When Can a Company Be OSHA 1910.133 Compliant Yet Still Face Eye and Face Injuries in Aerospace?

Compliance with OSHA's 1910.133 standard for Eye and Face Protection is crucial for safety in the aerospace industry. But, even with strict adherence, injuries can still occur. Let's dive into why this happens and what additional measures can be taken to enhance safety.

Understanding OSHA 1910.133 Compliance

OSHA 1910.133 mandates that employers ensure the use of appropriate eye and face protection when workers are exposed to hazards like flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids, or caustic liquids, chemical gases, or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation. This includes assessing workplace hazards, selecting and providing suitable protective equipment, and ensuring its proper use.

Why Injuries Still Occur

Even when a company is compliant with these regulations, several factors can contribute to eye and face injuries in the aerospace sector:

• Human Error: Despite training, workers might not wear their protective gear correctly or consistently. For example, I've seen cases where employees remove their safety goggles for a brief moment, only to be exposed to a sudden hazard.
• Equipment Limitations: The protective equipment might not be suited for all potential hazards encountered in aerospace work. A standard pair of safety glasses might protect against flying debris but not against chemical splashes or intense light from welding.
• New or Unforeseen Hazards: The aerospace industry often deals with cutting-edge technology and materials, which can introduce new hazards not covered by current safety standards or equipment.

Enhancing Safety Beyond Compliance

To further reduce the risk of eye and face injuries, companies should consider the following strategies:

• Continuous Training: Regularly update and reinforce training programs to ensure all employees understand the importance of wearing protective gear and how to use it correctly.
• Advanced PPE: Invest in more advanced personal protective equipment (PPE) that can handle a wider range of hazards. For instance, face shields that offer protection against multiple types of hazards can be beneficial in diverse work environments.
• Risk Assessment: Conduct thorough and ongoing risk assessments to identify and mitigate new or unforeseen hazards specific to aerospace operations.
• Incident Analysis: After any incident, perform a detailed analysis to understand what went wrong and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future.

By going beyond the basic requirements of OSHA 1910.133, aerospace companies can significantly enhance their safety protocols. While compliance is essential, it's the proactive approach to safety management that truly makes a difference in preventing injuries.

For those interested in diving deeper, resources like the OSHA website offer detailed information on eye and face protection standards, and the American Industrial Hygiene Association provides insights into the latest in PPE technology and safety practices.