Safety Products Manufacturer Stymied by the "CSA Myth"
For sure, health and safety issues are in the best interest of all, but really, is it necessary to be told? For example, take the recent accident that caused the death of actress Natasha Richardson. Does anybody really believe that the absence of a CSA Standard for ski helmets contributed to the terrible outcome from not wearing one?
Toronto, Ontario, Canada (PRWEB) March 30, 2009 -- For sure, health and safety issues are in the best interest of all, but really, is it necessary to be told? For example, take the recent accident that caused the death of actress Natasha Richardson. Does anybody really believe that the absence of a CSA Standard for ski helmets contributed to the terrible outcome from not wearing one?
"I don't," the CEO of Safetytoes International Inc., declared "but, I honestly think the 'CSA myth' unfortunately works against common sense thinking. Just because the CSA doesn't have a Standard doesn't mean we should not take appropriate precautions.
Likewise, workers shouldn't need to wait with baited-breath to be told how to approach each and every work situation.
It is true that healthy working environments benefit everyone. Occupational, Health and Safety Acts and Regulations in Ontario have existed for nearly 40 years, so workplace safety should be second nature by now. But it's not. Employees continue to complain and experts continue to point at reports that indicate improvements. Legislation and regulations have saved lives and thousands of lost days of work. However, the question remains, why are workers so dismissive of safety matters?
"Too often, injuries to toes are the result of not wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)," says Patrick Smyth, who brought the Slipp-R safetytoe overshoe to the safety market in 2006. "We also know that if employees dislike a particular piece of PPE, they won't wear it." The Slipp-R safetytoe overshoe is a rubber galosh with a steel toe cap. They are slip-on, slip-off, alternatives to steel toe safety shoes.
Smyth has been dealing with what he calls the "CSA Myth" in Ontario. "Standards make a great contribution in raising awareness for safety. But, we weren't able to get the CSA in Ontario to even look at the Slipp-R. They say that it doesn't conform to their notion of what a piece of protective footwear should look like. The CSA brand is so powerful nearly all employers in Ontario now think safety footwear must have CSA Approval. This is entirely wrong of course, and it has effectively denied industry, government and consumers access to a very cost-effective piece of safety equipment."
The CSA Standard for protective footwear has requirements that appear to have little relevance for slip-on steel toe rubber overshoes. For example, to qualify for CSA certification safety footwear must have a 25 mm length of material extending beyond the edge of the steel toe cap. Smyth does not see this as having any significance when it comes to protecting toes. "What does it matter if there is one inch of leather or rubber upper retained for testing, when it is the steel toe cap that provides the protection. Another requirement for certification is that the sole of footwear must be higher at the heel. This too is totally redundant when the object of the exercise is to protect the front of the foot."
Safetytoes International, a Toronto based company, contends that safety should be a powerful unifying force for good but myths, slavish compliance and limiting beliefs are getting in the way. "The myth that steel toe caps could sever toes in the event of a direct hit has only recently been debunked. Now we're dealing with non-tariff protectionist trade measures that helps a few but denies the vast majority." Smyth thinks the "CSA myth" is a wedge against the unifying force.
In Ontario the regulations that govern Occupational, Health and Safety in the workplace do not mandate CSA Approved safety footwear. Every employer is required to undertake a risk assessment and provide "foot protection that is appropriate in the circumstances." Risk assessments that indicate only toe protection is required allow for the use of steel toe overshoes in Ontario.
Smyth says, "Our Slipp-R actually exceeds the performance standards for Grade 1 and 2 toe protection in the CSA Standard for safety footwear. Our CE Certification test results at SATRA in Europe indicate excellent slip resistance which, surprisingly, is something the CSA has little to say about. We sell throughout the world but the CSA myth has us stumped in Ontario, where the Slipp-R is made. Go figure!"
There are on average nearly 3,000 toe injuries every year in Canada. The minimum Impact and Compression requirements for steel toe caps hasn't changed for decades which gives credence to the notion adhered to by Safetytoes International that injuries to toes are happening because workers are not protecting them.
The Slipp-R rubber safetytoe overshoe has been tested to be hard-wearing, slip resistant and is transferable with no hygiene issues. Safetytoes International knows that there are many work environments where only occasional toe protection is required. Most toe injuries occur at close quarters and from only chest height. The Slipp-R can provide the appropriate protection at a fraction of the cost of a steel toe cap safety shoe. The Slipp-R is made from a thick, robust rubber material that completely encases the steel toe cap.
Safetytoes International continues to raise awareness for the Slipp-R which they say could result in improved employee comfort and use of PPE, significant cost-savings and increased safety in many Ontario workplaces.
Patrick Smyth CEO
http://www.safetytoes.com
###
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Target Moving Away from PVC
Target Joins Wave of Other Retailers & Companies Moving Away from PVC
After a national campaign by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) and a coalition of health and environmental organizations, Target has agreed to systematically reduce its use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, commonly known as vinyl. The company is reducing PVC found in many of its owned brand products including infant products, children’s toys, shower curtains, packaging and fashion accessories. PVC commonly contains toxic additives such as lead and phthalates.
Whole article here - http://organicconnection.wordpress.com/2007/11/15/target-joins-wave-of-other-retailers-companies-moving-away-from-pvc/
After a national campaign by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) and a coalition of health and environmental organizations, Target has agreed to systematically reduce its use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, commonly known as vinyl. The company is reducing PVC found in many of its owned brand products including infant products, children’s toys, shower curtains, packaging and fashion accessories. PVC commonly contains toxic additives such as lead and phthalates.
Whole article here - http://organicconnection.wordpress.com/2007/11/15/target-joins-wave-of-other-retailers-companies-moving-away-from-pvc/
PVC is one of the most hazardous products around.
http://nationalsafety.wordpress.com/2009/01/20/the-poison-plastic/
You know that new shower curtain smell? While you may enjoy the fact that your torn and mildewed shower curtain is finally being replaced, you need to be aware of the fact that the odor you are smelling is actually the off-gassing of the PVC. That “new car” smell is probably the same thing.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is, in fact, one of the most hazardous products around and it is, unfortunately extremely common, both in the home and out. Mercury, dioxins and phthalates are among the most dangerous chemicals around; they can cause cancer, harm the immunity system and cause problems with the reproductive system.
PVC is triply dangerous because of the toxicity in creating the vinyl, the toxicity of the vinyl in the form in which is it used and the fact that it is virtually indestructible and extremely toxic to the environment. Added to this issue is the fact that PVC is widely used, from most shower curtains, the pipes through which the water is brought into our home and the toys that our children put in their mouths and chew on.
Identifying PVC in your home – PVC, also simply called vinyl, is usually easy to identify. Simply look for the symbol (with or without the letter underneath the recycle symbol). The number three in the recycle symbol means “PVC”.
The good news is that more and more companies are becoming aware of the dangers of PVC and doing something about it. Companies like Adidas, IKEA, Apple, Nike, Wal-Mart and many many others have already made the pledge to phase-out PVC in their manufacturing processes.
Already, in the world of safety supplies, companies like Moldex have moved to a 100% PVC products policy. All of their earplugs and respiratory protection products are guaranteed 100% PVC free.
For more information on the Moldex line of PVC-free products, go to www.moldex.com.
For more information on the toxicity and dangers of PVC, go to www.pvcfree.org (Be sure to watch the “Sam Suds and the case of PVC, the poison plastic” video click).
You know that new shower curtain smell? While you may enjoy the fact that your torn and mildewed shower curtain is finally being replaced, you need to be aware of the fact that the odor you are smelling is actually the off-gassing of the PVC. That “new car” smell is probably the same thing.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is, in fact, one of the most hazardous products around and it is, unfortunately extremely common, both in the home and out. Mercury, dioxins and phthalates are among the most dangerous chemicals around; they can cause cancer, harm the immunity system and cause problems with the reproductive system.
PVC is triply dangerous because of the toxicity in creating the vinyl, the toxicity of the vinyl in the form in which is it used and the fact that it is virtually indestructible and extremely toxic to the environment. Added to this issue is the fact that PVC is widely used, from most shower curtains, the pipes through which the water is brought into our home and the toys that our children put in their mouths and chew on.
Identifying PVC in your home – PVC, also simply called vinyl, is usually easy to identify. Simply look for the symbol (with or without the letter underneath the recycle symbol). The number three in the recycle symbol means “PVC”.
The good news is that more and more companies are becoming aware of the dangers of PVC and doing something about it. Companies like Adidas, IKEA, Apple, Nike, Wal-Mart and many many others have already made the pledge to phase-out PVC in their manufacturing processes.
Already, in the world of safety supplies, companies like Moldex have moved to a 100% PVC products policy. All of their earplugs and respiratory protection products are guaranteed 100% PVC free.
For more information on the Moldex line of PVC-free products, go to www.moldex.com.
For more information on the toxicity and dangers of PVC, go to www.pvcfree.org (Be sure to watch the “Sam Suds and the case of PVC, the poison plastic” video click).
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
A 'suitcase diet' for frequent travelers.
Holidays and suitcases go ‘hand-in-hand’, but these days that’s just the start. Luggage size and packing for the holidays can be a big headache for those who travel. Compounding the stress is the reality that airlines themselves have accumulated a number of onerous and inconvenient pieces of baggage associated with modern day travel. Not the least of which are the various luggage weight controls and restricted items that now characterise trips through airports.
This sort of grief is not limited to holiday periods and can be a recurring annoyance for many a frequent business traveler. Especially affected are those who travel abroad and across a number of countries. The rules and regulations can be challenging. For example, weight restrictions on luggage across the Atlantic are generous but once inside the UK airlines have significantly lower weight allowances. This can cause terrible frustration and increased travel costs if these rules come as a surprise to newly arrived visitors. Making matters worse is the reality that EU Countries don't have a harmonised approach to luggage weights and dimensions. The rules that apply in England might not apply in Italy.
Business managers, traveling to facilities where toe protection is a requirement, until recently have had to make huge sacrifices or waste the journey. The weight and dimensions of safety boots meant that other clothing and accessories had to be jettisoned. This might have entailed leaving out a favourite sweater ('jumper' as it's called in the UK), or a book or two. As with all things 'sacrificed', the loss can be felt more depending on the length of trip.
An alternative to packing those heavy and cumbersome safety boots has emerged with the rise of steel toe safety overshoes called, 'safetytoes'. They've been around for a few years now but some models have shaken their 'ugly duckling' origins and have developed into 'things of beauty' for frequent fliers. Originally the safetytoe was a marriage of the old fashioned 'galoshes' that protected street shoes from rain, snow and mud. It wasn't something engineered or designed, at least not until very recently. With the advent of modern technology, and some solid feedback from the early adopters, the safetytoe overshoe has evolved. With its low cost versatility and usefulness now highly praised, the safetytoe overshoe is making significant inroads as an alternative to safety boots and safety shoes.
Business travelers who must visit manufacturing facilities are not normally required to perform manual work as part of their duties. They may be internal corporate consultants there to transfer knowledge or audit manufacturing systems already in place. As such, the use of steel toe safety overshoe is a perfectly acceptable form of toe protection. This was evidenced when the EU approved these articles of PPE with the CE Mark of approval in 2006. The modern safetytoe overshoe uses the same steel toe caps as in safety boots and they exceed minimum requirements as indicated in North American ASTM and CSA standards. Some models are made of sturdy rubber that weighs no more than the old fashioned higher density PVC material. Modern safetytoe overshoes can be easily cleaned and sanitized, take up very little room in a suitcase and weigh a lot less than a set of safety boots that might only be required for an hour or two on a business trip. And, if that fantastic gift for your wife puts you 'overweight' on the return leg of a journey, simply slip on your safetytoes and walk the extra weight right onto the plane.
All in all, the modern rubber safety overshoe is a God-send for economy-minded, safety conscious, business travelers with a one suitcase mentality. If only losing a few pounds was that easy after the turkey I had this holiday season. Bon voyage!
This sort of grief is not limited to holiday periods and can be a recurring annoyance for many a frequent business traveler. Especially affected are those who travel abroad and across a number of countries. The rules and regulations can be challenging. For example, weight restrictions on luggage across the Atlantic are generous but once inside the UK airlines have significantly lower weight allowances. This can cause terrible frustration and increased travel costs if these rules come as a surprise to newly arrived visitors. Making matters worse is the reality that EU Countries don't have a harmonised approach to luggage weights and dimensions. The rules that apply in England might not apply in Italy.
Business managers, traveling to facilities where toe protection is a requirement, until recently have had to make huge sacrifices or waste the journey. The weight and dimensions of safety boots meant that other clothing and accessories had to be jettisoned. This might have entailed leaving out a favourite sweater ('jumper' as it's called in the UK), or a book or two. As with all things 'sacrificed', the loss can be felt more depending on the length of trip.
An alternative to packing those heavy and cumbersome safety boots has emerged with the rise of steel toe safety overshoes called, 'safetytoes'. They've been around for a few years now but some models have shaken their 'ugly duckling' origins and have developed into 'things of beauty' for frequent fliers. Originally the safetytoe was a marriage of the old fashioned 'galoshes' that protected street shoes from rain, snow and mud. It wasn't something engineered or designed, at least not until very recently. With the advent of modern technology, and some solid feedback from the early adopters, the safetytoe overshoe has evolved. With its low cost versatility and usefulness now highly praised, the safetytoe overshoe is making significant inroads as an alternative to safety boots and safety shoes.
Business travelers who must visit manufacturing facilities are not normally required to perform manual work as part of their duties. They may be internal corporate consultants there to transfer knowledge or audit manufacturing systems already in place. As such, the use of steel toe safety overshoe is a perfectly acceptable form of toe protection. This was evidenced when the EU approved these articles of PPE with the CE Mark of approval in 2006. The modern safetytoe overshoe uses the same steel toe caps as in safety boots and they exceed minimum requirements as indicated in North American ASTM and CSA standards. Some models are made of sturdy rubber that weighs no more than the old fashioned higher density PVC material. Modern safetytoe overshoes can be easily cleaned and sanitized, take up very little room in a suitcase and weigh a lot less than a set of safety boots that might only be required for an hour or two on a business trip. And, if that fantastic gift for your wife puts you 'overweight' on the return leg of a journey, simply slip on your safetytoes and walk the extra weight right onto the plane.
All in all, the modern rubber safety overshoe is a God-send for economy-minded, safety conscious, business travelers with a one suitcase mentality. If only losing a few pounds was that easy after the turkey I had this holiday season. Bon voyage!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Don’t throw without your ‘toes’.
That’s my motto these days. Toronto
It was a Canadian by the name of Arthur Sicard who invented the snowblower. Arthur was a mentally challenged boy from a farm in
Well done Arthur! Using his invention sure beats shoveling the stuff. However, be careful, it comes with a few risks. Most notably is the risk of injury to limbs and digits. The most common injury occurs, apparently, when operators try to dislodge impacted snow from the discharge shute or around the auger. I always make sure the engine is off when I need to do this.
Man-handling the snowblower has its own risks too. Mostly this is due to the slippery snow and ice underfoot. That risk is reduced with another Canadian invention. The safetytoe was invented by another Canadian with a mission. Safetytoes are mostly intended for the industrial market but now some steel toe safety overshoes are so sturdy and versatile that a home market has evolved. Made of rubber with a flat sole that has anti-slip qualities my safetytoes have become indispensable around my house. These snowy days I slip them over my insulated walking shoes and head out in all kinds of weather. The rubber means I have additional insulation which is sometimes a bigger blessing than the toe protection and good grip.
I think it’s only right that these inventions originate in
Have a safe and happy new year!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Why the Slipp-R is the best steel toe safety overshoe.
I often get asked why the Slipp-R is the best steel toe safety overshoe on the market. Well, pictures like this one tell a thousand words.
If a corporate guy (a 'suit') asks me I point to the Slipp-R's good looks. None of those fellows ever liked walking around a factory sounding like a duck or looking like a clown. The Slipp-R is silent and the steel toe is enclosed. The styling of the Slipp-R originates in Italy and will look great for a very long time.
If it's a factory guy (a 'worker') asking me I tell him all that's important to know about wearing a safety overshoe for a period of time longer than a visitor. Things like the material of the overshoe being hard wearing rubber that resists abrasion. Under the steel toe cap, abrasion can sever the head off thinner safetytoes not made of rubber. The Slipp-R can take a lot of abuse and resists tears and cuts that render the overshoe unusable immediately according to safety policies everywhere. It won't harden, stiffen or crack, even in the coldest of weather.
For those who HAVE to wear safety overshoes I highlight the comfort, fit and ease of operation. The rubber material acts to strengthen the foot and its grip underneath. Rubber has long been the natural choice for safety footwear. At a thickness of 6mm it also acts as an insulator from hot and cold substrates. That's why they are equally effective in the freezer and in the furnace room. If you're on your feet a lot during the workday why not feel snug and protected? Slipp-Rs have a truly unique wide shank which was designed to make them easy to wear. Using only one hand, and gripping the rear pull-on tab, the Slipp-R opens wider in the middle of the overshoe allowing the toe of the outer shoe to easily enter the cavity under the steel toe cap. Then, it's simply a matter of pulling the overshoe back and around the rear of the outer shoe. The all-flat (anti-slip) sole means you're not having to fight with any excess material.
And, here's another picture to demonstrate all my points.
Do you see how the Slipp-R is the most sturdy, snug-fitting and good-looking steel toe safety overshoe on the market today? If you don't believe me, just have a look at some of the others. If you do believe me, buy the Slipp-R safety overshoes for your visitors, suits and temporary workers. Trust me, it'll look good on you!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Toe protection for our times.
Isn’t it funny how often we have to get hurt before we protect ourselves. For example, have you ever stubbed your toes into a hard object on the ground and only at that time remember how important our feet are? We all need to take care of our feet, not just when we are at work but elsewhere too.
Personal Protective Equipment is the term given to products that help protect toes against injuries that may result from falling objects, rolling objects, or accidental contact with edged tools, sharp objects, or sharp-edged sheet metal. With the advent of the safetytoe overshoe, PPE for toe protection doesn’t have to mean expensive, uncomfortable or ugly safety shoes or boots. Safetytoe overshoes are now part of protective footwear, especially in the ‘visitor shoes’ and ‘temporary worker’ markets. These inexpensive overshoes are suitable in many industrial settings where the risk assessment indicates that Toe Protection only is required.
The steel toecaps in these overshoes have the same safety ratings as the steel toecaps in most safety boots. This means that they have been tested to comply with all the major standards bodies, such as OSHA, CSA and CE. By slipping on a pair of safetytoe overshoes you likely not only protect you toes to the same degree as having a safety boot on, you can find other safety features as well such as slip resistance, protection from harmful substances and stylish looks, if you get the right brand.
A good safetytoe overshoe should be made of rubber, a material that has long been associated with good grip and slip resistance. This is handy too for workers in cold conditions or where water is prevalent. Since a safetytoe overshoe is meant mainly for temporary toe protection, it is very important that the product is easy to slip on and slip off. Some brands have a flat sole which can accommodate more kinds of heel types than those with a provision for the heel in an outer shoe. One thing to remember, if you wear mostly flat-soled street shoes, is that excess material underfoot can become a hazard if the safetytoe overshoe is designed for shoes with a heel. There’s not much point in getting toe protection if you become exposed to trips and falls! Likewise, if encouragement to wear PPE is deemed important, you might want to consider how they look. Some brands have bright red or yellow exposed steel toe caps that might not be appealing to some wearers. Fortunately, for regular users of safety footwear there are enclosed steel top cap brands that are tight-fitting, durable and comfortable.
And, don’t forget about the home situation. That’s where many a toe has been stubbed. Since these products can stretch it’s likely they will fit over a number of your outer shoes. This could be handy for chores around the home, such as furniture moving, renovations, garbage removals and gardening. Some safetytoe overshoe brands can be purchased via websites and are made of sturdy and strong material that ensures they will last a very long time. Sizes range from the extra, extra small to the extra, extra large. Since toe protection and comfort can co-exist with these products people who suffer from diabetes have been taking quite an interest. The most common complaint for diabetics is that safety shoes or boots can crimp the toes and damage blood circulation. There’s less chance of that if you’re wearing your favorite runners with a rubber safetytoe overshoe on top!
Personal Protective Equipment is the term given to products that help protect toes against injuries that may result from falling objects, rolling objects, or accidental contact with edged tools, sharp objects, or sharp-edged sheet metal. With the advent of the safetytoe overshoe, PPE for toe protection doesn’t have to mean expensive, uncomfortable or ugly safety shoes or boots. Safetytoe overshoes are now part of protective footwear, especially in the ‘visitor shoes’ and ‘temporary worker’ markets. These inexpensive overshoes are suitable in many industrial settings where the risk assessment indicates that Toe Protection only is required.
The steel toecaps in these overshoes have the same safety ratings as the steel toecaps in most safety boots. This means that they have been tested to comply with all the major standards bodies, such as OSHA, CSA and CE. By slipping on a pair of safetytoe overshoes you likely not only protect you toes to the same degree as having a safety boot on, you can find other safety features as well such as slip resistance, protection from harmful substances and stylish looks, if you get the right brand.
A good safetytoe overshoe should be made of rubber, a material that has long been associated with good grip and slip resistance. This is handy too for workers in cold conditions or where water is prevalent. Since a safetytoe overshoe is meant mainly for temporary toe protection, it is very important that the product is easy to slip on and slip off. Some brands have a flat sole which can accommodate more kinds of heel types than those with a provision for the heel in an outer shoe. One thing to remember, if you wear mostly flat-soled street shoes, is that excess material underfoot can become a hazard if the safetytoe overshoe is designed for shoes with a heel. There’s not much point in getting toe protection if you become exposed to trips and falls! Likewise, if encouragement to wear PPE is deemed important, you might want to consider how they look. Some brands have bright red or yellow exposed steel toe caps that might not be appealing to some wearers. Fortunately, for regular users of safety footwear there are enclosed steel top cap brands that are tight-fitting, durable and comfortable.
And, don’t forget about the home situation. That’s where many a toe has been stubbed. Since these products can stretch it’s likely they will fit over a number of your outer shoes. This could be handy for chores around the home, such as furniture moving, renovations, garbage removals and gardening. Some safetytoe overshoe brands can be purchased via websites and are made of sturdy and strong material that ensures they will last a very long time. Sizes range from the extra, extra small to the extra, extra large. Since toe protection and comfort can co-exist with these products people who suffer from diabetes have been taking quite an interest. The most common complaint for diabetics is that safety shoes or boots can crimp the toes and damage blood circulation. There’s less chance of that if you’re wearing your favorite runners with a rubber safetytoe overshoe on top!
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