Handle Glass Safely Stats and Facts

FACTS

Injuries that glaziers must guard against each day 

  1. Serious cuts, lacerations, abrasions, and puncture wounds. During their training, glaziers are taught how to carefully cut pieces of glass – and such glass substitutes as plastics, marble, and granite. They must also measure and cut the materials used to laminate most glass products.
  2. Neck, back, shoulder and arm muscle soreness and injuries. Since glaziers must regularly bend over and cut materials – and fit glass and other substances into frames.
  3. Slips, trips, and falls. Glaziers can slip or trip over debris left in their work area when working outdoors on wet surfaces.
  4. Respiratory issues. Glaziers must often use very strong (and sometimes toxic) solvents found in caulking, sealants, adhesives, and glass-cleaning products.
  5. Eye injuries. Daily tasks often involve cutting, grinding, and drilling glass which often send harmful dust and other particles into the air around the workers.
  6. Skin rashes. Respiratory issues can also cause glaziers to suffer hives, dermatitis, and other skin allergies.

STATS

  • Glass and glazing contractors reported 800 total DAFW cases last year. Of those cases, 310 resulted from strains, strains, or tears; 60 from fractures; 110 from cuts or lacerations; 80 from bruises or contusions; 70 from soreness or pain; and 50 were a result of other causes.
  • Lifting or lowering caused 220 of the 800 total injuries in glass and glazing contractors. Being struck by an object caused 130 injuries, being struck against an object caused 30 injuries, a fall to a lower level caused 50 injuries and a fall on the same level caused 90 injuries.
  • According to estimates from the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, nearly 48,500 fewer nonfatal incidents.
  • Glass and glazing contractors reported 3.7 cases of per 100 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers in last year, compared to the national rate. Of those cases, 1.5 per 100 resulted in the injured or ill worker missing workdays, and 0.9 per 100 resulted in a job transfer or restriction.
  • Workers employed by glass and glazing contractors reported the highest rate of back injuries, 97.8 per 10,000 full-time employees.
  • The incident rate for glazing contractors comes in at a full 3.7 incidents per 100 full-time equivalents. The rate for glass manufacturing is even higher, clocking in at 3.9