ISHN
Industrial Safety and Hygiene News (ISHN) covers all things workplace safety, including regulations, compliance, PPE, technology, training, and current events. Since 2019, PK Safety has contributed to its impressive archive of articles on workplace safety. Workplace safety culture is created and supported by workers at all levels of your organization. Having the information to create a safe workplace widely available, as ISHN does through their online publications, eMagazine, podcasts, webinars, and more, is a great way to help support workers and safety. The more informed everyone is, the safer our workplaces and industries can be.
Browse our published articles here:
Eye injuries often occur quickly but the right safety lenses can help February 13, 2024
Workers can suffer permanent vision loss after injuring or irritating their eyes. Learn how to select the right protective eyewear for every type of job. READ MORE
___
Start planning now to protect your workers this winter December 17, 2023
Outdoor workers are susceptible to frostbite and cold stress in the winter. Learn how companies can protect their crews from ice, snow and frigid temperatures. READ MORE
___
Tool tethering is key to protect yourself and others October 18, 2023
Tools can become extremely dangerous when they fall from an elevated surface. Learn how to secure tools when working at height by tethering them to fixed points. READ MORE
___
Silica protocols should include proper ventilation and cleaning process September 22, 2023
Silica is released into the air during the construction process and breathing it in can lead to cancer. Use this guide to learn how to work safely with silica in every setting. READ MORE
___
Respirators for confined space use must be tested for a tight seal August 18, 2023
Workers must undergo respiratory fit testing before occupying a confined space to prevent exposure to hazardous gases. READ MORE
___
Working outdoors? Must-read tips for sun safety June 15, 2023
Too much time in the sun can potentially lead to heat-related illnesses, sunburn, or skin cancer. Use this guide to learn how to select the right type of sunscreen and sun protection PPE for the job. READ MORE
___
Know how to properly assess noise levels and choose the proper protection May 22, 2023
Employees must wear hearing protection when exposed to noises above 85 decibels. Use this guide to select the right type of protective equipment for the task at hand. READ MORE
___
A closer look at the dangers of welder’s anthrax April 23, 2023
Welder’s anthrax is a serious health risk for welders and metalworkers. Learn more about this disease, how it spreads, and how to prevent exposure. READ MORE
___
8 steps to a lockout-tagout procedure March 20, 2023
The lockout-tagout process will keep workers safe when maintaining equipment in the field. Use these steps to develop the proper LOTO procedure for your worksite. READ MORE
___
5 key ways to protect your hands during construction work February 9, 2023
Working construction can lead to debilitating hand injuries. Crews can use these safety tips to protect their hands when using potentially hazardous equipment. READ MORE
___
Winter is here. Are you ready? December 20, 2022
Employers are responsible for protecting their workers from cold stress and other winter injuries. Learn how to keep workers safe when working in freezing temperatures. READ MORE
___
How to comply with OSHA’s current silica rules and regulations November 16, 2022
Managers and supervisors in the construction and manufacturing industries need to protect their employees from various work-related hazards, including the presence of silica dust. READ MORE
___
Best practices for using vaporized hydrogen peroxide indoors September 21, 2022
Many workplaces are looking for new and improved methods of decontaminating indoor spaces. To keep business running more or less, as usual, these methods need to be efficient, cost-effective, and safe enough to use regularly. Using vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) as a disinfection and decontamination measure has become increasingly common. READ MORE
___
How to choose and maintain the best arc flash clothing for the job August 15, 2022
All arc flash workwear is flame resistant, but not all FR clothing is qualified to protect you from arc flash hazards. READ MORE
___
Detectors now smarter and lighter July 14, 2022
Safety managers should know how important it is to keep workers mobile in the field without leaving them vulnerable to hazardous gases. The technology behind portable gas detectors is getting smarter while the devices themselves are getting lighter. READ MORE
___
Summer-friendly head protection keeps rising temps at bay July 13, 2022
Wearing a hard hat or helmet is essential when there is a risk of head injury, but this equipment can also increase a person’s body temperature. We lose most of our body heat through our heads. Managers need to do everything they can to protect their workers in the field, keeping them as cool and comfortable as possible. READ MORE
___
The most common construction eye injuries and how to prevent them May 25, 2022
According to the CDC, around 2,000 U.S. workers sustain work-related eye injuries each day that need medical attention. READ MORE
___
How Industry 4.0 can improve the shutdown process and plant maintenance April 14, 2022
Regular plant maintenance is essential, but shutdown turnarounds tend to be complicated and expensive. According to the TA Cook industry research organization, 82% percent of turnarounds do not satisfy performance expectations — about half experience delays, and 80% go over budget. READ MORE
___
Stay aware of the types of ventilation that are required for confined space March 23, 2022
When a confined space is considered hazardous, the team must take several steps to comply with the latest regulations. Businesses and employers can easily overlook the dangers of confined spaces. READ MORE
___
Ignoring signs of disrepair in your safety gloves can lead to injuries February 28, 2022
Safety gloves provide a layer of protection for your hands and shield them from different types of hazards on the job, including cuts, scratches, punctures, and burns. It’s important to replace your gloves as needed. READ MORE
___
It’s essential to keep your gas detector clean to work properly January 20, 2022
If you work in an industry like mining, manufacturing, refining, or petroleum extraction, where gas detectors are needed to detect combustible, flammable and toxic gases and oxygen depletion, it’s vital that these instruments’ sensors remain clean. READ MORE
___
FR clothing must be properly washed and sanitized to be effective November 8, 2021
Flame resistant clothing is an essential piece of safety gear, but these items get dirty just like any other piece of clothing. Washing and sanitizing FR clothing isn’t the same as doing a load of laundry at home. READ MORE
___
Conventional gas detection isn't enough when it comes to purge testing October 22, 2021
Purge testing is the process of purging an area of all gases to make sure you know which gases are moving through your gas delivery system. This is the air your gas detection equipment will test when workers are inside the space. READ MORE
___
Consider these qualities when selecting head protection for construction workers September 1, 2021
Helmets and hard hats are an absolute must when working in construction sites, confined spaces, and other potentially hazardous environments. READ MORE
___
FR or AR: What’s the difference? August 27, 2021
The difference between flame resistant (FR) and arc flash or arc rated (AR) clothing is clear, but many professionals make the mistake of choosing FR clothing with the assumption that they will be safe should a fire occur. READ MORE
___
Stay on top of training requirements to maximize safety skills July 15, 2021
When hiring a safety professional, companies need to ensure they train this person before putting them in the field, regardless of how much experience they have under their belt. Every job or worksite is unique. READ MORE
___
How to choose the best hi-vis rainwear for the job June 30, 2021
Employers need to protect their workers from the rain even if there’s only a slight chance of precipitation. The slightest drizzle can lead to delays, mobility issues, and a range of safety hazards. READ MORE
___
Heat stressing you out? May 13, 2021
Safety doesn’t stop just because it’s hot outside. As temperatures start to rise, it’s time to invest in summer-friendly FR workwear. READ MORE
___
What's the significance of UL Classification in PPE? April 22, 2021
Companies in the market for personal protection equipment (PPE) should look for products that are UL classified where this is applicable. These items have been subject to specific relevant tests and passed inspections for either personal or industry use. READ MORE
___
Regular air quality tests of confined spaces identify new hazards March 22, 2021
Testing for hazardous gases can be a challenge in the workplace. Invisible, odorless gases can be difficult to detect, which is why it’s important to test the air before entering the space. READ MORE
___
5 tips for choosing the right safety gloves for the job at hand February 9, 2021
Companies tend to lose more time and money on hand-related injuries than any other type of work hazard. Regardless of the job, professionals and managers need to protect their hands by choosing the right safety gloves. READ MORE
___
H2O2 gas detectors are critical after VPH January 7, 2021
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we look at indoor spaces. The virus can easily spread in schools, hospitals, office buildings, confined areas, and those with poor ventilation. READ MORE
___
Consider layers and properly insulated PPE to brave the cold December 4, 2020
Employers have a responsibility to make sure their workers have access to warm, insulating winter gear when working outdoors in the winter or cold environments. READ MORE
Mobile apps help reduce risk in the safety industry November 6, 2020
From transportation to manufacturing, interconnected mobile apps and Wi-Fi-enabled software programs have made it easier to share, record, and analyze important safety information. READ MORE
___
Do gases expire? Learn how to store and use calibration gas mixtures October 28, 2020
When monitoring your work environment for toxic gases, you need to make sure your monitor is properly calibrated for your target gas, such as chlorine, carbon monoxide, or your readings may be inaccurate. READ MORE
___
How to extend the life of your FR clothing August 4, 2020
Industry safety regulations and the evolution of voluntary performance standards have ensured that fire-resistant (FR) clothing is more readily available. For many industries, FR gear is a requirement to ensure worker safety, and keeping FR clothing in good repair is crucial for reducing on-site injuries and extending the life of the garments. READ MORE
___
Portable gas monitors benefit from wireless technology May 6, 2020
Today’s consumers are no strangers to wireless technology. We can send and share updates with the touch of a finger. Automatic alerts and notifications remind us to pay our bills, lower the thermostat, and even take our medication. So why not apply the same technology to the portable gas monitor industry? READ MORE
___
You need to know your gas monitor testing instruments are reliable March 2, 2020
Modern day portable gas detectors are quite reliable and accurate. For enhanced worker safety and to be fully compliant there is a little known concept called bump testing. Bump tests are crucial when it comes to protecting your workers from hazardous gases and other air-borne toxins. READ MORE
___
Inspect FR clothing for wear & tear January 1, 2020
Flame-resistant (FR) doesn’t last forever. Since FR clothing can be expensive to replace, it’s usually best to repair these garments whenever possible. But if your FR clothing is beyond repair, your only choice will be to replace these garments. READ MORE
___
Wearing portable gas detectors: Place detectors in the breathing zone November 2, 2019
Breathing hazards such as hazardous gasses can be a danger to all types of workers, including those in the oil and gas, water treatment plants, metals refining and processing, and chemical plants. To keep safe working in these environments, workers need to carry a range of personal protective equipment. READ MORE
___
Maximize FR protection July 15, 2019
Whether you’re working around dangerous chemicals, electrical systems, or fire-prone areas, you need to make sure you’re wearing the right flame-resistant (FR) clothing. If a fire occurs, FR clothing will minimize the severity of the burns, improving your chances of survival. READ MORE
___
The right personal protective equipment (PPE) is the last line of defense in a workplace accident, and it’s crucial to select and maintain the proper gear to stay safe. ISHN has published numerous articles from PK Safety about choosing the right equipment for the job, from diving into the significance of UL and FR classifications to the qualities you need in your construction helmets to selecting the best workwear. There is also guidance on maintaining and caring for your equipment, from laundering FR clothing to looking for potentially dangerous signs of disrepair to storing and using calibration gasses. ISHN will also have guidance on how to use your equipment.
Workplace conditions and protections are the other part of worksite safety, and ISHN has many articles on that topic. If you work outside and need advice on keeping safe during hot or cold conditions, there are articles about heat stress, cold stress, and the PPE required to stay safe and healthy. ISHN is also an excellent publication to check on news and developments across industries, like OSHA regulations, training programs, and developments like Industry 4.0. There are recommendations for equipment and best practices for particular workplaces and positions, including new technology and industry updates that could change how things work in your industry.
ISHN is one of several workplace safety publications PK Safety has contributed to. You'll also find other worker safety resource articles in our safety blog hosted on our website that you can peruse for information about workplace safety, PPE, and more. If you need the personalized help of a safety expert, contact PK Safety online or by phone at 800.829.9580.