My name is Brad Francis, the Director of the RX Safety Eyewear Division at Safety Products Inc. Over the years, I have had extensive experience in various roles within the prescription safety eyewear industry. When asked what I thought were the top 5 elements of an effective prescription safety eyewear program, I thought it best to ask our loyal customers for their feedback instead of giving my own. Surprisingly, in our customers’ view the most crucial aspects of a functional program extends beyond mere pricing. Join me in exploring the key insights from our valuable customers. For this bl ..read more

Choosing the right helmet can be a daunting task. Over the past decade, an unprecedented variety of helmets has been introduced differing in style, price point, compliance with standards, and manufacturer’s claims of improved protection. Selecting the best helmet is further complicated by the scarcity of test data that provide evidence-based guidance. This article provides guidance on three aspects critical for selection of helmets that deliver superior head protection, namely brain protection, lateral protection (Type II), and helmet retention. BRAIN PROTECTION Brain protection has been the ..read more

Outdoor work requires proper preparation, especially in severe winter weather conditions. Although OSHA does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments, employers have a responsibility to provide workers with employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards, including winter weather related hazards, which are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to them (Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970). Employers should, therefore, train workers on the hazards of the job and safety measures to use ..read more

How many shifts have ended with your hands feeling cold, wet and numb because your winter work gloves couldn’t do what they’re literally made to do? Many factors affect the performance of a thermal glove. We’ll take a look at common issues that alter performance and what to look for when buying thermal work gloves to keep your mitts warm and comfortable until it’s time to punch out. WATERPROOF GLOVE Water is a big problem when working in the cold. This is likely the primary reason your thermal gloves are uncomfortable in the cold. Moisture actively draws heat away from your body so ..read more

You may not be able to smell it, taste it, or discern its presence. But, in many industries, toxic and flammable gases present a significant industrial hazard. New technologies are improving gas-detection capabilities, helping safety managers ensure employee health and well-being. It all started with the canaries. After performing a study of asphyxia in coal miners, 19th-century scientist John Haldane engaged in dangerous self-experimentation by breathing several toxic gases just to see what would happen. Afterwards, Haldane pronounced carbon monoxide as the cause of the miners’ death and prop ..read more

What is OSHA’s new National Emphasis Program? OSHA’s on the look-out and their recently announced National Emphasis Program (NEP) shows they are focused on preventing heat-related injuries and illnesses in a wide range of industries. The threat of heat and hydration injury and illness is serious, especially for workers who are low-wage earners. OSHA acknowledges the direct correlation of hydration and workplace safety. This NEP is designed to minimize worker dehydration by targeting high heat industries like manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and transportation. Employer ..read more

The construction Industry is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous environments to work in around the world. OSHA reports that 1 in 5 deaths among U.S. workers occurs in the sector. And, according to the World Risk Poll, the second highest reported workplace injury rate globally (22%), was among those who worked in construction, manufacturing or production. In this high-risk context, accurate, real-time monitoring of safety conditions can protect workers and equipment from damage ensuring everyone gets home safe and sound at the end of the day. With the advent of digital ..read more

Even though females make up about 50% of the overall U.S. workforce, the construction workforce can only claim 10% of female employees. This means women are still an untapped employee market, especially in construction and the trades.  Women need to feel like they’re part of the team and have the right fitting PPE.  They are strong team members, willing to learn, and have a diverse set of skills.  Their development and inclusion as team members and as professionals at the jobsite is key to retention. Part of being inclusive is to provide female workers with proper-fitting PPE ..read more

Proper lifting technique prevents injuries. Lower, upper, spinal or otherwise, experiencing back pain is practically an aging rite of passage. Four out of five people will experience back pain in their lifetime and, considering sprains and strains are the most common work injury (over 266,000 cases in 2020 alone), it’s not unlikely that injury will occur in the worksite. So how can you prevent back injuries when lifting, bending and schlepping are all just part of the job? It all starts with proper lifting technique. HOW TO LIFT HEAVY OBJECTS: SAFE LIFTING TECHNIQUES IN THE WORKPLACE When perf ..read more

When deciding on footwear, slip resistance is one of the most important factors to consider for wearer safety. While other countries had long ago established slip resistance ratings for footwear, the US did not have an established SR specification. As of July 2021, the US finally introduced ASTM F3445. This new Slip Resistant requirement establishes minimum coefficient of friction requirements to label footwear as slip resistant or “SR”. It also levels the playing field by which all manufacturers are evaluated and to which Safety Managers can refer when specifying or purchasing footwear ..read more