Silica is found in stone, rocks, and sand and is a major component of many construction materials including concrete, bricks, tiles, and mortar. When it is ‘fractured’ through processes such as stonecutting, drilling, and polishing, it creates a fine enough dust to reach deep inside the lungs when inhaled – which can lead to a respiratory condition called Silicosis.

In many instances, Silicosis cannot be controlled by engineering controls alone, so businesses need to be aware of what PPE and RPE is required to combat the risk.

The manufacturing sector provides 2.5 million jobs in the United Kingdom. Comprising Food and Drink, Transport, Machinery, and a host of other industries, the sector is on track for continued growth, so protecting these workers is essential.

Among the main injury hazards in the manufacturing sector, is exposure to hazardous substances, so it is vital that the right level of PPE is provided including chemical protective clothing, chemical resistant gloves, safety footwear and where there is an inhalation threat, respiratory protection.

In recent years, strides have been made towards achieving gender equality in the workplace. However, when it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE), there's still room for further improvement.

With such a high proportion of women working in the food, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors, and an increasing number of females entering the construction, transport, and manufacturing sectors, the need for female-designed PPE has never been more prominent to ensure optimum safety for all workers.

Selecting the right safety eyewear lenses can be a perplexing experience, often overwhelmed with a variety of options and technical jargon. From various lens coatings and tints to frame designs and EN ratings, navigating the array of choices can be challenging.

Riley continues to lead the market in product expertise, options, and consistency – and this below guide simplifies the lens selection process, outlining the best options for working in and outdoors, in a variety of applications.