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Fall hazards are common in many workplaces. A fall can occur during simple activities like walking on uneven, slippery surface and climbing a ladder, or as a result of complex activities involving work at heights. Fall incidents can also happen when fall protection equipment is misused. Based on 2014 data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 261,930 workers missed one or more days of work due to injuries from falls. There were 800 work fatalities due to falls, slips or trips in …

By HexArmor Marketing Team When choosing a glove, one of the biggest factors is the grip. There’s much to consider – starting with the application. Are you working in an oily, wet, or dry environment? What kinds of hazards are present? What kind of equipment will you be handling? Not having a proper grip on the job can have ramifications on a gloves’ effectiveness and can make or break a worker’s productivity. The more control, dexterity, and durability a grip provides the more benefits it …

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a dangerous toxic gas that is undetectable by people because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Did you know that every year about 430 people die in the U. S. from accidental Carbon Monoxide poisoning? Recently, police officers were poisoned by CO from a carbon monoxide leak in their vehicles, reported by FOX 25 News. Four officers driving modified Ford Explorers tested positive for carbon monoxide; one even passed out behind the wheel and caused an accident. …

By Luke Laggis, Editor, Municipal Sewer & Water Magazine Educate yourself and your crews, and take every necessary step to make sure no one becomes a victim. Wastewater work is important. We champion the work you do in every issue of MSW. But no sewer line problem is worth dying over. Accidents happen all the time. All too often they’re the result of shortcuts, of failing to take simple steps to protect yourself to save a little time. The industry is filled with stories of peo …

By Alison Grimes, Health Advocate, MAA Center Although there are federal and state laws in place to restrict the use of asbestos in products and materials, the dangerous carcinogen has still yet to be banned in the United States. With six different types of asbestos, the natural mineral takes many dangerous shapes and forms. As a result, certain types of asbestos are more lethal than others. Chrysotile, the most common form, has long, curly fibers allowing the fibers to be woven, tot …

Labor Day was first celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City to commemorate the social and economic achievements of American workers. A few years later the first Monday of September was selected as the official day to pay tribute to the leadership, strong spirit, and freedom of the American workforce. Labor Day is celebrated across the country with parades, festivals, and family get-togethers. Labor Day also signals the end of summer and usually includes outdoor activi …

Continuous product innovation and increased functionality of the products we offer creates a need to continue to learn new information about the various top brand products we carry, and new products that hit the market. This helps our team remain experts in the industries we serve and allows our sales team to assist customers in determining what products they need for their specific application. Product knowledge is fundamental for our team’s success. We work with manufacturers to deliver hig …

Seventy years ago, PK Safety was founded by Eric L. Pedley and ship captain, Josiah Knowles, in San Francisco, CA under the name Pedley-Knowles and Company. What started as one of a dozen Bay Area ship chandlery businesses expanded to include safety nets and eventually shifted to safety equipment and services. Eric was known to be a tinkerer, which led to one of his biggest inventions: extremely durable safety nets. In the mid 1950's Eric and his nephew, Phillip Pedley, formed Pedley Nets, …

On Aug. 21, 2017, for the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse will cross the US coast-to-coast. The shadow of the Moon will block the Sun, and daylight will disappear for around two minutes. Across the US, it will create a path of totality and those who live within this path will be able to see a total solar eclipse. Outside the path of totality, you will be able to view a partial solar eclipse. The impact of the solar eclipse includes: Reduced solar energy supply, whi …

The weather is heating up. Outdoor sun and indoor heat at the workplace are dangerous because they lead to health issues ranging from not feeling well to life-threatening health conditions. OSHA encourages employers to know the following symptoms associated with heat-related illnesses: Heat rash happens when sweat glands become blocked. Heat cramps in muscles appear after strenuous work because sweating causes dehydration and loss of electrolytes. Heat swelling (edema) in legs and h …