5 Feb 08
Personal Protective Equipment: What is it and why do we need it?
If an employer sees a foreseeable risk to the health and safety of people in the workplace, they must eliminate it if it is possible. If it is not possible to completely eliminate the risk, an employer must attempt to control the risk. Controlling the risk usually involves the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by workers in order to reduce their exposure to hazards.
PPE includes such items as:
- eye protection (goggles, glasses)
- hearing protection (ear plugs, ear muffs);
- respiratory protection (respirators, face masks, cartridge filters)
- foot protection (safety boots)
- head protection (hard hats)
- body protection (aprons, safety harnesses).
Even sunscreen is classified as PPE as it is a substance used to protect health.
Whilst many items of PPE are available through safety equipment outlets, CozWine keeps a small supply of items relevant to the wine and associated industries, such as clear safety glasses and high visibility vests and polo shirts.
New to our stocks are safety gloves which are cut, tear and heat resistant (recommended when handling glass), they are comfortable to wear and allow the skin to breath while providing a practical level of protection when working in the bottling/winery environment.
If you would like to purchase some of our PPE items, please do not hesitate to contact us. The items that we stock are available at cost price to our workers. If you wish to purchase these items, you can either pay upfront, or we can deduct an agreed amount from your pay until the account is settled.
Manual Handling
Manual handling is bending, lifting and twisting and may include moving boxes or storage items, filing, moving equipment, pushing or pulling trolley's, filling the printer or photocopier with paper.
The use of mechanical aids, such as trolleys or raised platforms can greatly reduce the chance of sustaining a manual handling injury. So, if mechanical aids are available, make sure you use them.
It's also a good idea to reduce actions that require repetitive exertion of physical force. This might be as simple as placing regularly used items at waist or bench-top level so you don't have to bend down or reach up so often. Another way of breaking up repetitive tasks is to rotate jobs on a regular basis.
The key here is to be proactive. If you have suggestions for reducing manual handling risk then raise them with your supervisor or OHS representative. Remember to always wear the appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment.
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