"According to the ASHRAE HVAC Applications Handbook, the estimated life of an air-to-air heat pump or a rooftop unit is 15 years while a boiler life expectancy is between 24-35 years, depending on the boiler type. So, you will install two heat pumps or rooftop units for every boiler. Where do you think those old units will end up?" I ask the class.

In November 2023, OSHA investigators opened a complaint inspection after they observed employees not wearing protective equipment during structural demolition of a former hospital in Illinois.

The rule updates the current standard by improving the amount and quality of information on labels and safety data sheets. Updates take effect on July 19, 2024.

Generative AI, a subset of AI that can produce human-like content, has emerged as a pivotal tool in enhancing workplace safety.

The retailer has struggled for years to comply with OSHA safety regulations

The central theme of Safe + Sound Week is to promote the implementation and enhancement of safety and health programs in workplaces. 

Sportswear manufacturer failed to correct its fall hazard violations from 2021 OSHA inspection. 

The company is accused of failing to protect workers from dangerous silica dust, leading to serious health issues.

OSHA encourages public participation in the rulemaking process.

Fall protection remains in the No. 1 spot. Incident data shows potential connection to top workplace compliance issues.

Cold stress may not be as well-known as heat stress, but when the temperature drops, it can pose a significant danger.

In 2018 alone, there were 103,600 recorded incidents in commercial buildings. Electrical malfunctions are a leading cause of these events, and they cost businesses $373,400,000 in 2018.

Metal stamping manufacturing processes can quickly and cleanly create solid metal parts for a wide range of needs and industries. Small metal parts make up some of the most important pieces when creating larger scale items.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have introduced FR face coverings, to help keep you protected from the virus without compromising your FR safety. But many of you have been wondering if it is safe to breathe through FR-treated fabric for extended periods of time. We’ve released a new technical briefing to answer your concerns.

On dangerous or risky job sites, and within certain environments, personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times. It makes perfect sense, because the gear is designed specifically to mitigate severe or fatal accidents. Helmets, for example, protect the head from falling objects, overhead fixtures, and much more.

Companies in the market for personal protection equipment (PPE) should look for products that are UL classified where this is applicable. These items have been subject to specific relevant tests and passed inspections for either personal or industry use.

Safety doesn’t stop just because it’s hot outside. As temperatures start to rise, it’s time to invest in summer-friendly workwear.

True to its reputation of providing unparalleled protective welding gear for over 90 years, the John Tillman Company announced its new MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding glove.

With the summer months right around the corner and temperatures warming up around the US, workers in a variety of industries are making adjustments to their personal protective apparel kit.

Bulwark, the world’s largest flame-resistant (FR) apparel brand, was recently sold to Redwood Capital Investments, LLC, marking a new era for the company as it transitions into a stand-alone workwear organization.

Electrical-related fatalities and serious injuries (FSI)* are among the noted FSIs. FSIs represent a safety and health challenge that has gained increasing visibility in the past decade as even organizations with elite environment, health and safety programs struggle to reduce FSI numbers.

The difference between flame resistant (FR) and arc flash or arc rated (AR) clothing is clear, but many professionals make the mistake of choosing FR clothing with the assumption that they will be safe should a fire occur.

California has had its fair share of fires over the years, especially the wild variety. This year’s wildfires have already burned more than 1 million acres, and nearly a dozen are still ablaze.  Now, the Golden State is facing an uptick in warehouse fires in some of its biggest and most populated cities, including Oakland, Carson and El Sereno.

Flame resistant clothing is an essential piece of safety gear, but these items get dirty just like any other piece of clothing. Washing and sanitizing FR clothing isn’t the same as doing a load of laundry at home.

Whether it is appropriate to attach non-FR embroidery and emblems to flame resistant protective garments is always a difficult question to address.

In 1998, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report, 413 workers were struck and killed by vehicles. That was “the highest number in the 7-year period that the fatality census has been compiled.”₁ Without a standard in place, the numbers were steadily rising.

Welding is an essential part of numerous manufacturing and assembly processes, employing more than 400,000 people in the United States alone. Because of the nature of the job — working with high temperatures and molten metals — injuries are likely.

Electrical safety risks are prevalent in any industry that has workers who are exposed to over 50 volts of electricity when performing a work task.

National PPE manufacturer and distributor Magid has partnered with flame-resistant (FR) PPE and apparel company CarbonX to co-brand a line of FR garments that they’re calling Magid® FR by CarbonX®.

 
Two new glove options offer exceptional category 4 arc flash protection and pass rigorous safety testing for workers in high-risk industries.

Flame-resistant cooling gaiter and towel.

Most professionals already understand the need for eye protection and burn prevention, but gas hazards deserve attention, too. Welding fume safety is an essential, if less evident, part of workshop safety.

The Tyvek 400 SFR coverall offers protection against flash fires and particulate contaminants.

Agency says manufacturer could have prevented an electrician from suffering severe burns during an electrical arc blast if required safety standards were followed.

In today’s dynamic work environments, an increasing number of employees find themselves working alone.

The owner of a Georgia chemical plant that had a massive chemical fire has been cited and fined repeatedly by the federal government, mostly for violations related to employees not receiving proper safety training.

Maryland joins five states – California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington – that already have statewide heat standards in place. 

The Center provides a central point for partners to engage with NIOSH on the broad spectrum of firefighter-related research and services.

Investors will have to be careful next year as potential stalling economies in the U.S. and China, along with rising global inflation and tighter monetary policy, could make for a “tricky” 2018, according to Morgan Stanley.

The Fenix brand has successfully entered the major outdoor/military/law enforcement markets, and is sold to more than 100 countries and regions worldwide. With manufacturing based in Shenzhen, China, Fenix creates unique products in a company-owned facility, and exceeds industry standards with additional in-house testing protocols.

ISEA 121, Dropped Object Prevention Solutions will circulate for consensus approval and public review by end of 2017 with expected publication of a final, approved standard at end of 1Q 2018.

Save the date for the International Safety Equipment Association’s (ISEA) 2018 Executive Summit, May 6 – 8 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Pentagon City, within the Washington DC Metro Area.

The economy rolled on in the third quarter of 2017, growing by 3%, despite the hurricanes that battered the United States during the quarter.

The largest annual global survey of environment, health and safety directors says that EHS budgets will increase by an average of 5.4% in 2018. This is according to a survey of 382 EHS directors by independent research firm Verdantix in 31 countries and 25 industries worldwide.

QSSP increases the knowledge and competency of safety sales professionals, which in turn, builds trust and credibility in the customer relationship. The resulting partnership can be instrumental in reducing injury and illness in the workplace.

For the 1st time since the middle of 2014, the U.S. economy has sustained 3% growth for two consecutive quarters, providing strong momentum into next year. The current Conference Board forecast calls for 2.8 percent growth during the final quarter of 2017 and 2.5% growth in 2018.

From the ASSE to the VPPA, occupational safety and health organizations have a busy year planned for conferences that will educate and enlighten safety and health professionals - as well as provide you with opportunities to network with you rfellow OSH pros. Here's a list of upcoming conferences in 2018.

Grainger welcomed more than 12,000 attendees in February to its annual Grainger Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. “An event like this for Grainger showcases the types of products, solutions, services and expertise we offer customers,” said Deb Oler, Grainger senior vice president and president, North American Sales and Services.

Fastenal Company announced its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2017. Net sales increased 108% for the year, and 14.8% in the fourth quarter. Gross profit for the year was 10.1%.

Like many of the readers of this article, for more than 25 years now I have been working with and struggling with sales leads.