Latest news with #occupationalSafety
Free Malaysia Today
4 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Surveyor dies in 8th-floor fall at Penang construction site
Hairozie Asri, the Penang director of the occupational safety and health department, said the main contractor has been ordered to halt all related works until safety measures have been fully complied with. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : A surveyor was killed after reportedly falling from the eighth floor of a building – an estimated height of 27m – through an opening in a pressurisation shaft at a construction site in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, yesterday. Hairozie Asri, the Penang director of the occupational safety and health department, said the department received information about the fatal accident at 10.30am and immediately dispatched a team of investigation officers to the site. 'The victim, a 41-year-old local man working as a verticality surveyor with a subcontractor at the site, was confirmed dead after falling from the eighth floor through an opening in the pressurisation shaft. 'Preliminary investigations found that the opening was fenced off and covered only with plywood. It is believed that the measures provided insufficient protection for workers,' Bernama quoted him as saying. Hairozie said the department had issued three prohibition notices to the main contractor to halt all related works until safety measures have been fully complied with. He said the contractor had also been ordered to conduct an internal investigation to identify the cause of the incident, propose improvements, and present the findings to the department. Hairozie said the department would gather the relevant documents and record statements from all identified witnesses. 'A follow-up visit to the employer's premises will be made after corrective and preventive actions are taken. 'We will also pursue legal action under Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Amendment) 2022 if any violations under the Act are found,' he said.
Travel Daily News
29-05-2025
- General
- Travel Daily News
Safety glasses vs. safety goggles: When to use each for maximum protection
While glasses may be cheaper and easier to wear, picking goggles when you need them is always worth it for your eye safety. It can be smart to have both available and teach workers when to wear each type. Let's talk about your eyes. They let you work safely, notice small details, and see everything around you. But eye injuries happen often at work. In fact, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that about 2,000 workers in the U.S. get eye injuries on the job that need medical attention every day. Most of these injuries could have been prevented with the right eye protection. Wearing proper eye gear prevents many accidents. Both safety experts and eye doctors agree: using the correct eye protection saves thousands of eyes each year. But which protective gear should you pick? The two main types are safety glasses and safety goggles. Though they seem a lot alike, they offer different types of protection. Picking the wrong one is like choosing the wrong tool for a job – you simply won't be safe from the real danger. Most workplace eye injuries happen because of chemical splashes, foreign objects, cuts, scrapes, burns from hot steam, radiation, or flying debris like wood or metal. Even jobs that seem safe, such as healthcare, cleaning, or lab work, can lead to eye infections from splashes or touching your eyes with dirty hands. So, knowing the real difference between safety glasses and safety goggles matters – it helps protect your eyesight. Main Differences Between Safety Glasses and Safety Goggles Think of safety glasses and safety goggles like family members with their own strengths. Both shield your eyes, but they are built for different situations and dangers. What Are Safety Glasses? Safety glasses might look like regular eyeglasses, and they come in both non-prescription and prescription styles. Still, they are stronger than everyday glasses, made especially to stop objects flying at your face. They mainly protect your eyes from things coming straight at you or from the sides. Many safety glasses use tough polycarbonate lenses, have strong frames, and include side shields. These keep small objects from slipping in from the edges. Safety glasses are light and easy to wear, making them a good pick for jobs with some risk of flying debris or small particles coming at you from the front or sides. What Are Safety Goggles? Safety goggles provide more protection. They fit close to your face and form a seal all the way around your eyes. This keeps dangers out from any direction – top, bottom, sides, under, or over. Goggles use a soft frame that sits right against your skin and are held on with a strap that fits around the back of your head. This design stops dust, liquids, and other hazards from reaching your eyes, no matter where they come from. Goggles are best when the hazard is more than just things flying at you. How Do Glasses and Goggles Differ in Protection? The biggest protection difference is in the way they fit. Safety glasses protect best from stuff hitting your face from the front or side. But, because there's a gap between the glasses and your skin, dust, chemicals, and vapor can still get in. Safety goggles fit tightly and make a seal, so nothing can sneak around the edge. This makes them better for places with risks like splashing liquids, dust, fine particles, or strong fumes. While both need to meet safety rules for impact, goggles are the clear winner for jobs with risk from all angles. What to Think About When Choosing Eye Protection Picking eye protection isn't just about glasses versus goggles. You should check the hazards around you and understand the designs. Not all glasses or goggles are made the same, so features and markings are important. Impact Resistance and Safety Labels (Like ANSI Z87.1) This is probably the most important thing to check. In the U.S., look for the ANSI Z87.1 marking, which comes from the American National Standards Institute. 'Z87' means your eyewear meets minimum safety standards. 'Z87+' means it has passed tougher tests for impacts, like dropping a heavy weight on it or hitting it with a fast steel ball. Safety goggles are tested at even higher speeds. You may also see letters like 'D3,' 'D4,' or 'D5' showing extra protection against droplets, dust, or fine particles. Always match the label to what you need on the job. Lenses: Polycarbonate Versus Others Lens material matters. Most safety eyewear is made from polycarbonate, which is strong, light, and blocks a lot of UV rays. Polycarbonate resists impacts but can get scratched, so many glasses and goggles have a scratch-resistant coating for longer life. Some eyewear uses Trivex. It's a little heavier but gives clearer vision, which some people prefer, especially with prescription lenses. Both types are safe if certified, but polycarbonate is far more common. Comfort, Fit, and Prescription Needs Even the safest eyewear won't help if it's uncomfortable or doesn't fit properly – people may take it off. Safety glasses often include features to make them more comfortable, such as flexible arms or soft pads at the temples and nose. Goggles use adjustable straps to make a tight fit, which is important to keep out dust or liquids. Anti-fog coatings help a lot, especially for goggles, because the tight seal can make them fog up easily. Many goggles fit over ordinary glasses, and you can also get prescription safety glasses. This means people who need vision correction won't be left at risk. Laws and Safety Rules: OSHA and ANSI Standards Wearing eye protection isn't just a good practice – it's often required. OSHA, the U.S. safety agency, demands that employers provide and enforce the use of proper eye protection wherever injuries are likely. This means companies must inspect the workplace, reduce risks, give out suitable eyewear, and make sure staff actually wear it. What Do Z87 and Z87+ Mean? As explained earlier, 'Z87' means the eyewear meets the minimum impact rules. 'Z87+' means it passed extra-tough impact tests, making it safer against fast-flying or heavy objects. Other marks like 'D3', 'D4', or 'D5' show extra resistance to droplets, dust, or fine particles. For special risks like welding or strong chemicals, you may see even more markings. When Is Eye Protection Needed by Law? OSHA says eye protection is required any time there's a real risk of getting hurt – by dust, chemicals, sharp objects, or intense light. Safety glasses with side protection are the basic gear for most jobs where particles could injure your eyes. In places with chemicals or during lab work, goggles are a must. For special jobs such as welding or working near lasers, specialized eyewear or even face shields may be required. Companies are fined often for not following these rules, showing how important eye protection is. When Should You Use Safety Glasses? Safety glasses are great for most everyday jobs where risks are moderate. They offer a balance of safety, comfort, and clear vision, and they're easy to wear for long periods. Best Jobs and Hazards for Safety Glasses Use safety glasses when there's mostly a risk of things hitting you from straight ahead or the sides. This fits many jobs in construction, woodworking, assembly, or landscaping. They're also good for home projects like carpentry or yard work as long as you're not working with dangerous chemicals or lots of dust. What Do Safety Glasses Protect You From? Safety glasses shield your eyes from flying bits of wood, metal, or other debris. They keep out objects that could cut, scrape, or strike your eyes. The side shields help stop things from sneaking in from the edges, while the lenses keep your vision clear and protected from mechanical risks. Can Glasses Protect Against Chemicals or Fine Dust? No, not very well. While safety glasses give some protection against light dust or minor splashes, the open gaps mean they don't make a full seal. This lets fine dust, liquid, or vapors get through. For any serious risk from chemicals or fine dust, you need goggles. When to Use Safety Goggles for Stronger Protection If you're working in riskier conditions, you need goggles. Goggles are built to keep your eyes safe from dangers coming from all directions. When Are Goggles Needed? Goggles are required for jobs that have high risks of things like dust, chemicals, sprays, or liquid splashes getting to your eyes, even from the side, top, or underneath. These include grinding, sawing, masonry, using chemicals, lab work, and jobs with biological risks (like medical labs or handling blood). Types of Safety Goggles and When to Use Each One Goggles come in different styles for different risks: Direct Vent Goggles: These have holes to let air in and cut down on fog. They are for impact protection only, not for liquids or dust, since stuff can get through the holes. These have holes to let air in and cut down on fog. They are for impact protection only, not for liquids or dust, since stuff can get through the holes. Indirect Vent Goggles: These have covered vents to allow a little airflow while blocking splashes and bigger dust particles. They work well where you face some risk from splashes or dust along with impacts. These have covered vents to allow a little airflow while blocking splashes and bigger dust particles. They work well where you face some risk from splashes or dust along with impacts. Non-Vented Goggles: These are sealed tight – with no vents at all. They block fine dust, chemical splashes, and strong vapors. Choose these in labs or very dusty places. They may fog up more, so anti-fog coatings can help. Are Goggles Good for Splash and Dust Protection? Definitely. Goggles are made to protect your eyes from liquid splashes and fine airborne particles. Their close, sealed fit keeps out things that glasses can't stop – like liquids, fine dust, or mists. How to Choose: Safety Glasses or Goggles? Picking between safety glasses and safety goggles means thinking carefully about what kinds of dangers you face. OSHA asks employers to check for eye dangers and pick the right protective equipment. The kind of hazard (impact, chemical, dust, radiation, etc.), the nature of the work, and what other protective gear you're wearing all matter. If risks are limited to impacts from in front or the sides with no serious threat from splashes, chemicals, or dust, safety glasses (with good side shields) are fine and are usually more comfortable. If the job includes chemicals, splashing liquids, fine powders, or dust from any angle, goggles are the safest choice. Sometimes, a face shield should be used as extra protection – but still with glasses or goggles underneath. Think about your surroundings. Is the area dusty? Are chemicals being used? Could things hit you from odd angles? These points help you decide. While glasses may be cheaper and easier to wear, picking goggles when you need them is always worth it for your eye safety. It can be smart to have both available and teach workers when to wear each type.
South China Morning Post
13-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
Former Hong Kong Muay Thai champion given 2 years for fatal dangerous driving
A former Hong Kong Muay Thai champion has been jailed for two years for dangerous driving causing the deaths of a prominent plastic surgeon and another while working as a part-time taxi driver last year. Kok Yat-sum, 34, on Tuesday pleaded guilty at the District Court for ignoring a red light and causing a double-decker bus to crash into her taxi at an intersection in Wan Chai on the night of January 14, 2024. The defendant was a Thai boxer who triumphed in Group B of the women's 57kg category in the Hong Kong Muay Thai championship in 2022. The court heard how the collision claimed the lives of Kok's two passengers, including Dr Wilson Ho Wai-sun , 59, who was known for providing reconstructive surgery to six burn victims of the Pat Sin Leng hill fire that killed five people and injured 13 others in 1996. A 47-year-old woman from mainland China also died in the incident. Kok, who worked primarily as an occupational safety supervisor, told police that she thought she had crossed a green light when she drove from the northbound lane of Fleming Road into the intersection with Harbour Road at around 9.20pm. She was charged three days later and has been detained since. Defence senior counsel Vinci Lam Wing-sai said in mitigation that Kok took up the part-time job to help her family make ends meet following her parents' retirement.
Associated Press
07-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Record-breaking Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference (GOSH7) comes to a successful close in Riyadh
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, May 7, 2025 / / -- The Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference (GOSH7) has concluded its record-breaking seventh edition in Riyadh, marked by resounding achievements, including remarkable international participation and the launch of a range of strategic initiatives. The three-day conference was held under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health. This year's event was themed 'The Future of Occupational Safety and Health,' and featured 20 panel discussions, 60 workshops, 40 keynote papers, and more than 100 parallel sessions. The diverse schedule played a key role in fostering an environment of collaborative learning and exchange, with 190 local and international speakers sharing insights on the future of occupational health and safety, while emphasizing innovation and the digital transformation. More broadly, GOSH7 drew over 10,000 in-person visitors from 53 countries for the first time in its multi-year history. High-level participation included seven international labor ministers, five deputy ministers, and over 15 ambassadors to Saudi Arabia. The event also featured 45 partners and exhibitors, reinforcing its status as a leading global gathering and catalyst for progress in the field of occupational safety and health. On the opening day of the conference, H.E. Minister Al-Rajhi announced six landmark initiatives aimed at enhancing the occupational safety and health system in both Saudi Arabia and across the region. These included the launch of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the creation of an Occupational Safety and Health Standards Guide in collaboration with the General Organization for Social Insurance, as well as the introduction of the National Incentive Program for Compliance and Excellence, among others. Over the three days, 16 local and international Memoranda of Understanding were signed to enhance cooperation, elevate excellence, and advance best practices across sectors. GOSH7 also featured the youth-driven Global Hackathon, inspiring innovative solutions to pressing challenges in occupational safety and health. Team Purva was announced as winners, earning a cash prize of SAR 50,000, while second-placed Team Neom Corporate Safety won the runner-up prize of SAR 40,000. The third place was awarded to Team TwinGuard AI, along with SAR 30,000, as fourth-placed Team Wathiq collected SAR 20,000, and Team MindMate earned fifth place and a prize of SAR 10,000. The winning projects will be included in a specialized business incubator, with the aim of being developed into viable companies and products that contribute to the protection of the health and safety of workers and the preservation of property. During the ceremony, an investment agreement was also signed between a foreign investor and one of the winning projects in the hackathon, reflecting international confidence in the capabilities of Saudi Arabia's youth and their promising innovations in this vital field. Aligned with the ambitions of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 for a sustainable and high-quality working life, the conference concluded by announcing a set of key recommendations to generate a positive impact on global safety standards: 1. Promote technical solutions to combat climate change and adapt to heat stress in work environments. 2. Prioritize mental health and wellbeing by integrating psychological support in occupational safety and health policies. 3. Ensure comprehensive discussions on occupational safety by addressing mental health in addition to common injuries and diseases. 4. Publish conference materials online to benefit stakeholders and practitioners in occupational safety and health. 5. Include digital economy workers in national safety policies to ensure comprehensive statutory protection. 6. Support research centers in conducting field studies to provide evidence-based solutions for occupational risks. 7. Encourage international forums to facilitate social dialogue on safety issues. 8. Highlight common challenges and successful solutions to promote knowledge sharing. 9. Foster experience exchange to advance occupational safety practices and cultures. Additional details can be found on the official event website: -ENDS- Pierre Gruson +971 50 931 4470 email us here Kekst CNC Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
