Washington — Concerned that firefighters’ protective gear may contain potentially harmful “forever chemicals,” the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association are advising their members to take precautions to reduce exposure.

Philadelphia — Drexel University’s Center for Firefighter Injury Research & Safety Trends has created model organizational policies aimed at addressing stress and violence in fire-based emergency medical services workers.

Munich — The International Platinum Group Metals Association has released a guide intended to improve safety for workers who are exposed to platinum group metals.

Silver Spring, MD – Hospitals should put in place the “highest standards” for protective equipment and hands-on training to protect health care workers from Ebola, National Nurses United said in a statement issued Oct. 12.

Silver Spring, MD – The AFL-CIO’s Executive Council has denounced efforts to roll back federal laws and regulations that “have protected working people on the job” for more than 50 years.

Washington — The AFL-CIO has outlined steps it says all levels of government should take to protect workers from exposure to COVID-19 before reopening the economy.

Silver Spring, MD — Global Nurses United is demanding stronger COVID-19 guidance from the World Health Organization, including a call for more personal protective equipment for health care workers and acknowledgement from WHO on how the virus is spread.

Philadelphia – Staffing agencies that hire temporary workers need to be regulated more vigorously, and employers that use those agencies should carry a heavier load of responsibility for workers’ safety, a trio of Temple University law students concluded in a recent report examining how staffing agencies and host employers may “pass the buck” to get around proper safety training and other requirements.

Safety remains a challenge for this often-vulnerable segment of the workforce, which may account for at least 15 percent of the nation’s on-the-job deaths.

Olympia, WA — A new Washington state law will require construction and manufacturing employers who use temporary workers to identify and document workplace hazards, communicate those hazards to staffing agencies, and make sure workers are informed and properly trained.

Trenton, NJ — A new law in New Jersey will provide temporary workers with additional rights and protections against unsafe working conditions.

Clamp Jackets hose clamp protectors are made from durable EPDM rubber that can withstand temperatures up to 300° F and are available for ½-inch and 5/16-inch hose clamps.

Pyramex Safety Ridgeline head protection comes in three styles and a variety of finishes and colors, including high-visibility options and vented versions, and is available with four- and six-point ratchet suspensions for easy adjusting.

Designed for use with Centurion’s Compact Nexus and Concept Hard Hats, the Contour Face Protection System is a low-profile, high-quality alternative to basic faceshields.

This lift-front hood, part of the Ultralight Series of Arc Flash PPE, offers wearers a larger viewing area through a clear gray color faceshield.

HH-CH1-YG is a high-visibility yellow/green climbing-style protective helmet with six-point ratchet suspension and a four-point chin strap. Constructed of ABS material, the hat is ideal for workers in heavy infrastructure, oil and gas, wind power, construction, mining, and utilities.

The Honeywell North Primair 900 (PA900) Series Headgear offers users an all-in-one eye, face, head and respiratory safety solution, as well as ANSI-certified and NIOSH-approved protection for a range of applications.

There are three areas in reviewing a safety footwear program for your business. Each component is critical to the other two – with any component missing, problems can arise. Having the most effective safety footwear program balances the correctly specified footwear with an efficient delivery system serviced by trained providers that understand personal protective equipment requirements.

What should I know about polyurethane foot protection?

The DM line of universal music plugs may have been crafted for musicians, but all workers can benefit from this hearing protection.

Adapted from combat-proven technology, the QUIETPRO intelligent hearing protection and communication system provides smart personal hearing protection, digitally enhanced speech communication and clear radio communication.

Universal-fit MiniCanal units use state-of-the-art digital technology to effectively suppress loud sounds while providing situational awareness for important ambient sounds, including conversation.

The smartPlug R is an in-ear hearing protection solution built specifically to enhance two-way radio communications in high-noise environments.

ISOtunes PRO is an ANSI-certified 27 dB Noise Reduction Rating hearing protector that features 10 hours of music playback and talk time, 240-hour standby time, and aptX high-definition audio playback.

Banded Ear Plugs feature an adaptable design for three-point wear, allowing users to set the band above their head, below their chin or behind their neck.

ISOtunes’ PRO Aware and LINK Aware (shown) feature Aware Technology, which uses omni-
directional microphones that allow users to safely listen to the workplace around them while blocking out harmful levels of sound.

The Comm-Set communication headset can connect up to 15 users via wireless mesh technology within a two-mile range. Eight different channels enable a seamless coexistence of multiple intercom networks within the same terrain.

For professionals who work with power tools, power equipment and heavy machinery, ISOtunes LINK 2.0 is a Bluetooth earmuff that offers over-ear noise isolation and durability. It has an NRR of 25 dB. Complete with microphone background noise reduction, LINK 2.0 allows workers to communicate clearly while working in high-noise environments.

The SoundGear Phantom product line is a custom Bluetooth-compatible and rechargeable hearing aid and hearing protection device. The product automatically protects the user’s ears from loud sounds, suppressing noise at 90 decibels, while simultaneously allowing the user to easily hear conversations and other environmental sounds.

FREE 2.0 earbuds filter damaging noise levels while allowing users to listen to music and take phone calls without removing the earbuds.

The Air Defender AM/FM has a noise reduction rating of 24 decibels and is IPX4-rated for water/sweat resistance. It has a foam headband, ear cushions, and an auxiliary cable to plug into smartphones or other devices.

REDLITHIUM USB Bluetooth Jobsite Ear Buds deliver noise reduction ratings between 22 decibels (for silicone) and 25 decibels (for foam). The earbuds also feature a Jobsite Aware Mode that senses external noise and reduces volume until loud sounds reach a designated listening level.

BioSoft Ear Plugs are the world’s first sustainable bio-based earplugs. The foam material is engineered to minimize emissions during manufacturing, ensuring a more sustainable production process.

The 9030P PIRTEK Fluid Power Glove protects the wearer’s hand against the hazards of fluid injection from high-pressure systems.

This family of gloves features PinchGuard, an innovative new technology that protects fingertips from workplace crush and pinch hazards.

Red Warrior SmartFlex gloves offer spongelike slip resistance with a proprietary polyurethane foam coating process. The gloves are 20% thinner than comparable 15-gauge coated gloves, have a seamless nylon knit material for maximum flex and tactile sensitivity, and have an uncoated back and wrist that help improve ventilation.

Designed for arm and wrist protection, the TEKTYE sleeve features an ANSI A4 cut protection level without using fiberglass or stainless steel fibers. Its yarn technology enhances mobility while providing a custom, secure fit.

The TRX883 glove delivers Level 3 impact force protection, according to the ANSI/ISEA 138 standard, while allowing for nine times greater airflow than a standard impact glove.

Brass Knuckle SmartCut BKCR404 gloves for glass handling and similar applications combine ANSI A3 Cut Level protection with a polyurethane coating to ensure toughness and a smooth grip.

G-Tek PolyKor Seamless Knit Gloves with D3O Impact Printed Technology provide both ANSI/ISEA 138 Level 3 impact protection and a low-profile design, offering unrivaled dexterity and hand mobility.

This line of flame-resistant coveralls, shirts and pants is made from a next-generation, multi-hazard protection fabric: Nomex MHP fabric by DuPont.

The Power Grid FR 1/4 Zip Dual Hazard Shirt is constructed with Power Grid four-way stretch fabric that offers superior comfort and range of motion.

The Rip Stop Premium Plus Bomber Jacket is ANSI 107 Class 3-compliant and features a coated waterproof outer shell with taped seams, double front storm flap zipper closure and removable black 280g fleece liner.

Technology in the protective clothing industry just keeps getting better.

Washington — President Joe Biden is directing OSHA to “ramp up” enforcement to protect workers from extreme heat and to issue a hazard alert.

What do I need to consider when creating a fall protection rescue plan?

Montreal – The scientific research organization IRSST recently released the second edition of its guide on safe use of isocyanates.

Salem, OR – A new comprehensive guide from Oregon OSHA intends to help small-business owners and managers develop respiratory protection programs.

Geneva – As the largest Ebola outbreak in history spreads across West Africa, the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization have issued guidelines to help keep workers safe.

Washington – Newly released interim guidance from OSHA and NIOSH urges employers to train employees on the risks of exposure to the Zika virus and outlines protective measures.