Proforma Safety LLC

Proforma Safety, LLC

Proforma PSI…when performance counts.

Bungee Cords Are A Major Source of Eye Injuries

The popularity of bungee cords is growing at a tremendous pace, but so also are accidents and injuries, the majority of which involve the eyes. Bungee accidents are usually due to overextension or unintended release of the bungee cord during application, failure of the hooks or bungee cord/hook connection, or inappropriate use of bungee cords where other methods of securing would be safer.

While a typical warning label on a bungee cord product warns that it has a 50 percent maximum stretch, users often pay little attention to product guidelines. Overextending the bungee cord can result in a springback that can approach 60 miles per hour, with often tragic results. The following story documents a recent incident:

An oilfield worker was charged with closing an eight-foot high access gate and securing it with a bungee cord that was extended close to maximum length. As the worker tried to secure the gate, one end snapped free and hit the worker in the face. At the time he was wearing prescription glasses. The force was sufficient to smash through the glasses and puncture his eye, resulting in permanent loss of use of the injured eye.

Business operations should assess where bungee cords are being used and if they offer the best solution. For example, webbed polypropylene straps present a safer alternative and are often more durable and cost-effective than bungees.

The same applies for home use; if alternate solutions can be found, bungee cords should be replaced. Where this is not possible, family members should be educated to the dangers inherent in their use. Above all, remember the following:

1) Keep face and other vulnerable body parts away from potential cord rebound path.
2) Use the correct tool for the right application. Do not use bungee cords to hold any surface that may be vulnerable to wind or air movement.
3) Wear personal protection equipment at all times while performing tasks at the workplace as well as at home.
4) Throw out old bungee cords. Pennies saved by repairing old bungee cords can be quickly outweighed by injuries.
5) Keep bungee cords away from children.