Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/245905
46 • FEBRUARY 2014 • WORLD FENCE NEWS Tool box talk topic: Eye safety COURTESY CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION Tool box talks are an important part of a company's overall safety program, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have a readymade set of discussion topics on their web site, www.cdc.gov. Here is a sample talk based on eye safety. It includes questions that would be asked by the talk instructor, as well as answers. Key points: • Approximately 2,000 eye injuries occur everyday at work in the U.S. • Construction workers have one of the highest eye injury rates. • Particles of dust, metal, wood, slag, drywall, cement, etc. are the most common sources of eye injury to workers. • Even "minor" eye injuries can cause life-long vision problems and suffering – a simple scratch from sawdust, cement, or drywall can cause corneal erosion that is recurrently painful. • Hammering on metal which gives off metal slivers and the rebounding of the ordinary nail are two of the most common causes of vision loss in construction workers. The instructor could ask if anyone has had an eye injury or knows anyone who did. Ask them to describe it. He could also ask what are some of the eye hazards they know of. Potential eye hazard examples • Hammering, grinding, sanding, and masonry work that may produce particles. • Handling chemicals may lead to splashes in the eye. • Wet or powdered cement in the eye can cause a chemical burn. • Welding leads to exposure to arcs and flashes (intense UV radiation) for welders, helpers, and bystanders. • Dusty or windy conditions can lead to particles in the eye. • Eye injuries can result from simply passing through an area where work is being performed. • Coworkers around or above you may generate the hazard. The instructor might now ask how eye hazards can be reduced at your site. Three-part eye safety strategy • Use engineering controls (best) such as machine guards that prevent the escape of particles or welding curtains for arc flash protection. • Use administrative controls (good) such as making certain areas "off limits" unless that is your work assignment area or putting passageways out of active work zones. • Use the proper protective eyewear (required, but doesn't remove all risk). Be Sure To Visit Us At BOOTH NO. 709! Look around – what do you see? • How many workers at your site wear any eye protection at any time? None, some, or a lot? • Are they wearing the correct or proper eye protection? Never, sometimes, usually, or always? continued on page 86