Protected area and field of vision in eye and face protection equipment – new normative requirements and their practical significance Eye and face protectors constitute an important element in reducing the risk of occupational eye injuries caused by mechanical hazards, optical radiation, dust, liquid splashes and exposure to high temperature. In recent years, the requirements for these products have been substantially revised following the introduction of the PN-EN ISO 16321 and PN-EN ISO 18526 series of standards, which replaced the previously applied approach based on PN-EN 166. This article presents the most important changes relating to two key functional and protective parameters, namely the area to be protected and the field of view. It also discusses the significance of the new headforms used in laboratory testing and their impact on the assessment of product’s fit to the user. It is indicated that the new normative requirements enable a more unambiguous, repeatable assessment of eye and face protectors that more closely reflects actual conditions of use. Attention is also drawn to the practical implications of these changes for manufacturers, occupational safety and health specialists, and users. Keywords: eye and face protection, area to be protected, field of view, normative requirements, head forms
Occupational safety in critical infrastructure as an element of the national security system The article analyses the importance of occupational safety in critical infrastructure as an element of the national security system. It indicates that the efficiency of critical infrastructure depends not only on technology, but also on the preparedness of employees. The paper discusses the main threats (such as failures, cyberattacks, and natural disasters) and emphasizes their cascading nature. Attention is drawn to the insufficient integration of occupational safety with crisis management. Using the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, it is shown that the protection of staff is crucial for maintaining operational continuity. The conclusions emphasise that occupational safety constitutes an important pillar of national resilience and requires further development. Keywords: critical infrastructure, national security
App-controlled device for verifying hearing protection effectiveness – solution presentation It is widely recognized that the effectiveness of earplugs based on the attenuation values declared by manufacturers differs from the actual level of hearing protection achieved under real working conditions. This discrepancy often results from improper insertion of earplugs into the ear canal. This article presents a newly developed laboratory model of a device designed to assess the correctness of earplug insertion. The device is intended as a support tool for occupational health and safety services to supervise the proper use of earplugs among employees of industrial enterprises. The structure of the device and three modes of operation are described. The results of verification tests conducted with the participation of ten volunteers are presented, confirming the correct functioning of the device. The implementation of such a device may contribute to more effective hearing protection for workers, which may indirectly lead to increased work efficiency and reduced costs associated with occupational hearing loss. Keywords: hearing protection, earplugs, hearing threshold, sound attenuation
Ergonomic computer workstation – how do we work in Poland? Long-term sitting is the third most frequently reported risk factor in sectors such as finance, information and communication, and public administration, where work is primarily performed using visual display units. Consequently, such workstations should be designed in accordance with ergonomic principles and allow for adjustment to individual employee needs, including anthropometric dimensions and the nature of the tasks performed. This article presents the current state of office workstation ergonomics in Poland, based on research conducted among a large group of computer-based workers. It also presents findings regarding the subjective assessment of workstations, workload levels, and work ability. Keywords: ergonomics, computer workstation, musculoskeletal disorders, health
Assessment of the effect of ultrasonic noise in the workplace on employees' health and well-being and analysis of factors determining preventive action Ultrasonic noise is increasingly present in the workplace due to the widespread use of ultrasonic-emitting devices such as ultrasonic cleaners, welders, and drills. Despite its prevalence, the impact of ultrasonic noise on employees' health and well-being remains insufficiently studied and requires in-depth analysis. This article examines the effects of ultrasonic noise on workers' health and identifies factors determining the implementation of preventive measures. The study was based on a detailed survey targeted at individuals professionally exposed to ultrasonic noise. The questionnaire included questions regarding the subjective assessment of noise annoyance, its impact on health, sleep problems, and barriers to using hearing protection devices. Keywords: ultrasonic noise, workplace, hearing protection devices, survey, workers' health
