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PPE and Injury Prevention. An ounce of prevention… (Personal Protective Equipment and mechanical injuries). Flying debris/splatter Penetrating injuries “Sharp” injuries Abrasions Blunt trauma. Thermal burns Chemical burns Radiation Respiratory injury Sports injuries Ballistic injury.
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PPE and Injury Prevention An ounce of prevention… (Personal Protective Equipment and mechanical injuries)
Flying debris/splatter Penetrating injuries “Sharp” injuries Abrasions Blunt trauma Thermal burns Chemical burns Radiation Respiratory injury Sports injuries Ballistic injury What are we worried about?:
Flying Debris/Splatter • Low-mass objects propelled by wind, power tools, or splashing. • Can cause eye injury or damage to the delicate skin of the face. • Use proper eye protection or full-face shield
Penetrating Injuries • Most common cause: stepping on nails, splinters, or thorns. • Puncture wounds to the foot or leg can disable a person almost instantly. • Wear sturdy, high-top footwear, and watch where you step or put your hands.
“Sharp” Injuries • Commonly caused by exposed or broken metal, wood, or glass, but brushing against anything sharp or walking into thorns can also cause lacerations. • Most lacerations are minor and only carry a risk of infection, severe cuts can cause disability or blood loss. • WEAR GLOVES! • Long pants, long sleeves, good shoes/boots, and hats provide protection against minor injury.
Abrasions • Single most common injury. Easily preventable. • Usually minor, but serious abrasions can lead to infection or permanent scarring. • Difficult to treat with first-aid. Painful, but not usually life-threatening. • Long sleeves, long pants, proper footwear, hats, and gloves will protect from most abrasions.
Blunt Trauma • Caused when something hard hits something not-quite-so-hard. • Most commonly caused by falling objects or cadets. • Blunt injuries can cause broken bones, internal bleeding, or serious head trauma. • Always look up! Avoid over-head dangers. • Wear a hard hat if there is an unavoidable risk of falling objects.
Other PPEs • Head-on-a-swivel • Be alert for danger • Prevention is the best protection • Be visible • Wear safety vests • It may save you from someone else. • Don’t be dumb! • Think it through and form a plan • Communicate • Prevention is the best protection