Common Mistakes with OSHA 1910.133 Eye and Face Protection in Wineries

In the unique environment of wineries, ensuring compliance with OSHA's 1910.133 standard on eye and face protection is crucial. Yet, it's not uncommon to see certain mistakes that could lead to serious safety hazards.

Misunderstanding the Scope of Protection

One of the most frequent errors is a misunderstanding of what activities require eye and face protection. In wineries, tasks like bottling, labeling, and handling chemicals might not always be considered high-risk. However, these activities can expose workers to flying particles, chemical splashes, or harmful radiation from UV lights used in sanitation processes. I've seen many cases where workers thought protective gear was unnecessary for these tasks, only to face potential hazards.

Improper Selection of Protective Equipment

Another common mistake is the improper selection of protective equipment. Wineries often deal with various hazards, from chemical splashes to flying debris during corking. The key is to match the protection level to the specific hazard. For instance, safety glasses might be sufficient for some tasks, but others might require goggles or face shields. Based on available research, individual results may vary, but selecting the wrong type of protection can leave workers vulnerable.

Neglecting Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Regular maintenance and inspection of eye and face protection equipment are often overlooked. I've visited wineries where the protective gear was visibly worn out or damaged, yet still in use. OSHA's standard requires that all personal protective equipment be maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition. Neglecting this can compromise the effectiveness of the gear and increase the risk of injury.

Lack of Training and Awareness

Lastly, a lack of training and awareness can lead to non-compliance. Workers need to understand not only when to wear eye and face protection but also how to use it correctly. In my experience, many wineries could benefit from more robust training programs that go beyond the basics. Effective training should cover the specific hazards in a winery setting, the correct use of protective equipment, and the importance of compliance with OSHA standards.

By addressing these common mistakes, wineries can significantly enhance their safety protocols and ensure a safer working environment for all employees. For those looking to dive deeper, resources like OSHA's official guidelines and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for personal protective equipment offer valuable insights and further guidance.