The May 2019 Toolbox features a selection of tools for walls and ceilings contractors from manufacturers like Johns Manville, Sto Corp., and more.

Washington — NIOSH has added a boom lift scenario to its Aerial Lift Hazard Recognition Simulator, the agency announced April 8 via Twitter.

Tumwater, WA — A new toolkit from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries offers employers resources they can use to help injured employees return to work as soon as medically possible, aid worker recovery and prevent long-term disability while reducing the financial burden of workers’ compensation claims.

Lowell, MA — Noting that corrections officers have an average life expectancy that’s 16 years less than other occupational groups, the Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace has created a mentoring toolkit aimed at combating a decline in health early in correctional workers’ careers.

Washington — A new virtual toolkit from NIOSH is intended to help protect first responders from exposure to illicit drugs, including fentanyl – a synthetic opioid considered up to 50 times more potent than heroin.

Gaithersburg, MD — Recently developed artificial intelligence software can determine whether firefighters may be about to experience a potentially fatal cardiac event, researchers say.

Washington — A new e-tool from the AFL-CIO is aimed at helping workers identify COVID-19 exposure risks on the job.

The Ladder Handle system is specifically designed to facilitate a safe and ergonomic solution for lifting and transporting ladders.

The Squids 3100 Single Carabiner 10-pound Tool Lanyard tethers tools to help prevent injury, damage and lost productivity from dropped tools.

This line of non-sparking, non-magnetic hand tools is manufactured from special aluminum-bronze or copper-beryllium alloys that meet ATEX regulations for safe use in areas where hazardous, flammable or combustible vapors, liquids, dusts, or residues may be present.

Gear Keeper’s ergonomic Anchored Tool Tether Series offers an industry-leading 20-foot diameter working area with a 4-foot retraction length.

Without the use of a heat source or messy adhesives, the Squids 3755 Self-Adhering Tape Trap creates a secure connection point for nearly any tool in a matter of seconds (when used with Squids Web Tails).

This 15 Pound Tool Lanyard was designed to improve safety and productivity in work environments.

Stop-a-Ladder keeps extension ladders securely in place while being used on composite decking.

The Big Easy Backpack is a large, durable tool backpack for line workers in the utility and industrial safety industries.

Gear Keeper’s two new 1-inch Super Coil ANSI/ISEA 121-2018-compliant 9-foot Anchored Tool Tethers have been designed with a unique and proprietary low-force woven polyurethane elastic core that has a 2.5-to-1 stretch factor (42 inches relaxed to 18 feet extended).

ANSI 121-compliant Vest-Mounted Retractable Tethers combine convenience and productivity with safe tool tethering.

The Stronghold Quick-Switch Tool Tether System is based on the proprietary Quick-Switch design – the only technology that allows workers to switch tools from one connection point to another in a single motion.

The ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool helps prevent hand injuries when working with suspended loads or maneuvering objects, and maintains proper body positioning for safe handling.

Workers can keep their most commonly used tools tethered to them with three new drop safety products. The Tape Measure Jacket is designed to fit and attach to most commonly used tape measures.

The Sena Tufftalk Bluetooth Integrated Earmuff offers protection from harmful noise, while the ambient mode feature allows users to amplify external sounds – generating a greater sense of awareness so important alarms or calls can be heard while hearing remains protected.

The new ISOtunes LINK and ISOtunes XTRA 2.0 maintain ISOtunes’ SafeMax Technology while introducing enhancements in design and functionality.

The ATLAS Resonate App and Online Tool are designed for safe listening of environmental and audio streaming (headphone) sources. The app provides instant, color-coded noise exposures vs. safe listen times and daily/weekly total exposures vs. safe listen dose.

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.

Washington — A map showing emergency medical services responses to heat-related illnesses nationwide is part of a new online information portal from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Silver Spring, MD – The Center for Construction Research and Training (also known as CPWR) has published 52 free toolbox talks on construction topics.

Montreal – Scientific research organization IRSST has released a free online resource intended to help identify workplace musculoskeletal disorder risks and avoid injuries related to material handling.

Portland, OR – Three preventable logging fatalities in Oregon have prompted a new set of discussion points for supervisors to share with their crews.

Portland, OR – The Oregon Occupational Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program has released new toolbox talks focusing on three fatal incidents.

Arlington, VA — A new online tool provides a look at the economic and safety impacts of the safety equipment industry last year in the United States.

Silver Spring, MD — The Center for Construction Research and Training, also known as CPWR, has released a series of toolbox talks on nanomaterials.

Silver Spring, MD — A new e-tool from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training is intended to help manufacturers, distributors and importers of products that contain nanomaterials strengthen their Safety Data Sheets.

Arlington – The Mine Safety and Health Administration on Aug. 14 issued a new online tool to help mine operators track their record of correcting violations.

Vienna, VA — Motor vehicle crashes cost U.S. employers up to $47.4 billion annually in direct expenses, according to the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety, which has developed a calculator to help organizations determine their own costs.

Gaithersburg, MD — “In many buildings, ventilation is often misunderstood or infrequently assessed,” says the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which has created an online tool designed to help determine indoor air quality.

For some workers, safety tools and knives are indispensible items. Experts from companies that manufacture these products spoke with Safety+Health via email about current trends in their respective markets, as well as some important things product purchasers and users should know.

Silver Spring, MD — A toolbox talk recently published by CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training features guidance on planning a safe lift with a crane.

Portland, OR — A recent study of residential construction supervisors in Oregon who received toolbox talks via text messages showed that their compliance with Oregon OSHA’s standard on safety meetings increased – and the delivery method was welcomed.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration is offering two online tools intended to help mine operators and workers review violations of safety standards.

Arlington, VA – A new, free training module from the Mine Safety and Health Administration aims to aid employer compliance with incident and injury reporting requirements.

Through the partnership, Snap One will offer partners a customized Portal subscription plan, a $600 annual value, at no cost to partners.

KNIPEX Tools has introduced 24 tools with tether attachment mounts for its Tethered Tool Pliers Program.

The Squids 3183 Carpenter and Laborer Tool Tethering Kit contains attachment and lanyard solutions specifically for tools commonly used by carpenters and laborers working at height.

The RT4-5602 retractable tool tether is designed for workers whose tasks go from requiring a single tool to needing multiple tools. The tether’s patented Quick-Connect tool interchangeability allows workers to attach additional lanyards with female fittings to all tools needed for the project.

Stronghold by PSG has introduced all-in-one tool tether kits for use by workers at height. The kits include tethers that connect tools to wrists, belts and other anchors, as well as coils, bungees and swiveling premium tethers that prevent tangles while handling tools.

A new tool developed for immigrant workers in Ontario is intended to help them adjust to the province's workplace safety rules, according to the Institute for Work & Health, a nonprofit research organization.

Washington – Calling current permissible exposure limits “antiquated” and “dangerously out of date,” OSHA administrator David Michaels unveiled two web-based resources he said will help companies keep workers safer around chemicals.

Lowell, MA – A new online toolkit aims to help employers integrate their health, safety and wellness programs.

A new online toolkit offers guidance on increasing flu vaccination coverage among workers in long-term health care facilities.

The National Roofing Contractors Association and roofing manufacturer GAF have teamed up to create a website intended to help roofing contractors keep their employers safe.