises employers help minimize the spread of the flu by:

  • Encouraging flu vaccinations
  • Offering a flexible sick leave policy
  • Maintaining easily accessible hand hygiene stations
  • Using proper administrative controls
  • Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Let’s dig a little deeper into the role of PPE in helping protect your team and your business from influenza. We’ll start with the two most impactful pieces of PPE: Masks and gloves.

How Do Masks Help Reduce the Spread of Influenza?

Influenza is thought to be mostly spread through large droplets that directly contact the nose, mouth, or eyes. But a 2020 study showed that individuals with either COVID-19 or influenza expelled fewer viral particles when wearing a surgical mask.

The study shows that masks are an effective precaution people can take to reduce their chances of catching or spreading the flu virus. How much a mask will prevent the spread of flu depends on the type of mask worn, when it is worn and how close the wearer is to other people.

Disposable masks are a good choice for most workers because they can be thrown away instead of requiring sanitizing after each use. This makes them more convenient and less expensive to purchase than reusable masks.

DuraMask™ 3-ply Face Mask with Ear LoopsDuraMask™ NIOSH N95 respirator mask 

3-Ply Face Mask with Ear Loops – Liberty Safety

The nose pieces in the DuraMask™ 3-ply Face Mask with Ear Loops hold their position, so you don’t have to keep pulling it up or down to keep it in place. It’s lightweight enough to be comfortable but sturdy enough to withstand the needed adjustments.

NIOSH N95 Particulate Respirator with Head Straps – Liberty Safety

The DuraMask™ NIOSH N95 respirator mask helps protect a worker’s lungs and throat from exposure to the flu virus in high-risk environments. It has an adjustable aluminum nose piece, comfort-fit nose foam, and a latex-free double-head strap.

 

5 Ways to Use and Care for Your Face Mask

It’s important to follow the directions in wearing and caring for your face mask. Below are a few helpful tips for the correct and consistent care of masks.

  1. Ensure mask has a proper size and fit.
  2. Avoid touching the mask and face.
  3. Immediately discard the mask in a waste container.
  4. Wash or sanitize your hands after removing a mask.
  5. Disposable masks should be thrown away after they’re worn once.

How Do Gloves Help Reduce the Spread of Influenza?

Research shows that the influenza virus can maintain infectivity on various surfaces such as stainless steel, plastic, fabrics, and paper. That means when you touch objects contaminated with influenza viruses without gloves, you risk transferring the infected material from your hands to your nose, mouth, or eyes.

Wearing disposable gloves when touching surfaces that may be infected may be necessary to protect yourself.

Vinyl disposable gloves, like the DuraSkin® Green Vinyl Disposable Gloves, are great for non-hazardous work environments and are often a less expensive option. They’re good gloves for wearing for a short period when doing low-risk tasks like painting or food prep.

Nitrile disposable gloves, like the DuraSkin® Blue Nitrile disposable gloves, come in various thicknesses. Nitrile is often preferred when workers need more robust protection or chemical resistance, like in a healthcare setting. These gloves are a great alternative for those who are allergic to latex.

DuraSkinⓇ Blue Nitrile Disposable GlovesDuraSkinⓇ Green Vinyl Disposable Gloves 

Blue Nitrile Disposable Gloves –
Liberty Safety

The DuraSkin® Blue Nitrile Disposable Gloves are offered with standard (medical grade) or 6 mils (industrial grade) thickness. Both are powder-free, ISO 9001 factory approved and comply with federal regulations for food contact.

Green Vinyl Disposable Gloves –
Liberty Safety

The DuraSkin® Green Vinyl Disposable Gloves are great for non-hazardous work environments and are often a less expensive option. They are also food-safe and latex free.

 

Important: Putting On and Taking Off PPE

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), every business should establish protocols and provide education on the PPE required. That includes making workers aware of how to safely put each garment on (donning) and take off (doffing).

The CDC provides a general overview for donning and doffing PPE that is commonly worn together. But it’s also a good idea to ensure the protection of your workers by showing them the recommended steps for donning and doffing masks and gloves.

What Else Can Individuals Do to Protect Themselves at Work?

Other ways individuals can protect themselves include:

  1. Stay at home if you are sick. CDC recommends that workers with a fever and respiratory symptoms stay at home until 24 hours after their fever ends (100 degrees Fahrenheit [37.8 degrees Celsius] or lower) without medication.

  2. Keep frequently touched common surfaces (e.g., telephones, computer equipment, etc.) clean.

  3. Try to use something other than a coworker’s phone, desk, office, computer, or other work tools and equipment. If you must use a coworker’s equipment, consider cleaning it first with a disinfectant or wearing gloves.

  4. Stay in shape. Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of rest, exercise, and relaxation.

  5. Participate in all training offered by your employer. Ensure that you understand your exposure risk, your facility’s policies and procedures for isolation precautions, use of workplace controls, work practices, and PPE protection during aerosol-generating procedures, and potential flu complications.

Help Minimize the Risks Together

When it comes to flu season, putting the appropriate controls in place and using the correct PPE can help ensure everyone can do their job without getting sick.

But the success and productiveness of any business will depend on its commitment to the health and safety of its workers.

So when it comes time to find the best selection of PPE for your workers, Liberty Safety can help. Contact us to learn more about our line of personal protective equipment for respiratory illnesses and other safety concerns.

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Top 10 OSHA Violations and How That Impacts Your PPE Choice

Top 10 OSHA Violations

Complying with OSHA standards is a critical part of keeping your workers safe. But, the most current OSHA top 10 list of safety violations shows us that improvements still need to be made in most areas, including choosing the correct PPE.

Ensure safety doesn’t take a back seat this year by noting where others fall short.

Below you’ll find a graphic representation of OSHA’s top 10 list of standard violations, links to resources that will help you identify the worksite hazards involved, and the types of PPE you should consider for each standard.

OSHA’s Top Ten List

The list of the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA violations for 2022 were the following:

1. Fall Protection – General (5,260 violations)

2. Hazard Communication (2,424 violations)

3. Respiratory Protection (2,185 violations)

4. Ladders (2,143 violations)

5. Scaffolding (2,058 violations)

6. Lockout/Tagout (1,977 violations)

7. Powered Industrial Trucks (1,749 violations)

8. Fall Protection – Training (1,556 violations)

9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment — Eye and Face Protection (1,401 violations)

10. Machine Guarding (1,401 violations)

Resources to Identify Worksite Hazards

Identifying worksite risks is the first step to protecting your employees. The good news is that there are many resources you can use to help. Finding a local or online safety professional for guidance is a great way to get started.

Search for your local American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) chapter. They can help you find a safety professional near you.

You can also look into readily available safety management programs. OSHA suggests reviewing online resources to get more of the information you need to put a plan in place.

PPE Types that Match the Hazards 

OSHA requires companies to pay for and ensure workers have the necessary PPE for their jobs. Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to your workers is an integral part of your safety program and will help avoid costly fines from the top 10 standard violations and others.

Worksite PPE should include products that complement the safety controls you have put in place. Involving workers in selecting the appropriate PPE ensures buy-in from your team and means they’re more likely to comply with their use.

PPE categories can be grouped by protection type. Starting from the head and working your way down means you’ll get the head-to-toe protection your workers need.

Protection from Head Injuries 

Hard hats can protect your workers from head impact, penetration injuries, and electrical injuries such as those caused by falling or flying objects, fixed objects, or contact with electrical conductors.

Top 10 violations to consider 
Head Injuries

Protection from Eye and Face Injuries

Besides spectacles and goggles, personal protective equipment such as special helmets or shields, spectacles with side shields, and face shields can protect workers from the hazards of flying fragments, large chips, hot sparks, etc.

Top 10 violations to consider 

Protection from Hearing Loss

Wearing earplugs or earmuffs can help prevent damage to hearing. Exposure to high noise

levels can cause irreversible hearing loss or impairment as well as physical and psychological stress.

Top 10 violations to consider

Protection from Hand Injuries

Workers exposed to harmful substances through skin absorption, severe cuts or lacerations,

severe abrasions, chemical burns, thermal burns, and harmful temperature extremes will benefit from hand protection.

Top 10 violations to consider

Protection from Body Injury

In some cases, workers must shield most or all of their bodies against hazards in the workplace, such as exposure to heat and radiation as well as hot metals, scalding liquids, body fluids, hazardous materials, or waste, and other hazards.

Top 10 violations to consider

Respiratory Protection

When engineering controls are not feasible, workers must use appropriate respirators to protect against adverse health effects caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dust, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smoke, sprays, or vapors.

Top 10 violations to consider

Protection from Foot Injuries

Foot guards, safety shoes, and boots can help prevent injuries by protecting workers from hazards such as falling or rolling objects, sharp objects, wet and slippery surfaces, molten metals, hot surfaces, and electrical hazards.

Top 10 violations to consider 

A Safe Workplace is Your Responsibility

Along with offering and training workers on the required PPE, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as an employer, you are responsible for providing a safe workplace.

OSHA provides a Compliance Assistance Quick Start to generate an initial set of compliance assistance materials tailored to your workplace along with information on:

Find the Best Protective Equipment for Your Worksite

Even a cursory look at OSHA’s top 10 list shows selecting the right PPE is an essential part of protecting your workers.

We can help. Consulting with a Liberty PPE Sales Specialist is a great way to hear about what’s currently popular and get the latest on new products you may want to consider. We even have a product sample program you can tap into so you know you’re getting the PPE products you and your team need. Contact us today to learn more.

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4 High-Risk Hazards Commercial Fishing Workers Face and the Safeguards in Use Today

4 High-Risk Hazards Commercial Fishing Workers Face and the Safeguards in Use Today

Seafood is more popular than ever, which means the industry is busier than ever too. Unfortunately, it’s the kind of demand often associated with increased occupational health and safety problems.

Last year’s U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) incidence rates table showed that injuries and illnesses among maritime workers were higher than in most other industries.

It’s worrisome data that demands attention. This post further explores the hazards and work conditions often responsible for those higher injury and illness rates. We also take a deep dive into the controls and popular protections currently in use, including PPE.

Common Maritime Industry Worker Risks 

The Center for Maritime Safety and Health Studies (CMSHS) considers maritime workers as people employed on vessels, at waterfront facilities working in and around vessels, and onshore directly supporting the seafood industry.

No matter where a maritime worker is stationed, it’s essential the hazards are identified in order to be able to suggest effective controls.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) track the industry. And though each environment presents its own set of unique challenges, they share the following risks:

1. Physical Accidents

These are accidents that are associated with the worksite. Maritime workers are susceptible to these types of injuries because common environmental and worksite risks, including heat and cold stress, vibration, noise, and ergonomics hazards, cause them. Injuries due to mechanical and electrical equipment are also a high risk.

2. Bacterial and Parasitic Infections

Some organic substances that may cause health problems are often present in many seafood workers’ responsibilities. For example, the water spraying process, which is a standard application in seafood processing, may form aerosols with bacteria that can be inhaled. Additionally, parasites present when processing fish are also a threat.

3. Chemical and Toxin Exposure

Seafood processing may, at times, require the use of dangerous chemical substances. Dermatologics, carcinogens, and asthmatic agents are some of the toxins present in the chemicals used when processing seafood. Products used for sanitizing and cooling foods are examples of products that pose a significant risk.

4. Stress Related Risks

Stress hazards are those that affect the psychological well-being of workers. They are associated with and relate to how the work is designed, organized, and managed,  as well as the job’s safety, economic and social contexts. Long hours and even days away from home, along with constant physical threats, can contribute to poor mental health.

Health Problems from Known Hazards

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Center for Maritime Safety and Health Studies (CMSHS) estimates approximately 400,000 workers are employed in U.S. maritime industries. 

They note that these workers face a high risk of fatality, injury, and illness and regard commercial fishing as one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S., second only to mining. 

Hazards presented by the maritime environment can be encountered both on the water and at waterfront facilities. Last year, the CMSHS estimated 61,600 nonfatal injuries/illnesses (5,370 per 100,000) occurred, nearly twice the rate for all U.S. workers and one of the highest injury/illness rates among maritime workers.

The list of potential injuries or illnesses is extensive and often includes the following:

INJURY OR ILLNESS MAJOR CAUSE
Sprains and fractures Slippery floors
Cuts and scrapes

Knives and tools
Abdominal issue

Infectious bacteria or pathogens
Asthma, lung infections, pneumonitis

Continuous wet environments
Burn injuries (especially on the hands)

Preparing and smoking fish
Dislocation or broken bones and/or internal injuries Motor vehicles or large equipment

Controls Used to Protect Workers

The CMSHS provides resources to create and implement the appropriate controls needed to protect maritime workers. 

They contribute to the following NIOSH Strategic Plan for FYs 2019-2024 goals that aim to help reduce injuries and illness among maritime workers:

INJURY OR ILLNESS MAJOR CAUSE
Sprains and fractures Slippery floors
Cuts and scrapes

Knives and tools
Abdominal issue

Infectious bacteria or pathogens
Asthma, lung infections, pneumonitis

Continuous wet environments
Burn injuries (especially on the hands)

Preparing and smoking fish
Dislocation or broken bones and/or internal injuries Motor vehicles or large equipment

Controls Used to Protect Workers

The CMSHS provides resources to create and implement the appropriate controls needed to protect maritime workers. 

They contribute to the following NIOSH Strategic Plan for FYs 2019-2024 goals that aim to help reduce injuries and illness among maritime workers:

NIOSH Strategic Plan
Part of the NIOSH strategic plan offers recommendations for the various maritime workers throughout the industry.
The impacts made by the NIOSH Commercial Fishing Safety Research Program

PPE that Promotes Maritime Worker Safety

A risk analysis study found that marine safety campaigns focusing on PPE for workers can be the most effective at reducing risks and subsequent injuries.

The results of the study stated:

  • The most influential risk factors were age, risk awareness, sea experience, and PPE availability.
  • 4% of marine workers reported needing proper PPE training.
  • The injury rate among respondents untrained in PPE was as much as 33% higher than others.
  • Overall, PPE availability had the most significant potential to decrease the probability of injuries.

Overall, the study concluded that PPE availability is the most significant factor in promoting marine safety.

Some of the protections that may be necessary to keep workers safe and protect them from the long-term effects of maritime work include:

Protective Clothing

Food processing may, at times, require the use of dangerous biological or chemical substances that could harm those workers who are regularly exposed to them. Handling seafood is definitely considered a biological hazard, and sanitizing and cooling seafood also poses a significant chemical threat.

Coveralls and aprons are some of the protections necessary to keep workers safe and protect them from the long-term effects of these types of chemical or biological exposures.

DuraWearTM Blue Vinyl Apron

Made from a 6-mil thick vinyl, which is a widely used material in the PPE industry, the DuraWear™ Blue Vinyl Apron is easily cleaned and maintained. It is an excellent choice for the seafood processing industry because it’s resistant to oils, chemicals, fats, grease and salt and provides good protection against splatters and saturation.

  • Adjustable neck and back strap
  • Size 35” x 45”
  • Complies with Federal regulation for food contact
  • Also available in white (1338W)

Hearing Protection

Hearing protection is required in work environments that are exposed to noise levels equal to or greater than 85 decibels (dB) averaged over an eight-hour period. Most manufacturing facilities fit into this category.

OSHA notes that noise may be a problem in your facility if workers report:

  • Hearing ringing or humming in their ears when they leave work
  • Have to shout to be heard by a coworker an arm’s length away
  • Experience temporary hearing loss when leaving work

The best hearing protection is the one that is comfortable and convenient and one that workers will wear every time they are in an environment with hazardous noise.

DuraPlugsTM Corded Earplugs have a slow-recovery tapered shape foam for easy insertion and removal. They are low-pressure, self-adjusting foam which offers long-wearing comfort. The cords mean they are less likely to be separated and fall into food.

Metal Detectable Earplugs help prevent contamination of products in case an earplug accidentally gets into food production because they can be quickly identified with magnets. They consist of two earplugs that have a tapered bullet shape foam for easy insertion and removal.

Both models offer a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 32 dB

Respiratory Protection

Many jobs in the maritime industry involve working around hazardous particles. Painting, welding, and sandblasting are common examples of hazards in the maritime industry. Nuisance masks may be appropriate for dust and airborne particulates.

Cartridge masks are recommended when particle exposure is at higher concentrations or exposure to more dangerous substances.

Air contaminants are commonly classified as particulates or gas and vapor contaminants. Compliance with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard could avert harm to maritime workers exposed to them.

Respiratory Protection

The DuraMask™ Nuisance Mask uses a fabric-wrapped elastic headband and an adjustable aluminum nose piece to provide more user comfort. It’s best used in environments with minimal fluid exposure as a physical barrier between the wearer and potential non-hazardous contaminants like sawdust or dirt. 

  • Fabric-wrapped elastic band
  • Adjustable aluminum nose piece
  • Single strap
  • Non-toxic applications

Hand Protection 

Hand injuries due to exposure to harsh chemicals are common types of accidents among maritime industry workers. It’s why gloves that offer chemical resistance and food safety are necessary for the industry.

For the majority of maritime workers, a chemical resistant latex glove offers the right level of safety. But only if it’s a glove that is comfortable to wear and can handle a wide variety of jobs.

Blue Latex Canners

These Blue Latex Canners are safe for food handling and offer a comfortable fit for sizes XS to XL. Unsupported gloves are typically designed from latex, nitrile, and vinyl and feature no lining underneath. Ceramic formers with embossed grip patterns are dipped directly into protective polymers. 

Generally, unsupported gloves are available in palm thicknesses that range from 11 to 30 mil. These gloves are used primarily for disposable applications, such as food preparation, painting, household cleaning, and animal husbandry.

  • 18 mil
  • Embossed Grip on palm and fingers
  • 12” Length
  • Unlined

Foot Protection

OSHA requirements state that workers must wear protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of falling or rolling objects or objects piercing the sole. Protective footwear also must meet ANSI Z41 or equivalent design requirements. Look for:

Bulky cargo and machinery, welding, falling objects, and slick surfaces often found in maritime environments create conditions where appropriate footwear is required. Safety boots help workers to find their footing and help prevent slips and falls. Protective footwear also protects feet from crushing injuries. Look for rubber or PVC boots that are both non-skid and steel-toed.

PVC Boots

The DuraWear™ Steel Toe PVC Boots have a durable build with steel toe protection. Constructed of a flexible yet sturdy PVC, it’s a slip-on boot that’s 100% waterproof and resistant to a broad range of contaminants. 

  • One-piece injection mold
  • Black high molecular PVC compound
  • Bar cleat outsole with an over-the-sock style
  • Availability in plain or steel toe

Continuing to Keep Maritime Workers Safe 

Even with all the resources available, the success and productiveness of the maritime industry will depend on its commitment to the health and safety of its workers.

Consistently identifying the risks, putting the appropriate controls in place, and using the correct PPE will continue to help the workers and ensure the industry’s success as a whole.

When it comes time to find the best selection of PPE for maritime work environments, Liberty Safety can help. Contact us to learn more about our line of personal protective equipment.

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