OSHA Violation Penalties to Increase Significantly in August 2016

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced that maximum penalties for workplace violations will increase by 78% this August.

The increase is a byproduct of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 passed by congress last November, which required federal agencies to adjust civil penalties to account for inflation. Because OSHA’s maximum penalties were last changed in 1990, the legislation required OSHA to adjust for inflation changes over the last 26 years. Continue reading OSHA Violation Penalties to Increase Significantly in August 2016

The Top 10 Causes of Workplace Injuries

Did you know that disabling workplace injuries cost U.S. businesses more than $60 billion annually in direct costs?

There are many potential sources for workplace injuries, but we’re breaking down the top 10 most common causes of disabling workplace injuries according to the 2016 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. The index details some of the most prevalent causes for injuries in workplaces across the U.S. and is based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Academy of Social Insurance and Liberty Mutual Insurance. Continue reading The Top 10 Causes of Workplace Injuries

Why You Should Establish a Safety Culture in the Workplace

Every heavy industrial or construction company you come across will likely say that worker safety is one of the most important pillars of their organization.

Minimizing incidents is a top priority, not only to keep employees healthy and safe, but also to reduce the costs associated with on-the-job injuries. But how many organizations really practice what they preach? Incorporating a safety curriculum into new hire training programs alone is not going to facilitate a safe working environment. To truly maximize safety on-the-job, every organization must establish a strong safety culture in the workplace. Continue reading Why You Should Establish a Safety Culture in the Workplace

Stay Safe While Working Outdoors This Summer

Summer is peak season for construction and other outdoor work, and while the warm weather and sunshine is nice, it’s important to consider safety when working outdoors in extreme heat.

Hot temperatures may not seem particularly threatening, but heat stress injuries and heat strokes can be quite dangerous for outdoor workers. To stay safe while working outdoors this summer, keep these tips in mind: Continue reading Stay Safe While Working Outdoors This Summer

Understanding the Materials Used in Cut-Resistant Gloves

It’s no secret that protective gloves are necessary when working with sharp tools or machinery, but do you know which material is best suited for the equipment you work with?

Cut-resistant gloves are purposely made with different synthetic materials to provide the optimum level of protection for the job. There are four common types of materials used in cut-resistant glove designs and it’s important to know the nature of each in order to choose the best glove for you. Continue reading Understanding the Materials Used in Cut-Resistant Gloves

10 Essential Roofing Safety Tips

Winter has come and gone, and many professional roofers and homeowners are taking to the rooftops to inspect and repair any seasonal damage caused by the ice and cold.

Even the simplest repairs can be hazardous without proper precautions. Whether you’re a professional making a major roof replacement or just a DIY homeowner trying to make minor repairs, here are 10 roofing safety tips that everyone should consider when working on a roof. Continue reading 10 Essential Roofing Safety Tips

Finding the Right Gloves for the Job: Cooking, Cleaning, Medical and Life Sciences Professionals

When it comes to working professionals, there is no one-size-fits-all glove, especially for those working with consumables, hazardous chemicals or bodily fluids.

If you’re in need of safe, effective gloves for workers in the food, beverage, hospitality, medical or life sciences industries, we’re breaking down what to look for in gloves below. Between resistance to chemicals and hazardous substances, durability, puncture-resistance, reusability and more, there are a wide range of qualities to consider.

If you’re looking for glove advice for other industries, check out our other articles on glove safety. You can find our article on gloves for drivers, welders and landscaping professionals here, or our glove guide for manual laborers and maintenance professionals here. Continue reading Finding the Right Gloves for the Job: Cooking, Cleaning, Medical and Life Sciences Professionals

Protective Rainwear: Stay Sheltered From Spring Showers

With spring showers right around the corner, rain will soon become a major nuisance for outdoor workplaces. Is your team prepared for wet, dreary outdoor projects?

If you’re in an industry that consistently works outdoors, equipping your team with protective rainwear can dramatically boost employee productivity. While there are no federal mandates requiring employers to supply rainwear, it is highly recommended for employee safety and to ensure that projects will be completed on schedule.

Below, we’re exploring the importance of adequate protection from the rain as well as what qualities to look for in rainwear to ensure your team is properly protected from the weather. Continue reading Protective Rainwear: Stay Sheltered From Spring Showers

Colored Safety Glasses: More than Just a Fashion Statement

While lens tints on safety glasses look fashion-forward, the primary purpose of the colored lenses is actually to enhance a worker’s vision under various lighting conditions. In this blog, we’re exploring different lens options, their applications and the percentage of visible light transmission (VLT), which refers to the amount of visible light that can pass through the lens. Continue reading Colored Safety Glasses: More than Just a Fashion Statement

Finding the Right Gloves for the Job: Drivers, Welders and Landscaping Professionals

Whether you spend your profession behind the wheel, in the metal shop or in the dirt, you require quality gloves that can keep your hands in working condition. There are different types of gloves for different types of jobs to give you the balance flexibility and protection you need to work efficiently and safely. We’ve outlined which features to look for when shopping. Continue reading Finding the Right Gloves for the Job: Drivers, Welders and Landscaping Professionals