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When it comes to worker safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the ultimate authority. While you’re busy working, we’re busy monitoring its regulations, so we can inform you of any relevant changes. Under OSHA, you have the right to the following (and more, which can be found here): • training from your employer • information from your employer about OSHA standards, worker injuries and illnesses, job hazards and workers’ rights • action from your emplo …

There are more than 100,000 mold variations in the world. These different fungi types are located everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. When mold grows, whether from water damage, high humidity or dampness, the increased exposure to the public can cause negative health problems and allergic reactions. The mold produces spores and toxic agents that cause reactions varying from headaches to rashes. Not all mold is problematic, but black mold is a cause for concern. Below, we explain black mo …

Deciding which type of gas monitor is right for you depends on what you need it to specifically detect. For use in confined spaces there is an excellent new portable gas detector that can detect combustibles (LEL), oxygen, and toxics. It’s the ALTAIR 4XR, a new multi-gas monitor designed and engineered by MSA for detection of LEL, O2, H2S, CO, with multiple toxic gas sensing options available. The most common applications of this monitor include fire services, industrial, oil and gas refin …

Arc flash is the exposure to the tremendous thermal energy released by an arc fault. All employees who work around energized electrical equipment (electricians, maintenance workers, operators, etc.) may be affected by an arc flash occurrence. Arc flashes are a primary hazard in the following industries: oil and gas, utility, solar, and wind power generation, paper and pulp manufacturers, hospitals, universities and colleges, food processing and packaging plants, breweries, bakeries, and …

Spring is around the corner, and agricultural workers are getting ready for a new season of working long days in the field. Agricultural workers maintain crops and take care of livestock and usually perform their duties outdoors in various weather conditions. There are numerous health hazards that should be considered before starting work. Workers’ safety protection begins with engineering controls, which include measures that prevent employees’ exposure to work-related hazards. In addition, …

Industrial environments with high noise levels, like construction sites, can potentially damage workers’ hearing. Sound level meters that are used for acoustic measuring indicate noise levels in a workplace, and let workers know when it’s time to put on their PPE. According to OSHA, if noise level exceeds 85dB, they must put on personal hearing protection equipment to prevent hearing loss. There are three important factors that can put you at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL): ho …

Many employers prefer American-made personal protective equipment (PPE) because these items are usually high-quality and up-to-date with OSHA standards compliance. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes challenging to find PPE and products made in the U.S.A. U.S. manufacturing as a whole has declined since the late ’90s, mostly because American-made products have to compete with cheaper-priced products that are made overseas. However, American manufacturers have the advantage of lower shipping c …

Being a product expert includes staying on track with new and existing products, which we like to grow and maintain through continuous training. When developing our team's safety product expertise, we focus on consistency. PK Safety provides comprehensive training in conjunction with our suppliers representing different industries and solutions. Occupational safety products continuously evolve to satisfy customers’ changing needs. We know that gaining expert knowledge of these new produ …

The CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control reported that although the injury-related death rate decreased by 8.2% between 1997 and 2007, traumatic head and brain injuries (TBI) remained a serious public health problem in the USA. TBI-related deaths represent approximately one-third of all injury-related deaths. OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I, Personal Protective Equipment, contains a section specific to head protection (1910.135). The head protection section requires emplo …

While we intend the information below to be helpful, please note that our staff is not trained to discuss chemical or nuclear warfare. These are industrial products and not appropriate for that application.  What is Radiation? Radiation is “ the energy radiated or transmitted in the form of rays, waves, or particles.” Protection against radiation is a complicated task. Scientists differentiate ionizing radiation hazards from radioactive, contaminated particle or liquid hazards. …