laavispa said:
Guess I'm of mixed mind about this issue. Let me explain.
I came out of an industry where PPE was pretty standard. Did a lot of confined space permitting- so slipping in an out of PPE for this is 2nd nature. PPE is never the end all, actually it is the least preferred method of mitigating a risk- but sometimes it is all you have. Seems like with COVID we have had to default to least effective- but 30-40% effective is > 0%.
Now for years I wore FRC daily, and those things are a bustard in heat/humidity. Fortunately never had to test their effectiveness. Same true for safety glasses and hard hats.- most of the time big pain in the arse.
I don't like the idea of gumment mandated PPE(masks) but then the things cited above were all OSHA mandated.
So, I got used to the idea... or go find another profession.
Agreed and COVID is no exception. The most effective, according to the experts, is distance and hand hygiene.
Masks have been noted for use in instances where distancing isn't possible or feasible.
The frustrating thing I'm seeing is that, out of irrational fear, people think their mask will save them. According to recent research, right here on campus, masks are up to 40% effective at stopping droplets. 40% >0% undoubtedly, but most I've seen are
- no wearing their mask properly
- fiddling with their mask constantly
- using their mask as an excuse to ignore distancing
All of these significantly reduce the efficacy of masking and, when combined with constantly touching your face and/or ignoring physical separation guidance, might actually INCREASE your risk.
It's an outward and visible measure and it makes people feel good, but it's not that effective, and it COULD actually be counter-productive.
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Agreed. If the boss says...... you comply or move on, but this isn't about a condition of employment.
It is actually about elected officials lording power over the masses through edict or through threats to business licensing. Why do I need a license to operate a business anyway? Don't contracts only require two parties? Why does a merchant need to pay the king to simply operate?
Should people wear masks who are high risk or conducting activities with high likelihood of exposure? Certainly.
Could businesses mandate masks? Certainly. Their property. Their business interest. Their liability. Their decision.
Should GOVERNMENT mandate masks. Absolutely not.