Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as “PPE”, is essential for minimizing hazards on the job.  Neglect can result in very serious injuries and possible death.  These injuries or illnesses can result from electrical, chemical, mechanical and many other hazards.

Personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, shields, protective shoes, hard hats, ear plugs and respirators are just some of the protective gear that is worn every day.  It is so important to know what to wear and when to wear it.  It's also very important to know is how to properly put on the safety equipment.  By law, workers must use protective equipment in the work place when it is required.

This brings me to a story about a on a project I was on many years ago.  I was training a new contractor's crew on sealing manhole leaks with polyurethane chemical grout.  When training work crews, I always put a heavy emphasis on safety.  Since we were working with polyurethane, I also made clear how important it is wear safety glasses or shields to cover your face.

A little later, when I was showing them how to mix the chemical grout, I absent-mindedly left my safety glasses on top of my head instead of pulled down over my eyes.  As I was pouring the chemical grout out of the 5 gallon pail and into a bucket - a tiny drop hit me in my left eye.  I was blind in that eye for two days.  I even thought I might end up losing sight in that eye. 

Fortunately I was fine a few days later.  But it was a very close call.  One I don't ever want to repeat.  This was all due to me forgetting to pull my safety glasses down over my face.  That is how quick it can happen!  So needless to say, it is important to follow safety procedures no matter what.  Accidents happen, but we want to follow every possible measure to prevent any tragic consequences.  

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