Heatleys Trade TALK Edition 8 | November 2022 - January 2023

Working

This

Summer, sun & safety glasses Protect yourself from the sun!

The depletion of the ozone layer and a reduction in cloud cover are only a small number of factors contributing to a high UV rating. The ozone layer acts as the Earth’s natural shield from UV rays. As a result, we need to be much more vigilant protecting our eyes.

If the correct precautions are not taken, we expose ourselves to a myriad of risks associated with eye damage. In the short term this will present as sore or irritated eyes after extended

exposure to the sun. Long term risks include and are not limited to, photo keratitis, formation of cataracts and pterygia as well as eye cancers.

When selecting safety eyewear, particularly over the summer months it is important to consider the fit as well as ensuring the lens suits the application. The safety eyewear chosen should provide a close/wraparound fit to the face, preventing damaging rays penetrating any part of the lens. The lens tint must suit the conditions!

UV exposure is dependent on a variety of factors including the time of the day, time spent in high UV conditions, whether shade is available and the presence of reflective surfaces i.e. water, cement, sand, rock, snow and reflective roofing.

Polarised lenses are a must for any individual working in high glare environments. Bollé Safety’s market-leading, injection moulded

BENEFITS OF POLARISED LENSES

polarised technology blocks 99.99% of UV rays; protection that goes well beyond Europe standards. The optically correct polarising film is embedded into the lens ensuring it won’t delaminate or scratch off the lens.

UV filtration and lens performance is dependent on the quality of polycarbonate used to manufacture the lenses. It is evaluated by a shade 0, 1, 2, 3 and 5, corresponding to the filtration scale of the visible and invisible light spectrum. This classification is dependent on colour, of which is related to comfort.

Safety and your eyesight is worth investing in!

The only choice is Bollé Safety!

GLARE RISKS

Reflecting surfaces are everywhere outdoors: water, snow & glass. Those surfaces increase glare which can lead to visual discomfort, premature eye strain and eye fatigue. Glare greatly increases the risk of accidents at the workplace by slowing down reaction time.

UV EXPOSURE

Whenever you’re working outdoors, vision comfort and precision are often dangerously diminished by glare and distortion caused by sunlight. What’s more, excessive exposure to highintensity light sources can cause eye burns and lesions.

DUST RISKS

Our blue flash version of these stylish glasses with lateral protection provides enhanced shielding from direct sunlight and heat. They are also hydrophobic, which makes them an ideal choice for offshore work.

Shop our Bollé range at www.heatleys.com.au/brands/bolle

heatleys.com.au

EXPERT ADVICE SAFETY TIPS FOR THIS SUMMER

Many outdoor workers are at risk of workplace hazards and heat-related illnesses which include heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sun stroke. It is important to implement a safety plan to prepare for the warmer months, follow these simple steps to ensure you and your team have a summer-safe workplace!

Stay Hydrated

It is essential that you are staying hydrated throughout the day whilst also ensuring your electrolyte levels are up. Dehydration can kick in very quickly, so make sure you don’t wait until you are thirsty to have a drink, as this can be a sign that you are already dehydrated. Outdoor workers should aim to stick to the half-and-half rule, drinking half a litre of water every half an

hour. Powdered and liquid concentrates are also a great way to top up your hydration levels. These drinks replenish the sodium and minerals that are lost through sweat, at a much faster rate than just drinking water. However, it should not completely replace your daily water intake. We have a vast range of flavours and options to quench your thirst this summer!

Dress for the Heat

We should pay attention to the way we dress when working in the heat in the same way we do when dressing for the cold during winter. Choosing the correct workwear is a very important component of staying safe and keeping cool during the summer months. We naturally tend to want to wear less confining clothing as the temperature rises but covering up will protect your workers from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Heatleys offer a wide range of workwear that is specifically designed to keep you cool during the warmer months. Wear long sleeves and light cotton layers to keep the body temperature down and minimise the risk of any heat-related illnesses.

Working in the Australian heat can be extremely challenging if the right precautions are not taken.

Protect with PPE

Working outside means that there are various light and temperature conditions to adapt to. Working outdoors, under the direct sunlight for a long period of time means you are exposed to excessive amounts of UV rays and the effects of glare which can harm your eyes. Safety glasses with polarised lenses not only protect your eyes from harmful objects but also offer the best protection against the sun, as they are designed to eliminate glare, reduce bright reflections, and increase visibility. The technology featured in these lenses reduce eye stress, fatigue and decreases headaches caused by the overexposure of glare and harsh sunlight.

Polarised lenses will not only improve the quality of your working conditions but also protect the quality of your overall eye health.

Always Wear Sunscreen

People who work outdoors are exposed to a higher level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation than indoor workers which increases their risk of heat related health concerns. According to SunSmart, Australia is known to have some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world and overexposure of these damaging sun rays add up over time, leading to a greater risk of skin cancer. Most skin cancer can be prevented and no matter what your age or skin type is, all workers should be taking precautions to protect their skin and prevent sunburns all year round.

Ensure that you are wearing a high SPF sunscreen every day and reapplying every few hours to help protect you from the strong UV rays. This is one of the most important habits to get into, particularly if you work outdoors during the summer months. Applying sunscreen regularly should be a crucial part of your daily routine and supplying sunscreen in the workplace can be a valuable practice to really emphasise the importance of applying it daily and staying sun safe.