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Loud noises on the worksite are irritating and dangerous. Short-term exposure to very loud worksite sounds can cause permanent nerve damage to the inner ear and hearing loss. Ear plugs are just one piece of hearing protection PPE that can be used to protect your ears—when worn properly, they can be used in noise up to 110 dB (roughly the noise level of a chainsaw, leaf blower, or snowmobile). The SparkPlug Foam Earplugs from Moldex has a noise reduction rating of 33, which is the highest N …

Any job or worksite where your eyes are at risk from flying objects, liquids, gases, or other materials is one where you need to wear protective eyewear. Your regular prescription eyewear or sunglasses aren’t going to cut it: eye and face protection is designed for workplace hazards. Choosing the right eye protection is like choosing any other piece of PPE, so use this guide to be prepared for making that decision.Eye Hazard AssessmentOSHA provides guidelines for job hazard analyses as well as t …

Many jobs that involve confined spaces, even if you don’t use them every day, require a basic confined space kit in order to be OSHA compliant. A wide range of industries require work in confined spaces at least some of the time, and while this work is important it also has the potential to be very dangerous. Rescue plans must be put into place before anyone sets foot on the worksite, and they need to be thorough: workers need to know the dangers of the space through testing, research, and docum …

Gas monitors are designed to detect harmful substances that can affect air quality and put workers at risk. But the monitor needs access to the air in question to do its job. Choosing where to install fixed gas monitors depends on a number of factors, including the work environment, who’s entering the space, and the target gas. Use this guide to find the right place for your fixed 4-gas monitor, so you can stay safe in any situation.Breathing ZoneWhen monitoring the space for oxygen to maintain …

Whether it’s your busiest season or business as usual, hot summer temperatures mean a new set of workplace challenges. Workers are feeling sluggish and unmotivated, and the risk of heat-related illnesses is constantly looming no matter where you’re working. While technically there aren’t OSHA standards specifically for heat exposure, employers must provide safe conditions, appropriate summer workwear, and protective gear. These tips can help keep everyone cool at work. Watch Out for H …

Out of 1,061 construction employee fatalities in 2019, 401 of them were preventable deaths caused by falls from elevation. OSHA's 8th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction event was created to raise awareness and stop injuries and fatalities from falls across the country. This year, the event takes place from May 3-7, 2021.What is a Safety Stand-Down?A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event where employers and employees talk directly to each other about safety. …

Your hands are one of your most valuable tools, so picking the right safety gloves for your job is crucial for hand protection. You may feel overwhelmed with all the options out there, so consider these factors to help find the gloves that best fit your needs.Chemicals Chemical hazards come in many forms, which makes the right PPE essential. Whether your hands are splashed or immersed, the exposure duration long or short, or the chemical in liquid, gas, powder, or vapor form, f …

Field decontamination can be a complicated process, and it’s one that should be taken very seriously. Proper doffing procedures require a well-trained team to avoid contamination hazards from biological, toxic, or otherwise dangerous worksite hazards. Your personal protective equipment (PPE) won’t necessarily be safe for reuse after you remove it, as a lot of hazmat gear is designed for limited use, but it depends on your work and your gear. While specific details will vary depending on what you …

A proper respirator is essential for a wide range of industries with threats to the health and safety of workers. It’s crucial to get the right kind of breathing protection, whether it’s a half-face respirator or a full SCBA respirator system. Respirators are classified by the types of hazards they’ll protect a wearer from, the assigned protection factor, and the substances they’re approved for.Determining Which Equipment You NeedConduct an exposure assessment to learn what hazards you need to p …

PK Safety carries BW gas detectors because they’re well-made and trustworthy, but also aim to improve and innovate. We’re excited to carry the latest in their gas detection devices: the BW Icon Series portable multi-gas monitors.  The  Honeywell BW Icon 4-Gas Detector has a 2-year fixed life, so you won't need to replace sensors or batteries. This 4-gas detector simultaneously monitors oxygen (O2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), combustible gas (LEL) and choice of either carbo …