Do you provide personal protective equipment for your employees? Have they been trained how and when to use it?
The dollars spent on personal protective equipment can benefit you two ways. First, it will increase the productivity of your employees by reducing fatigue and making tasks easier to perform. Second, although it will not reduce accidents, it will minimize the injury if an accident occurs.
In the past couple of years, many new protective devices have been introduced. Let's look at where some of these will benefit your operation.
Many greenhouse operations involve lifting and moving materials. In fact, a container of plants may be moved as much as a dozen times from when it is first filled with media to the time when it is delivered to the garden center. Although most containers are relatively light, other materials, such as bales of mix, boxes of pots and bags of fertilizer can put a strain on the back muscles when handled.
Several companies are now making lumbar belts that support the lower back and prevent strain to abdominal and back muscles. These are worn securely fastened around the waist either inside or outside of clothing. Support comes from fabric or leather with a padding of foam or air chambers. The cost is from $30.00 to $90.00.
Training in the proper lifting methods and carrying techniques should also be provided. Alternate moving methods, such as conveyers, carts and fork lifts can reduce the need to handle material.
Tasks, such as transplanting and keyboard operation require continuous, repetitive wrist movement. This can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, the compression of the medium nerve where it passes through the wrist. The symptoms of tingling, numbness and pain in the fingers can be debilitating, resulting in lost work time.
Wrist supports help to maintain proper hand and arm position. Most are made of an elastic fabric that gives support and retains body heat to aid blood flow without limiting hand movement. Some supports also contain a splint to keep the wrist in a neutral position. Cost is $10.00 to $15.00.
The other day I was talking with a grower in the shipping area of his greenhouse range. As it was near quitting time, the employees were cleaning up. One employee with a large push broom was sweeping the floor creating a cloud of dust from the spilled soil. This was being carried through the building by the ventilation system. No one was wearing a dust mask.
Disposable dust masks that cost less than $1.00 can be used several times until breathing becomes difficult or they become physically damaged. They keep particulate matter and vapors out of the nose, lungs and respiratory tract. Chose the right one to protect against dust, fumes, mists, gases or vapors and instruct employees on when and how to use them properly.
Exposure to excessive noise from materials handling equipment, thermal foggers, chain saws, tractors and radios can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss. It also interferes with the ability to communicate.
In some cases noise can be reduced by proper maintenance of equipment or by shielding with absorbent or insulating material. Where this can't be done, hearing protection should be made available.
Inexpensive earplugs (less than 15 cents) made of soft foam are comfortable, effective and adjustable to fit the wearer. Ear muffs, if they fit well, are more comfortable to wear, provide better protection and are easier to put on and remove. Most people readily adjust to hearing protection in a short time.
The eye is perhaps the body part most vulnerable to work injures. Eye protection should be used during hazardous jobs such as mixing fertilizers and pesticides; spraying; operating power equipment; and using soil mixers or container filling equipment.
Lightweight, plastic safety glasses with side shields are low-cost items ($5.00 to $8.00) that give good protection from flying objects. Purchase those that are anti-fogging and neutralize static charges.
Goggles should be used whether protection from liquid chemical splash or spray materials is needed. They can also be placed over regular glasses. A face shield may be needed in the shop area when welding, grinding metal or working with wood.
Personal protective equipment is available from some greenhouse suppliers and safety firms. Mail order houses, such as Direct Safety Company, 7815 South 46th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85044 or Global Occupational Safety, 713B Hemlock Drive, Hempstead, New York 11550 have a large selection of equipment listed in their catalogs.
We seldom give much thought to the need for personal protective equipment until an injury occurs. Although not specifically covered by OSHA regulations, the general duty clause states that "every employer must provide a safe working place, one which is free from recognized hazards". Citations have been issued to employers for failure to provide and enforce the use of personal protective equipment.
The information in this material is for educational purposes. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of printing. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. The Cooperative Extension system does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available.All agrochemical/pesticides listed are registered for suggested uses in accordance with federal and Connecticut state laws and regulations as of the date of printing. If the information does not agree with current labeling, follow the label instructions. The label is the law.Warning! Agrochemical/pesticides are dangerous. Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions on labels. Carefully handle and store agrochemical/pesticides in originally labeled containers immediately in a safe manner and place. Contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for current regulations.The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or property damage.Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kirklyn M. Kerr, Director, Cooperative Extension System, The University of Connecticut, Storrs. The Connecticut Cooperative Extension System offers its programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an equal opportunity employer.