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.It’s amazing how inventive people are when it comes to modifying and repurposing old things to be used as head protection. As safety gear evolves over time, employers must be constantly checking what equipment their workers are using to make sure it meets the standards set by OSHA. Although there are some examples of modified protective gear that claim to offer better protection than original products, allowing the use of non-standard gear for workers’ protection could result in injuries. It …

In the event of a fall, traditional harnesses, lanyards and self-retracting lifeline (SRL) combinations can save a worker from serious injuries. However, they may leave workers just out of reach from work platforms. Rescue operations to retrieve fallen worker(s) are dangerous and the training for such scenarios aren't the easiest to pick up right off the bat. On top of all that, suspension trauma is an ever present danger for workers left hanging for extended periods of time. The lack of p …

We wanted to take a few minutes to talk about our Confined Space Entry Contractor’s Kit. This is perfect for folks doing occasional confined space work who don’t want to make a big investment in equipment. The Kit meets all relevant OSHA standards but won’t break the bank. It comes with a BW MAX XT II 4-Gas Monitor. It’s one of our best sellers for confined space entry. The MAX XT has an internal pump and a hose attachment that allows you to pull air samples from the space you’re abou …

Wristlets are deployed when there is no other way to get a rescuer or victim out of a confined space. Most often this is because the entry is too narrow or restricted to allow retrieval with a regular harness and a D-ring attachment. Wristlets must be used carefully because they can put so much strain on a persons joints and muscles. This can be painful and may cause injury, but in an emergency they can be an excellent rescue tool. Wrist straps are also used for horizontal extr …

For safe entry of a permit-required confined space (PRCS), OSHA designates roles for key persons involved in the procedure.  Workers trained in these responsibilities are the only ones who should be involved in these potentially hazardous tasks. Workers' roles vary depending on the amount of training and experience they have working in confined spaces.  The first role we will discuss is that of the Attendant.  The duties described in OSHA standard 1910.146 require an Attendan …

Just after you have ordered your fall protection equipment (hopefully from pksafety.com) is the perfect time to update your rescue plan.   What?  You don’t have a rescue plan?  Well, you are not alone.  Many conscientious companies provide equipment and training for the PPE issued on site, but fail to see the scenarios through.  What happens to your workers after a fall occurs? The danger of suspension trauma – where blood flow is cut off by harness stra …