June is National Safety Month – Celebrate with Saf-T-Gard

Join NIOSH, the National Safety Council, Saf-T-Gard International, Inc. and thousands of organizations across the country as we work to raise awareness of what it takes to help keep each other safe from the workplace to anyplace. Observed annually in June, National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the roads, and in our homes and communities.

The first "P" in "PPE" stands for "Personal", and no one understands this better than Saf-T-Gard International, Inc. As a family‑owned and operated global supplier of industrial safety products now in our 4^th generation of ownership. Saf-T-Gard has been bringing workers home safely since 1936 years with our finest-quality selection of safety products and personal protective equipment, and we can do the same for you.

Today, Saf-T-Gard carries on the tradition that was started more than 85 years ago: Bringing customers the products, training, and service they need to keep employees safe in the workplace. Saf-T-Gard is an active member of the National Safety Council (NSC), the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), and the AD Safety Network and provides thousands of solutions from recognized brand names, in addition to its renowned line of proprietary brands. Saf-T-Gard actively operates the Voltgard^® Test Lab, one of the largest, independent, NAIL4PET-accredited test labs for rubber insulating products in the United States.

Saf-T-Gard offers tens of thousands of products spanning the full range of personal protective equipment and facility safety, from the world’s leading manufacturers, in addition to Saf-T-Gard’s exclusive brands. Saf-T-Gard serves customers in all 50 states and in more than 50 countries around the world. The company has received numerous awards, including Illinois Family Business of the Year, United States Department of Commerce President’s “E” Award for Export Excellence, AD-Affiliated Distributors Safety Network Gold Star's Distributor Award and Peak Performance Distributor Award. Saf-T-Gard is an active member of the National Safety Council (NSC), the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) Worker Safety Committee, the North American Independent Laboratories for Protective Equipment Testing (NAIL4PET), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International), IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and AD-Affiliated Distributors Safety Network.

Click here to shop our comprehensive worker safety solutions online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information, to place an order, or with any additional questions on how we can assist you in your worker safety program.

Be Prepared for Heat Related Work Emergencies

OSHA launched an indoor and outdoor heat related hazards enforcement program on April 8, 2022, to increase OSHA inspections in over 70 indoor and outdoor high-risk industries.

Heat is the most dangerous weather condition. Extreme heat is more deadly than natural disasters, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods combined! Heat stress injuries are preventable with the right preparation and best practices.

Heat illness Can be Deadly

During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn‘t enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if you don't drink enough water and rest in the shade. You can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat illnesses and deaths are preventable.

Employers Must Protect Workers from Excessive Heat Injuries

Under OSHA law, employers are responsible for providing workplaces free of known safety hazards. This includes protecting workers from extreme heat. Working in full sunlight can increase heat index values by 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep this in mind and plan additional precautions for working in these dangerous conditions.

Sunburns, Insect Stings, and Poison Ivy Happen More Frequently in the Summer

1,000,000+ in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, and approximately 85% of the general population will develop an allergy if exposed to poison oak, ivy, or sumac. Protect workers from common skin hazards in outdoor conditions with solutions that prevent discomfort and reduce potential health risks.

Shop Saftgard.com for 20% Savings

This promotion is valid on web orders only. Limit one per customer. Additional exclusions may apply.

The Smart, Simple and Speedy Way to Shop for Safety Online Today!

Beat the Heat on the Lines This Summer

Summertime brings nice weather, shorts, tank tops, and flip flops. But not for everyone: a lot of people must work in the heat. How much stress is put on power lines during this time? Warm weather heats up the conductors on the power line, not to mention the large draw of power due to everyone cranking up their air conditioning to cool off. With the additional amperage going through the lines, more heat is added.

Line workers work in buckets, which reflect the heat and block the wind on most of the body, making the summer heat feel unbearable at times. Their required personal protective equipment (PPE)—fire-retardant (FR) protective clothing, long-sleeved clothing with thick insulating rubber gloves, insulating rubber sleeves and unventilated hard hats—causes them to sweat intensely as they work with electricity. There is so much sweat that the insulating rubber gloves will retain it, as if someone dumped water into them.

What Can be Done to Mitigate This Intense Heat?

The truck coolers are packed with ice, water, and plenty of low-sodium electrolyte drinks for each crew. Good advice is to stay away from tea, coffee, or any beverage containing caffeine, which causes dehydration.

Lunches for these elite workers during the summer typically include fresh foods like crisp lettuce with chopped veggies, fruits, egg salad, and cheese platters. Foods that have high water content, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, celery, lettuce, watermelon, peaches, and zucchini can help to keep dehydration at bay. Work rest cycles are needed during this time. We all want to work less in the heat, but everyone needs electricity, and line workers will work to keep the system on.

OSHA suggests three critical elements: water, rest, and shade. Drinking water every 15 minutes, before you feel thirsty, is strongly recommended.  

Line workers are good at taking care of themselves, and onlookers that drive by may wonder if they are getting any work done when they see someone sitting in the shade, FR shirts hanging on mirrors drying out and everyone taking a water break. However – worker safety is paramount: it is crucial that crews have access to cool drinking water all times, permission to take rest when needed, and be able to find shade so they can cool off.

Signs of Potential Distress to Look for in the Heat

Line workers are trained in first aid and CPR as well. They are their brethren’s keepers and always keep an eye on each other. One thing they are trained to look for during this time of year are signs and symptoms, such as those from the OSHA Quick Card, Protecting Workers from Heat Stress:

Heat Cramps – When you’re dehydrated from pouring sweat and not replenishing all that water loss, you’ll experience muscle spasms.

Remedy: Move to a shady spot, preferably under a tree. Trees release water into the air. Sitting in the shade of a tree can make the temperature feel 10-15 degrees cooler. Drink cold water or a sports drink – preferably a lower-sodium variety that contains electrolytes – to lower the body temperature. Apply a cold, wet cloth to the back of your neck and forehead.

Heat Exhaustion – When those heat cramps are accompanied by dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, or fainting, you’ve reached the danger zone.

Remedy: Get to a safe area and remove any protective clothing, i.e., vests, gloves, hats, and long sleeves. Rest and allow your body to cool down to below 100 degrees. Seek emergency medical help if these steps don't relieve your symptoms.

Heatstroke – Emergency medical attention is vital, and symptoms of this potentially fatal condition can mimic a stroke: Victims may be confused or disoriented. They may have slurred speech. They either have hot, dry skin or they're pouring sweat with a body temperature climbing as high as 104 degrees. They might suffer seizures or convulsions.

Remedy: Call 911. Move the person to the shade. Apply cold compresses and pour water on the victim's clothing, putting them near a fan if possible. Do not give the heatstroke victim anything to drink as it could cause a choking hazard. Keep the victim calm and relaxed until EMTs arrive.

Remembering those who work in the heat and helping them make sure they can stay cool and continue to work is vital during summer. Line crews look out for one another and work diligently to keep the lights on for us all.

Saf-T-Gard carries a comprehensive selection of Honeywell Salisbury electrical safety products including arc flash clothing and kits, rubber insulating gloves, sleeves, blankets and matting, hoods, hard hats, faceshields and accessories, line hose, hoods and connectors, dielectric footwear, grounding and jumpers and more. Click here to shop them online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information or to place an order.

Vendor Product Spotlight: Ansell^® HyFlex^® Work Gloves

Ansell^® HyFlex^® work gloves offer safety solutions designed to provide the ideal blend of comfort, performance, and protection to empower workers in industrial environments to meet the challenges in their workplace while still remaining effective on the job. To help workers perform their best while staying safe, Ansell^® HyFlex^® products are powered by advanced Ansell glove technologies developed to provide best-in-class mechanical risk protection so you can confidently tackle the challenges of each day while working in hazardous environments. Ansell’s entire range of products offer unique safety solutions that help make your workplace a safer place. Find the ideal level of protection for your safety needs on Saftgard.com now.

Click here to shop the Ansell^® HyFlex^® work gloves online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information or to place an order.

Watch the FREE Radians Taking Hand Injuries to an All-Time Low Webinar ON DEMAND

Join us for an insightful webinar on reducing hand injuries in the construction industry. Hosted by safety experts Justin Lad and Rick Mendoza from Radians, this session will provide practical strategies and tools to enhance your hand protection program. You'll hear real-life examples and learn how to implement effective solutions tailored to your needs.

In this webinar, you'll gain an understanding of the common causes and financial impacts of hand injuries. We will guide you through the steps to conduct an effective hand protection assessment and how to select the right gloves for various applications. Additionally, we'll emphasize the importance of employee involvement and share a success story from W.O. Neal, demonstrating the real-world impact of a comprehensive hand protection program.

What You Will Learn:

This webinar is essential for safety managers, EHS professionals, and anyone responsible for workplace safety. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and improve your hand injury prevention strategies.

Subscribe to Our Saf-T-Blog

Did you know Saf-T-Gard has a blog on our website, which we post new articles to every month?

Authored by subject matter experts, including Richard A. Rivkin, Saf-T-Gard CEO and Chairman of the Board, and the world’s leading safety manufacturers, the blog topics range from hazard identification, regulatory standards, and the latest technologies and innovations in safety to help safety managers, workers and business owners across all industries stay informed, make better decisions, and work more efficiently.

Whatever safety challenge you face, count on Saf-T-Gard to deliver trusted advice backed by more than 85 years of service.

Click here to browse and read our current selection of blog articles and click here to subscribe to our blog on LinkedIn for automatic notification when new articles are posted.

Do you have a topic that you would like to see explored in a blog article? Please e-mail LSeminara@saftgard.com.

Shop Saftgard.com - The Smart, Simple and Speedy Way to Shop for Safety Online Today!

Saftgard.com makes it easier than ever for visitors to find exactly what they are looking for by utilizing a guided navigation layout with a fully-optimized “smart” search engine. The responsive design enables use and access to more than 6,000 products with enhanced product content and imagery from your PC, smart phone, or tablet.

Moreover, existing Saf-T-Gard customers can link their account to a new Saftgard.com web login to review ALL past orders and invoices, create a “wish list” of favorite items, save carts to simplify the ordering/reordering process, and so much more! Buyers without an existing Saf-T-Gard account can register for one online, or they can still search, browse, and order on Saftgard.com without a Saf-T-Gard account.

We invite you to spend a few minutes at Saftgard.com, and if you haven't already, please register for an account to enable online ordering. Click here for a shortcut to the registration page, and click here for detailed instructions on how to link your Saf-T-Gard account to a Saftgard.com web login.

Five Safety Tips

1. OUTDOOR WORK WORKOUT - Outdoor workers need high-visibility protective apparel that meets ANSI/ISEA 107 requirements - traffic vests, rainwear, etc.

2. OUTDOOR WORK WORKOUT - Don't get "burned" overlooking the need for sunscreen and insect repellent in convenient towelettes.

3. OUTDOOR WORK WORKOUT - Don't fall for carelessness, as working 6 feet or more above a lower level requires a fall protection system.

4. OUTDOOR WORK WORKOUT - Keep your temporary workspace safe with reflective traffic cones, plastic barricades with flashing lights, and warning barrier fences.

5. OUTDOOR WORK WORKOUT - Update your protective eyewear with fashionable frames featuring indoor/outdoor shaded lens.

Question - Do employers have to pay for body belts, positioning straps, and pole and tree climbers (gaffs or hooks) when used by qualified employees working on poles or towers?

Answer - Yes. Body belts, positioning straps, and pole and tree climbers provide protection to employees from falls while climbing or performing other work. This personal climbing equipment, which is specifically required by §§1910.268(g), 1910.269(g)(2), and 1926.951(b), is PPE, and employers must pay for the equipment when the equipment is used to comply with an OSHA standard.

Saf-T-Gard Spotlight

Saf-T-Gard Spotlight

Jack Walker is Saf-T-Gard’s National Accounts Manager, and he joined the company in March 2017.

What Jack likes about Saf-T-Gard:

“I really enjoy all of my co-workers. Everyone has a great deal of knowledge and experience and is experts at their crafts. No matter what needs to get done, everyone joins together in a team effort to make sure that our customers' needs are met well above their expectations.”

What makes Jack’s day:

"The thing that really makes my day is when we are able to solve a customer’s problem. Whether that is big or small, helping keep our customers safe and happy is what we are all about. Most of the time that is working with many internal business partners to make that happen. Oh, and a good cup of coffee, or two……"

Jack’s outside interests:

"There is nothing better after a long day of work than heading home to see my wife and three children. Stephanie is my wife. Our children are Charlie, Ben, and Molly. We live in Naperville, IL. We spend a lot of time together and with our family. Outside of family time, I love sports, particularly baseball. After my playing career was over, I wanted to give back as much knowledge as I received, so I went into coaching. I have coached almost every level of baseball: T-Ball, Coach Pitch, Little League, High School, and even College. I am currently coaching both of my boys, who are playing travel baseball for the Lisle Wolves."

Requirements for Fall Protection

"What is the threshold height above which employees must be furnished with fall protection equipment?

The threshold height is 6 feet, as per the following excerpts from 29 CFR 1926.501:

1926.501(b)(1)
"Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

1926.501(b)(2)(ii)
Each employee on a walking/working surface 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level where leading edges are under construction, but who is not engaged in the leading edge work, shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system. If a guardrail system is chosen to provide the fall protection, and a controlled access zone has already been established for leading edge work, the control line may be used in lieu of a guardrail along the edge that parallels the leading edge.

1926.501(b)(15)
"Walking/working surfaces not otherwise addressed." Except as provided in 1926.500(a)(2) or in 1926.501 (b)(1) through (b)(14), each employee on a walking/working surface 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system.

As I See It

It is June 2024, and it is finally summertime! So, let’s focus on outdoor work in hot environments.

No sweat – that’s easy – hot workers are sweating away perspiration and that can really be dangerous. That’s why OSHA has a focus on heat stress and employers and employees should be aware of this. Click on this link for more information. Several states have their own standards for heat exposure.

According to OSHA, millions of U.S. workers are exposed to heat in their workplaces. Although illness from exposure to heat is preventable, every year, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure, and some cases are fatal. Most outdoor fatalities, 50% to 70%, occur in the first few days of working in warm or hot environments because the body needs to build a tolerance to the heat gradually over time.

Let’s start with all that perspiration that your workers are losing. Replace those electrolytes with more than just water. But not all electrolyte beverages are the same. You need to look at the contents. High potassium is better than high sodium. Click here to check out our blog posting from last year.

Another big factor in outdoor work is visibility. Hi-Viz shirts and vests are commonplace now, but they need to be replaced when they are dirty (and smelly and torn and …). And the Hi-Viz vests and garments and apparel (including rainwear) need to be matched to the hazard. If there is any possible exposure to energized lines and equipment, you’ll need these products to be arc-rated.

The other side of visibility is protective eyewear for outdoor workers. Pardon the pun, but when was the last time you looked at this issue? Protective eyewear (ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 compliant) is available in shaded, indoor-outdoor, and mirror lens options including OTG eyewear to wear over prescription eyewear (or contact us for details on a simple-to-understand prescription eyewear program).

So, you see, we have solutions to help your workers beat the heat! We’re a team of experienced, dedicated safety professionals – real people to work with you to solve real problems. That’s who we are and what we do – because we’re Saf-T-Gard International – Bringing Workers Home Safely Since 1936.

Sincerely,
Richard A. Rivkin, Saf-T-Gard CEO and Chairman of the Board