Document Dv26Gan6vG246k92NyOYo4mM

1967 National Safety Congress will fully understand and appreciate why the equipment is provided. The case with which they may wort in comfort and yet receive protection from in jury should bo shown and explained. Em phasis should bo put on the lack of interfer ence they will experience on the job if the equipment is properly utilized and cared for when not in use. If they were previously ao- customcd to wearing it, the latter is no prob lem. Good communication is the crux of selling the protection program. A good explanation of the job and its hazards, along with a thor ough description of how it can be performed safely, will go a long way toward showing why the protection is necessary. Guide lines in how to use the (doves will help greatly in getting maximum effective ness out of them. An example of this would be in the handling of sheet metal--9 should be grasped firmly before lifting, because if this is not done, the edges may slice through the (dove like a knife, and slash into the hand or arm. Also, after raising the sheet, no shifting or adjusting of the grip should be performed unless the object is rested on something that can hold the weight while the hand position is changed. However, if the grip on the sheet is lost and 9 starts to fall, the employe should moke no attempt to grab it again. Hie gloves should he kept dry, if at afi possible; and free of grease and oil unless they arc designed and constructed for drat type of work. The benefits of "team" lifting of heavy pieces of sheet metal should be pointed out, and a warning against the use of gloves around moving machinery should be stressed. Employes should bo encouraged to partici pate in action leading up to the selection or modification of tho gloves. Often, shortcom ings that are noted only by the wearer are brought to light and their revelation may lead to n more effective and economical piece of equipment in addition to giving him recognition that results in personal satisfac tion. It may also be pointed out that good house keeping is a prime factor in good material handling practices. If a plant is neat and or derly tho handling of sheet metal may ho ac complished in a more concerted manner, and the possibility of mishandling material is minimized. Management may desire to standardize on ono stylo of protection to reduce costs, but this may not bo realized immediately be cause of personnel resistance to somo designs and types. As a result, it may ho necessary to stock soveral types of gloves until standardi zation con bo achieved. In this case, the ini tial cost may bo higher but, if it Is weighed properly, a conclusion will be reached that the cost is lower when compared to potential accident costs if no gloves were worn. Probably tho greatest portion of glovo costs may be attributed to laundering and repairs. A thorough analysis of this program will often reveal the need for some action which, if taken, will materially reduce those costs; i.c., damaging of gloves by employes wearing them, wasteful exchange of soiled for clean gloves, haphazard disposal of gloves after a day's use, etc. If all rcasonahlo means of proper equipment uscage control fails, then tho avenuo of constructive disci pline must bo utilized to complete tho sell ing job of eliminating injuries through tho glovo investment In conclusion, if tho proper protective equipment is provided, tho employes prop erly trained in its use, effective maintenance of tho equipment is employed, and good overall communication utilized, your hand and arm protective apparel program can be an economical and social success; but, if any of these are missing, it may wind up as an overall catastrophe. 24