In October 2018, a Maintenance Vehicle Service Worker at FOB Fenty Afghanistan was strapping cardboard boxes filled with NTV parts to a cart with a bungee cord when the cord snapped and hit the workers face causing significant injury to the left eye. The worker was not using eye protection at the time of the incident.
Bungee cords, elastic devices used for securing equipment, can cause serious damage to the eye that may result in vision problems. People sustained life-altering eye injuries when the hooks straightened out and lost their grip under heavier-than-normal loads, broke apart from the strap, or came loose when the load was being tied down. The use of bungee cords – elastic tie-down straps should sometimes be discouraged especially during some situations where loading Overland gear and equipment causes an unusual amount of strain and stress on the strapping material.
Hazards should be identified and removed wherever possible. Do your part by being aware of these hazards and to prevent not only an injury to yourself but, family members or friends who may be joining you on the same trail ride. This type of hazard can be unavoidable in most cases by properly donning a ballistic style type safety goggle or other preferred protective eyewear. Make it a point to always have spare eye protection sets available when loading out your rigs. There are many different kinds of safety eyewear, each designed to protect against a specific hazard. It is essential that you learn what the correct eyewear best conforms to your specific situation.
Here are some types of eye protection commonly used :
There are many types of safety eyewear designed for many different hazards and work situations. Make sure you learn just what is required for your particular tasks and discuss the needs with your traveling team, take the time to assess the situation and take in consideration all safety analysis being communicated to mitigate possible injuries from happening.
Always remember to take good care of your eyewear just like you do with your rig. Check it over before putting it on. Watch for bent frames, damaged headbands and pitted or scratched lenses. Replace defective eyewear promptly. Keep it clean according to the manufacturer's instructions - usually by washing it in warm, soapy water and allowing it to air dry.
REMEMBER WEAR YOUR SAFETY GLASSES - SAVE YOUR SIGHT! ONE UNGUARDED MOMENT COULD RESULT IN A LIFETIME OF DARKNESS!
Bungee cords, elastic devices used for securing equipment, can cause serious damage to the eye that may result in vision problems. People sustained life-altering eye injuries when the hooks straightened out and lost their grip under heavier-than-normal loads, broke apart from the strap, or came loose when the load was being tied down. The use of bungee cords – elastic tie-down straps should sometimes be discouraged especially during some situations where loading Overland gear and equipment causes an unusual amount of strain and stress on the strapping material.
Hazards should be identified and removed wherever possible. Do your part by being aware of these hazards and to prevent not only an injury to yourself but, family members or friends who may be joining you on the same trail ride. This type of hazard can be unavoidable in most cases by properly donning a ballistic style type safety goggle or other preferred protective eyewear. Make it a point to always have spare eye protection sets available when loading out your rigs. There are many different kinds of safety eyewear, each designed to protect against a specific hazard. It is essential that you learn what the correct eyewear best conforms to your specific situation.
Here are some types of eye protection commonly used :
Safety glasses that protect against flying objects. Side protection is also available, in the form of side shields.
For more hazardous work, goggles, helmets and face shields are worn in addition to safety glasses with side protection. Other types of goggles are made to protect against chemical splashes, dust, mist, sparks, broken or swinging tree branches and dirt particles. These are commonly experienced while on the trail either routine rig maintenance, setting up a camp site, building a campfire, traversing sand or gravel roads and water crossings.
Eyewear which filters out harmful radiation is essential not only during extremely sunny days but, while welding new or existing parts and modifications. Dark lens glasses which filter out ultraviolet rays are only recommended for anyone who is working outside in sunny or bright weather conditions. Wear clear lens safety glasses when working indoors or in other low light conditions.
There are many types of safety eyewear designed for many different hazards and work situations. Make sure you learn just what is required for your particular tasks and discuss the needs with your traveling team, take the time to assess the situation and take in consideration all safety analysis being communicated to mitigate possible injuries from happening.
Always remember to take good care of your eyewear just like you do with your rig. Check it over before putting it on. Watch for bent frames, damaged headbands and pitted or scratched lenses. Replace defective eyewear promptly. Keep it clean according to the manufacturer's instructions - usually by washing it in warm, soapy water and allowing it to air dry.
REMEMBER WEAR YOUR SAFETY GLASSES - SAVE YOUR SIGHT! ONE UNGUARDED MOMENT COULD RESULT IN A LIFETIME OF DARKNESS!
