Safety Tips

Like vegetables, safety goggles every day are good for you. At least, that’s what you’ve always been told. But are they really necessary? According to an article on EHS Today’s web site, “nearly three out of five injured workers were not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident or were wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the job.” A more consistent use of safety glasses would not only reduce the $300 million per year eye injuries rack up in worker compensation, medical expenses, and lost production; it could save you from losing your one and only...

You know all about the importance of safety equipment. You keep your blades sharp and your workshop clean. However, even people who follow these safety measures religiously can sometimes find themselves in a dangerous situation, that split second when “everything changes.” Here are some safety tips you may have overlooked that can make all the difference. Give Someone a Heads Up Before entering the workshop, let someone know what you’ll be working on, and for how long. While uncommon, some accidents can incapacitate a woodworker by rendering them unconscious, trapped, or otherwise unable to help themselves. By informing someone of...

Dust masks, technically known as disposable filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) and casually known as “nuisance dust masks,” are essential for employees working on job sites that produce dust, chaff, and other airborne particles that can irritate the respiratory system. Unlike mechanical filter respirators or air-purifying respirators, dust masks are not designed to protect against gases, vapors, mists, or molds. When it comes to dust masks, where does the “disposable” part come in? Do these masks need to be changed out every day? The answer depends on a number of factors. If the mask is visibly damaged or no longer fits,...

FOR STARTERS, THEY’RE THE LAW First things first: if there is any danger of head injury on your job site, then you are legally required to wear a hard hat–and wear it correctly–while on the job. In 29 CFR 1910.135, OSHA requires head protection if the following conditions are present: Objects might fall from above and strike employees on the head There is potential for employees to bump their heads against fixed objects, such as exposed pipes or beams There is a possibility of accidental head contact with electrical hazards Not surprisingly, several occupations come in contact with these hazards,...

Finding the right tool for the job might be easy, but using the correct safety equipment and working smart isn’t so intuitive. Keep these tips in mind while you’re working hard. 1. GOOD HABITS ARE WORTH MORE THAN ALL THE SAFETY GEAR IN THE WORLD. It might seem like a no-brainer, but if you’re not looking into the barrel of a nail gun, you won’t have to worry about whether or not your safety goggles can handle the force of a nail shooting into your face. Good safety gear should be the backup measure to keep you and your teammates...