The world is in much need of positivity, hence Tradex has launched a new weekly post with an encouraging quote to brighten your day and keep you going

The Tradex International team is back in action and ready to assist with your PPE needs!

At the end of a particularly hard year worldwide we have at long last come to the Festive Season. Whereas people in general look forward to this, we need to keep in mind that there are some hazards which may be heightened at this time.

If there is a way to do the work that needs to be done without entering a confined space, it is better to do so. If it is however unavoidable to work in a confined space, there are some things you can do to prepare for it.

Confined work spaces refer to any space which, due to its enclosed nature, presents a risk of injury or fatality for people working in said space.

Fall protection harness maintenance consists of two basic elements: storage and cleaning. Besides for the work related wear and tear, this will make the biggest difference in how long your harness lasts.

So you have acquired the correct fall protection and you are ready for your job at heights. The next crucial point (pun intended!) to determine is what your anchor point should be.

Suspension trauma is considered the loss of consciousness when a person is held in an upright position with limited movement. This can also result in death.

Falls are a major cause of death and serious accidents while on the job. Fall arrest harnesses lower the risk of injury and/or death significantly... if you are not sold on the idea yet, feel free to watch this video

Before using a fall arrest harness you need to inspect it to make sure it is fit for use. As you can imagine it does not help you wear a harness which is supposed to potentially save your life, only to have it fail when you need it most.

Inspecting your harness before you put it on is very important in order to ensure that it is safe for use. After you have done so, you can now proceed to fit it correctly.

While not all harnesses are the same, there are some of the same basic parts that you will find on most of them.

Asbestos was once a trusted material until the horrible health effects became known and people wisely refrained from its use.

Ideally you should stay away from asbestos, it is simply not worth the risk it poses.  If you do need to be in contact with asbestos for some or other reason (perhaps as a professional who needs to remove asbestos), then the following is recommended...

Asbestos occurs naturally on every continent around the world. It's fire resistance and durability made it a popular material to be used in different products.

While being aware of the possible causes of industrial explosions is a good step forward, it is not enough in itself.

Explosions and fires in the industrial industry are a relatively common occurance worldwide, and can be fatal. 

Now that we have established the difference between fire resistance and fire retardance, let's look at which materials are inherently fire resistant.

Ever heard the terms flame resistant and flame retardant and thought "Oh well, it must be one and the same"? Think again...

In November 2016 the new EN388:2016 standard was released to replace the previous EN388:2003 glove standard in Europe.

Knowing that dust explosions are possible and could be fatal is not enough. You need to take preventative measures to ensure your work environment has as little as possible risk of this occurring.

To understand how a dust explosion occurs there are certain factors that has to be present all at once. The dust explosion pentagon graphic in this article will help you understand.

We all know there are added hazards to working in windy conditions, but what can you do to protect yourself and others?

Some jobs already has its own hazards. Add wind to the mix and you have a whole set of new hazards that you need to be aware of.

Would you fix a car while someone is busy driving it? NO. Would you open an electric appliance while it is plugged in and switched on to fix it if it is making a strange noise? NO. 

With women's day having passed 2 days ago over the weekend we would first like to say that we hope every woman had an amazing Women's day!

Automation is one of the marvels of modern technology. Some may say that the invention of the conveyor belt was the start of automation some years ago.

As mentioned in the previous article on warehouse safety hazards there are different potential workplace hazards. But what can we do to try to eliminate or minimise these potential hazards?

Working in a warehouse can be hazardous if the proper safety measures are not implemented. It is however easy to lose sight of these measures especially when the warehouse gets busy or people fall into the "it has always been this way" attitude.

A number of occupations will require you to use equipment like chainsaws, jack hammers (concrete breakers), hand held grinders, hand held sanders, hammer drills, power drills, and  more that have the potential to cause hand arm vibration syndrome if used frequently by one person.

Tethering your tools is a way for you to prevent it from being dropped and fall from a height. Usually thethering means to attach the tool or tools to the person using them or (especially with heavier tools) attaching them to a fixed anchor point.

Dropped object safety is an important aspect to keep in mind when aiming to minimise accidents on the job. Dropped objects can often lead to damage of property, injury and even fatalities. It is therefor not a subject to be taken lightly.

As famous novelist George RR Martin said "Nothing burns like the cold".  So what are the dangers of this? Besides for frostbite, the most common danger due to extreme cold is hypothermia.

The chances are good that you might need more than just a jacket and jersey in this cold front. It's time to fight the cold...undercover so to speak!

As South Africa enters the coldest of the winter, you might be wondering: How can I stay warm for work and still look professional and stylish?

With South Africa currently on Level 4 of lockdown we are allowed to jog, walk or cycle between the hours of 6AM and 9AM - within a 5km radius of where we live. A lot of people have embraced this but it is also important to keep safety in mind. 

For the 5th safety hazard we have 2 proper English words for you: Overexertion is the first one. The second being Ergonomics.

The fourth safety hazard is one that doesn’t always come up as a workplace safety hazard, but it is an important one to mention.

The third hazard is with regards to driving in and around the workplace. 

The 2nd hazard is something that has been gaining attention in this century because of the increased addiction rates among the general population.

The first of 7 general workplace safety hazards involve each person’s own management of their sleep which can leave people vulnerable to safety issues.

The 10th tip is something you can suggest to your superior or if you are in a position to organise this you can do so.

Unlike some other workplace injuries which are more industry related, a trip, slip or fall could happen at any workplace. 

Tip number 8 has to do with reporting things again, this time it could be things you did not know you needed to report.

Lucky number 7 today - This tip's subject is in connection with your emergency exits. Most places have these marked, but whether or not it is marked make sure that you know where the exits are.

Tip number 6 is something people don’t often think about when the subject of safety at work comes up. It is however important to keep it in mind.

With the 5th workplace safety tip we cross lines with our most written about subject – yes it’s PPE!

The fourth tip is one that usually gets left out because it is sometimes an inconvenience to the worker. It is however a moral obligation.

The third workplace safety tip is applicable to people who work with machines and use tools. Whether it be arts and crafts that you do, working in a workshop or going out to site.

Today we are looking at the second safety tip out of the blog series of 10 Safety tips. This one focuses on preventing back injuries in whichever work you find yourself, yes even a desk job.

Although there are many different types of work environments and many different rules and relevant safety tips for each, it is possible to have a set of general workplace safety tips which could prevent accidents. In the next few days we will be looking at a set of 10, with the first being posted today.

Every person has the power of free will. Every day is an opportunity to add something beautiful to your story, or continue on the path that you want your story to be.

Whether it is repainting or renovating your house, building someone else's, working on the roads or in construction or underground in the mines you will need some sort of protective wear.

As we all know going to work is simply an inescapable part of your day. It's what we need to stay in routine and earn money for a living. On most days it might not even cross your mind that you might be involved in an accident at work - it's simply another day.

So perhaps overalls just isn't the right type of clothing for the job at hand. You might benefit from using disposable clothing especially if you are likely to need to throw away the clothing after the job is done.

Not all jobs require fire protection, but when it does it is a necessity and not an option. It is important to know the risks involved in certain jobs.

When you have a specific job at hand, it is important for you to know what risks you will be facing while completing the job. Only then can you really make sure that you are properly protected at the possible hazards.

Signs are everywhere. It gives critical information when a person can't necessarily be there to tell anyone and everyone passing what they need to know, when they need to know it.

An arc flash is a short circuit that flashes from one exposed live conductor to another, or to the ground resulting in electrical discharge that uses the air as a conductor. This process causes air to be ionized which results in the air being almost as conductive as metal.

We all know that even on a normal day and on a flat surface anybody can trip and fall. So when it comes to working at heights, needless to say such a human error could be fatal instead of funny.

For some people who hear the phrase “respiratory mask” an image is called up of a creepy-looking mask not unlike an executioner’s mask. Technology however, has caused new masks to be designed which are… well if truth be told: not so scary-looking anymore! 

As much as we do not want to imagine what it would be like if an accident happened at work, it is the reality that these things happen on a daily basis across the globe.

We at Tradex hope everyone is ready for the new year and had their batteries recharged over the festive season!

From everyone at Tradex, we’d like to say thank you for your continued loyalty and faith in us. 

An eye injury can occur really easily when people don’t wear safety glasses. Different causes are known, the most basic of which are flying objects like metal, glass or anything that manages to get into a person’s eye.

Looking for a place where you can get all your PPE and cleaning materials from? 

A couple of points to ponder when it comes to the Tradex Team Service Standard…

Did you know most slip and fall accidents happen because of the incorrect footwear?

The use of hearing protection started out in the military to protect soldier’s hearing in the face of gun and canon fire.

Believe it or not animal bladders were first used as respiratory protection. This was used by Roman miners and needed to protect them from inhaling load oxide dust. The man behind the idea? A man called Pliny the Elder. This was in the first century A.D.

Believe it or not but in the late 1800’s miners used an open flame head light in order to see underground. 

What happens when a specific division needs a little help to get things done on time? 

Reportedly the first person to invent any form of eye protection was P.Johnson. He invented and patented the “eye protector” which used two layers of semi-opaque cloth.

Established in 1898, the Bullard Manufacturing Company was the first to start manufacturing headgear for miners. But the hard hat back then was not like what we are used to today.

After announcing our Bova Chelsea boot winner via video recording on social media and our blog, Mr. Abraham Akinwole came to collect!

Hydration, hydration, hydration… One can not emphasize enough how important it is to keep yourself hydrated when working on a hot summer day. 

Today we did our draw for the Vaal Monthly competition. The winnner, Abraham is already en route to collect his prize!
Congratulations Mr. Abraham Akinwole!

We all know that cleaning up after a job well done can often be just as challenging as the job itself. At Tradex International you can get your cleaning chemicals even while you get your PPE.

There are two main types of fall arrest: general and personal. The general type refers to fall protection like nets which can catch a person falling, whereas the personal type refers to life lines and harnesses which are attached to the person.

There are two basic categories of function in disposable clothing which are personal protection and environmental safety. 

It is said that a man can be judged by his shoes… When it comes to foot protection perhaps it is true in the sense that a man can be judged as reckless for not wearing safety shoes or sensible when they do.

Previously we started on the topic of hand protection in an article called Lend A Hand but don't Lose One! This is the follow-up article with even more information on gloves needed for protection in the workplace.

Most people are familiar with the desire to lend a hand to a friend in some sort of project, and some people are even compelled to do so on a regular basis. But what if said project could cause damage to your hands? Whether it's your job or you are lending a hand to a friend, learn about the types of hazards and how you can protect your hands!

When it comes to industries like the industrial industry, workers are often exposed to loud or continuous noises which can damage hearing significantly depending on the decibels of the sound and also the duration thereof.

There is no question about the importance of the human respiratory system. Our bodies need oxygen constantly which means clean air is of utmost importance. This is why it is important to protect your worker’s respiratory systems when it is required depending on the type of work environment.

Head protection is important. Watch this video to learn about the different head injuries you are more likely to suffer without wearing the correct head protection 

There are many different ways to contact a person or a company nowadays. There are email, telephone, fax and some companies can even be found on WhatsApp or be contacted via sms.

Depending on your work environment, you could be at risk for various eye injuries. Your eyes are some of the most important body parts when it comes to daily functioning. The condition of your eyes can often influence your ability to perform optimally at work. 

After what was hopefully a restful weekend, everyone is hopefully ready for the week ahead. We here at Tradex hope you are bright eyed, bushy tailed and more than willing and able to give your best for your team this coming week.

After an honest week’s worth of hard work and doing your best for your team, the weekend draws near with the promise of rest to tired bodies and minds.

Since your face is definitely a vulnerable part of your body, it is wise to invest in good face protection. Damage that affect the face can also cause damage to vital body parts like your eyes, mouth and nose. Face protection should therefore not be taken lightly.

Head protection is primarily intended to protect the wearer from impact blows and needs to absorb the shock of a blow. When it comes to the general shape of the helmet, there are 2 types of protection offered. The first is helmets with a full brim which is not less than 1 and ¼ inches wide. The second is brimless helmets with a peak extending forward from the crown.

This year marks the 63rd anniversary of the famous march of 1956 of 20 000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Why celebrate a day such as the 9th of August every year? It is good to acknowledge bravery and positive influence and keeps hope alive in people of all walks of life.

Social media have been compared to many things. It's increasingly popular and there are several more social media platforms than there used to be a couple of years ago. You get to choose which ones you like and which ones you don't or you could simply be found on them all!

You are either in your bed or in your shoes - it pays to invest in both!

Healthcare, retail, security and the military are professions where -- alas -- some people have to work on Christmas.

Most of us are looking forward to the long weekend this holiday season when we can spend extra time with loved ones. We take for granted that most employers will close their doors for some or all of the upcoming Christmas holiday.

And most do More than 90 percent of businesses responding to a Society of Human Resource Management poll affirmed that they give their employees this time off.

As the end of the year rapidly approaches, workplaces are preparing for shutdowns over the summer holiday season.

This is an opportune time to reflect on the roles and responsibilities of your managers, supervisors and employees and ensure your workplace and your staff stay safe over this period.

Bova safety boots donation supports street children in developing skills and securing employment opportunities

I Care, a non-governmental organisation with a mission of solving the problems of street children in South Africa, recently received a donation of Bova safety boots.

Disregard for using personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the common causes of workplace incidents, accidents and fatalities resulting from falls from height at sites in South Africa, states the Institute for Working at Height Professional Body (IWH PB).

Considering how vital flame-resistant (FR) fabrics are in protecting workers in hazardous environments, there is a great deal of misinformation and marketing hype surrounding the topic.

In the construction industry, workers are consistently operating in environments where hazards abound. Employers and employees alike rely on state-of-the-art fall protection equipment as they work on various types of structures.

With all of the different options for fall protection, it is important to take a look at netting systems.

Workers in cold weather could be exposed to serious health problems such as trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. In certain instances, workers exposed to severe weather without personal protection equipment can also suffer shock that could lead to death.

The holidays are often an incredible time for store owners. Sales are up, accompanied by your profits.

Although the sales numbers are good for the business during the holidays, most employees at the business are tired at this time of the year showing signs of fatigue, due to the hectic schedules they've had to endure throughout the entire year. and when these signs start to show up it simply means they too have got to rest sometime or take a break from work. this means finding a way to kindly tell your customers “they’ve got until this date to buy, and after that, we're out of here.”

High visibility safety vests at first glance appear to be the same now as they have been for many years. But there have been many improvements and variations made to make reflective safety vests more effective and comfortable for workers.

In order to reduce the risk of exposure to a variety of hazards, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be used for bodily protection of eyes, face, ears, head and extremities.

PPE may also involve protective clothing, respiratory devices and protective shields and barriers.

Employees should wear and use PPE where required and when necessary. Equipment must be inspected before use and maintained in working condition.

Before you begin a fall protection program, first identify the potential fall hazards in your workplace. Any time a worker is at a height, there is a risk of falling. Generally, the greater the height, the greater the risk is of sustaining a more severe injury.

Rain Season is here, and for many of us, that means hours spent walking or labouring in the rain. Good rain gear is critical, but even the best of the best can’t keep us 100 percent dry in sustained precipitation.

Whether it’s a trickle down the neck, or self-generated humidity, everyone is guaranteed to at least get damp eventually. However, there are lots of minor adjustments you can make in how you wear your rain gear that will help keep a little more water out and get you that much closer to 100 percent dry.

Many injuries can be prevented by wearing the correct protective Clothing/Gear. In this section, we would like to discuss the correct clothing and gear required to perform many different mining activities.

The Mining Sector could do well to follow the example of the motorcycle community and their acronym ATGATT.

Dear Tradex Customers please read Important Year-End Closure Message from Tradex Management, with regards to Purchasing Processes for the months of November/ December 2017.

Dear Valued Customers, we know how Purchasing a Product Online can be a bit of a struggle sometimes. Hence we have compiled an infographic to guide you on five Quick and Easy Steps that will help make your ordering and buying requirements much more Efficient at a Click of a Button. 

Personal protective equipment is an important part of the health and safety puzzle - if it's used and used correctly

Hazards exist in every workplace and come in many different forms, from sharp edges and falling objects to dangerous chemicals and loud noise. With so many risks, it's no surprise that workers experience nearly two million disabling injuries each year, more than a quarter of which will affect the head, eyes, hands, and feet.

Feet are the foundation of the body, carrying the burden of weight while supporting the knees, back, and hips

Workers who walk or stand for long periods of time during their workday, without proper foot support and shock absorption, are susceptible to pain and harmful musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that can have lasting effects on the body.

Just as steel-toe footwear is often required as personal protective equipment for workers, insoles are essential for preventing pain and fatigue. 

Safety clothing provides additional workplace protection to employees when all other safety measures are applied. 

When employers do not invest in the safety of their workers small accidents can slow the progress of production in the work place and basically keep some of the workers away from work, which can result in a loss of labour time and money or the employer.

Your employees' personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital to keep them safe. Without it, they're vulnerable to serious injuries.

The most common of which are hand injuries. This is because your employees constantly work with the hands and, when they use tools and machinery, it puts them in danger.

That's why you give them safety gloves as part of their PPE, But to ensure their safety gloves do their job, your employees must never do these three things with them...

A serious workplace injury or death changes lives forever for families, friends, communities, and co-workers too. Human loss and suffering are immeasurable. 

Occupational injuries and illnesses can provoke major crises for the families in which they occur. 

Any business knows that employee attrition and absenteeism can be major obstacles.

Hello Readers,

Did you know that safety at work is a necessary priority for all workplaces, especially those workers whose daily task require them to use heavy machinery and dangerous goods in order to perform their jobs better. 

Such workers need to always be protected from possible injuries that may occur during working hours. 

You have a legal duty to uphold your employees' health and safety in the workplace. And part of that duty is to provide them with personal protective equipment (PPE).

And you must also ensure the PPE you provide actually suits the hazard it's being used for.

So to help give you get an idea of what PPE to provide, here's a list of three very common workplace hazards in a standard workplace...

Have Your Workers "Seen the Light" About Eye Safety? 

Thousands of people are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries that could have been prevented with the proper selection and use of eye and face protection The main causes of eye injury are flying objects, contact with chemicals, improper equipment operation, poor choice of eye wear, improper fit, and lack of awareness about risks.

One industry sector that does not seem to receive the coverage and focus that it deserves is the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) sector. This is surprising, since a recent research report undertaken by MarketsandMarkets, one of the premium forecasting and market research firms in the world, found that the PPE industry looks set to grow globally by nearly 7% per annum, to reach a value of over $52.4bn by 2020.

Having the right PPE is incredibly morale boosting, but it’s only the foundation in the pursuit of a strong health and safety (H&S) culture. If you’re in doubt what H&S culture is, it broadly refers to ‘how we do things around here’.