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First aid kits are a must-have item for just about every workplace, regardless of industry or threats. Despite PPE and an abundance of caution, accidents can still happen that lead to injuries and illnesses. A first aid kit, at least one person that knows how to administer first aid, and workplace requirements can help avoid major mishaps. Start with the OSHA or equivalent standards and work from there to put together your kit. General Workplace Requirements There isn’t a blanket answe …

Confined spaces may be difficult and dangerous to work in, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take steps to make these areas more comfortable or safer. An abundance of caution is always going to be a great tool, but sometimes the easiest and safest thing to do is get rid of hazards contained within the space completely. If that’s not possible, there are more steps to take in the form of the hierarchy of controls. Here is our take on the hierarchy of controls to consider implementing before wor …

Thousands of workers sustain head injuries at work every year, and those injuries can result in time away from work and even death. However, a lot of those injuries happened in industries outside of construction or places where hard hats are required. One of the challenges that workplaces and employers face is not understanding the risks of the job and what kind of PPE is required. While hard hats are the obvious choice for some industries, bump caps are a type of head protection that’s gaining …

Work done in confined spaces and high places has something in common: the need for fall protection equipment. This gear can help workers avoid falling in the first place, arrest their fall so they don’t hit a lower level, and keep them in place until they can be brought back up. But PPE is the last line of defense in the event of an accident and should be a part of a complete fall rescue plan. Prevent injuries and death by being prepared for fall hazards and confined space dangers. The …

The dangers of a wildfire don’t end once it’s extinguished. Cleaning up after a natural disaster is dangerous, and cleanup workers need to be prepared for any hazards they might encounter: you don’t want to make recovery longer or harder by getting seriously hurt. In addition to having the proper wildfire personal protective equipment, follow these safety tips to avoid the potential hazards of post-wildfire cleanup. Electrical Hazards Once a wildfire has died down, power lines might …

At PK Safety, we regularly add new products to meet the demands of the working professionals we serve. We're proud and excited to introduce the latest devices from RKI Instruments, a trusted gas detection brand we've carried for years.  Both the RKI 04 Series single gas monitors and RKI GasWatch 3 are compact and highly dependable, which cuts down on the amount of heavy gear you need to carry around and can easily be kept on your person and actually used. Here are the important det …

Hearing damage isn’t always the result of explosions or other single, loud noises. A lot of damage occurs at much lower levels and more gradually, especially if you’re exposed to constant low background noise. Noise intensity, duration of exposure, and the type of sound all contribute to how it can damage your hearing. Even slight hearing loss can have an impact on your life, and the damage is irreversible above certain decibel levels. Symptoms include ringing in your ears, noises sounding …

Being able to breathe without inhaling dangerous particulates and vapors is crucial to respiratory safety. Many workers using respirators for jobs involving construction, often wonder how long their respirator filters last before they should be replaced. The actual answer is “it depends,” but that’s because much of it is relative to the environment in which they are being used. While different filters have different capabilities and limitations, the filter or cartridge cha …

Summer is here, which means longer days and more time outside. Whether you’re working or playing, staying protected from the heat and sun will keep you comfortable and safe from the effects of heat-related illnesses and sun damage, which can include potential skin cancer. Summer skin protection means seeking shade (especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), wearing protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, and proper application of the right sunscreen.Many sunscreens block the …

Climate change is driving extreme weather and drought across the U.S. The number of major wildfires continues to increase year after year. Both man-made and natural, these fires pose a threat to public safety, especially in western states. Burning wood and organic materials releases microscope particles into the air, which can get into your eyes, mouth, and lungs. If you live in an area prone to wildfires, use these tips to reduce wildfire smoke exposure.Know Your RiskAs wildfires become more pr …