The Gard's Got It

GET IT AT THE GARD: Did you know Saf‑T‑Gard carries SureWerx^® Footwear Traction?

With this unpredictable weather, strong footwear traction is pivotal in keeping workers steady on slick, uneven, or even in fast‑paced jobsites. Investing in slip‑resistant footwear helps reduce preventable injuries and keeps teams moving confidently through every shift.

From head to toe and floor to ceiling, Saf-T-Gard delivers the safety solutions you need to get the job done safely.

Click here to shop the SureWerx^® Footwear Traction products online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information or to place an order.

Workplace Electrical Fatalities from 2011-2024

Contact with electricity is one of the leading causes of fatalities in the workplace. Each year, ESFI provides statistical data on occupational electrical injuries and fatalities to help decision makers better allocate safety resources to workers. The most recent data covers 2011-2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It was compiled in January of 2026.

The Electrical Safety Foundation has compiled occupational electrical injury and fatality data from the U.S. BLS for the period 2011 through 2024. A total of 70,276 occupational fatalities occurred from all causes. 2,070 of these were due to contact with electricity.

Wage and salary workers accounted for 80% of all workplace electrical fatalities, self-employed workers accounted for 20%. White, non-Hispanic workers accounted for 62% of electrical fatalities, Hispanic or Latino workers accounted for 29%, and Black or African-American, non-Hispanic workers accounted for 6%. Hispanic or Latino workers accounted for approximately 19% of the work force and are disproportionately affected by electrical fatalities.

The construction industry had the highest number of electrical fatalities (907), followed by professional and business services (212), trade, transportation, and utilities (171), natural resources and mining (138), and manufacturing (120). Just five occupations in the construction trades – electricians, construction laborers, roofers, painters, and carpenters – experienced 30% of all electrical fatalities.

Electrical power line installers and repairers (6.01 fatalities per 100,000 workers), electricians (2.89 fatalities per 100,000 workers), roofers (2.56 fatalities per 100,000 workers), ground maintenance occupations (1.34 fatalities per 100,000 workers), heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics (0.98 fatalities per 100,000 workers), construction laborers (0.59 fatalities per 100,000 workers), and painters, construction and maintenance (0.35 fatalities per 100,000 workers) had rates higher than all occupation electrical fatalities (0.11 fatalities per 100,000 workers).

The utility industry (0.75 fatalities per 100,000 workers), construction industry (0.73 fatalities per 100,000 workers), and the natural resource and mining industries (0.33 fatalities per 100,000 workers) also had electrical fatality rates higher than all industries (0.11 fatalities per 100,000 workers). 

How Saf-T-Gard Can Help

As a leading manufacturer, distributor, and tester of electrical safety products now in our 5^th decade of operations, the Saf-T-Gard^® Voltgard^® Electrical Safety Division is dedicated to serving industries where worker safety and protection from electrical shock are critically important. Our Voltgard^® Test Lab is the largest, independent, NAIL4PET-accredited test lab for rubber insulating products in the U.S. The Voltgard^® Test Lab performs full-service testing and recertification services for users in every industry, including electric utilities, contractors, telecom, municipalities, first responders, and industrial facilities for 12 different categories of rubber goods – all to the following applicable ASTM standards:

The Voltgard^® facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for the complete testing of these products, including washing, visual inspecting, and electrical testing. All rubber protective equipment tested by the Voltgard^® Test Lab undergoes this rigorous sequence to ensure that your employees are always using safe equipment.

Additionally, Saf-T-Gard has one of the largest new rubber goods inventories in the world and can immediately replace any goods not meeting applicable standards, including ASTM, OSHA, or your company’s own safety policies.

The Saf-T-Gard and Voltgard^® team has more than 100 combined years of safety expertise, focusing on industrial and electrical safety. Our team includes ASTM Voting Members, OSHA 30-hour trained safety professionals, Qualified Safety Sales Professionals (QSSP), and NFPA 70E trained safety professionals. The expertise and experience of our team can be an extension of your team when you partner with Saf-T-Gard on your company’s safety program.

Vendor Product Spotlight: PIP^® Traverse^™ 280-HP1491RM Industrial Climbing Safety Helmets with Mips^® Technology

The ANSI-certified Type II, Class E Traverse^™ with Mips^® Industrial Climbing Helmet delivers superior impact protection for workers at heights or in confined spaces. Independently rated 5 stars by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, the Traverse^™ with Mips^® ranks among the highest-performing helmets tested for both linear and rotational impact protection.

Built with a super lightweight ABS outer shell and an integrated EPS foam liner, the helmet absorbs impact energy while maintaining exceptional comfort and balance. Its highly adjustable 4-point HDPE suspension ensures a secure fit and stability during active movement.

At the core of the design is Mips^® (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), a low-friction layer that allows the head to move inside the helmet 10–15 mm in all directions during an angled impact. This innovative design helps redirect harmful rotational motion that could otherwise be transmitted to the brain, offering an added layer of protection in real-world scenarios.

Additional features and benefits include the following:

Click here to shop the PIP^® Traverse^™ 280-HP1491RM Industrial Climbing Safety Helmets with Mips^® Technology online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information or to place an order.

3M ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 Safety Requirements for Self-Retracting Devices for Personal Fall Arrest and Rescue Systems FAQ

A new revision of the American National Standard for the Safety Requirements for Self-Retracting Devices (SRDs) was approved and became effective on August 1, 2023. Manufacturers are now required to conform to this latest revision of the ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 Standard document.

Question: Is it mandatory that I must update my existing SRL’s to the new ANSI/ASSP Z359.14 Standard revision after August 1, 2023?

Answer: NO, existing SRL equipment manufactured to previous revisions may continue to be used provided it continues to meet all inspection requirements as defined by the manufacturer's instructions for use.

Question: Can distributors still sell SRDs after August 1, 2023?

Answer: YES, Even after August 1, 2023, a distributor can continue to sell any existing inventory of their SRDs if those devices have a manufacturing date of prior to August 1, 2023. Any SRDs manufactured after August 1, 2023 shall be certified to the new ANSI Z359.2021 Standard by the manufacturer, in order to be sold to end users.

Question: Are there new SRL classifications created with this Standard revision?

Answer: YES, under each SRL category, there are now new Class designations. The previous Class A and Class B devices have now been re-designated as Class 1 or Class 2 devices, under the new ANSI Z359.14-2021 Standard. SRDs must now show a Class 1 or Class 2 SRD label on the product in order to designate its Class type.

Class 1 SRD – Must be used with an anchorage point at or above the dorsal D-ring.

Class 2 SRD – For use with an anchorage point either above or below the dorsal D-ring.

This means for applications requiring an anchorage point below the dorsal D-Ring, and when using SRDs certified to the new ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 Standard, a Class 2 SRD must now be used.

Question: Are there any new labeling requirements?

Answer: YES, new labels are required to be affixed to the product displaying the device Class, along with a fall clearance indicator table, preferably at or near the point of attachment to the full body harness. This information will indicate minimum fall clearance based on position of the worker on the working surface.

Question: Is there any additional warning information required with the SRLs?

Answer: YES, for Class 2 SRDs (Leading Edge SRLs), a new warning card is now required to be provided as a separate (orange) card insert. This card acknowledges that there are risks with leading edge applications and users should follow all manufacturer’s instructions and warnings.

Question: Have the arresting distances changed for both Classes?

Answer: YES, the new maximum deceleration distance for both a Class 1 and Class 2 is 42 in. (1,067mm). The previous distance was 24 in. (610 mm) for Type A and 54 in (1,372 mm) for Type B.

Question: Has the ANSI/ASSP Z359 Fall Protection Code increased the maximum user weight capacity?

Answer: NO, ANSI/ASSP Z359 Fall Protection Code defines user weight capacities as between 130 lbs. (59 kg) and 310 lbs. (140 kg).

Question: Has the ANSI/ASSP Z359.14 qualification testing mass for manufacturers been increased?

Answer: YES, the testing mass has been increased from 282 pounds (128 kg) to 310 pounds (140 kg).

Question: Will my existing Fall Protection anchorage be sufficient to use with the Self-Retracting Lifelines newly certified to ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021?

Answer: With the ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 Standard having new requirements for the allowed Average Arresting Force (AAF) increasing from 900 lbs. (4 kN) to 1,350 lbs. (6 kN), it is necessary to confirm the strength of your anchorage is sufficient for the increased values in AAF. Always check the product label for the actual AAF indicated on the Self-Retracting Lifeline, to validate use with appropriate anchorages.

Note: Some Self-Retracting Lifeline models may have an AAF of less than 1,350 lbs., and still meet the new ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 standard.

Question: Where can I find additional information from 3M on this new ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 Standard revision?

Answer: For further details on this new Standard, please reference the published 3M Technical Bulletin on this topic.

Watch the FREE Hi-Vis Apparel for Construction and Contractors Webinar Sponsored by Radians ON DEMAND

Are you responsible for the safety of your colleagues on construction jobsites? Do you want to ensure that your employees are seen and protected? Then check out this informative webinar on Hi-Vis Apparel for construction and contractors.

This course is designed to provide insight into the reasons to wear high-visibility garments in construction applications. Watch Radians experts Nicole Novick and Damon Mason to learn more about why choosing the right high-visibility is integral for peek job performance as they discuss the history of Hi-Vis, levels of protection, and how to choose garments based upon the protection, performance, and purpose.

This webinar covers the following topics:

Closeout Corner

Saf-T-Gard is making it easier than ever to save big on your favorite safety items with the “Closeout Corner” now featured in the Saf-T-Gardian newsletter.

Click here to view the dramatically-reduced pricing on all of your must-have items to take advantage of this limited-time pricing and inventory.

Be sure to check back next month for even more products and savings.

Five Safety Tips

1. DON’T FALL FOR IT – Before the busy spring work season begins, inspect all fall protection harnesses and lanyards for frayed webbing, cuts, burns, or damaged stitching.

2. DON’T FALL FOR IT – Self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) should be checked for smooth operation and proper locking action before every use and periodically inspected according to manufacturer guidelines.

3. DON’T FALL FOR IT – Verify that all anchor points and connectors are rated for the required loads and are free of corrosion, cracks, or deformation.

4. DON’T FALL FOR IT – Remove any fall protection equipment from service immediately if it has been involved in a fall event or shows signs of excessive wear or damage.

5. DON’T FALL FOR IT – Spring is a great time to review your fall protection training and rescue plan to ensure workers know proper procedures before working at heights.

Visit with Saf-T-Gard

iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo -Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), and Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Orlando, FL, Booth #413

NECA Safety Professionals Conference (NSPC) -Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. (Eastern Time), and from 4:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. (Eastern Time), DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Atlanta, GA, Booth #TBD

The Battery Show & Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo - Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), and Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Huntington Place, Detroit, MI, Booth #6724

Question – “Does OSHA mandate that all volunteer members of a HAZMAT team be required to participate in medical surveillance, or may an employee opt out of medical surveillance?”

Answer – Medical surveillance requirements for personnel involved in emergency response to the release of hazardous substances, i.e., HAZMAT team members, are set forth in 1910.120(q)(9). Paragraph 1910.120(q)(9)(i) provides: "Members of an organized and designated HAZMAT team and hazardous materials specialists shall receive a baseline physical examination and be provided with medical surveillance as required in paragraph 1910.120(f) of this section." Therefore, HAZMAT team members involved in emergency response operations covered by 1910.120(q)(9)(i) must receive a baseline physical exam. Any employee subject to 1910.120(q)(9) who elects not to have a baseline examination may not perform emergency response duties as part of a HAZMAT team or as a hazardous materials specialist. An employee who is a "volunteer" member of a HAZMAT team or hazardous materials specialist must still receive the baseline examination under paragraph 1910.120(q)(9)(i). That paragraph applies to all members of any organized and designated HAZMAT team. Any employee who is expected to respond to hazardous substance releases as a HAZMAT team member with the knowledge of the employer is covered under the requirements.

Saf-T-Gard Spotlight

Oliver Stoklosa is a member of our accounting department and has been with Saf-T-Gard for four months.

What Oliver likes about Saf-T-Gard:

"Friendly and helpful co-workers with a sense of community, as well as working for a company that focuses on helping people and keeping workers safe."

What makes Oliver's day:

“Leaving someone satisfied by doing a job well done, learning a new skill, a good joke, and good food!”

Oliver's outside interests are:

“Traveling with my wife, my dogs, snowboarding, and music festivals.”

What is OSHA's position on providing a drug-free workplace?

OSHA strongly supports measures that contribute to a drug-free environment and reasonable programs of drug testing within a comprehensive workplace program for certain workplace environments, such as those involving safety-sensitive duties like operating machinery. Such programs, however, need to also take into consideration employee rights to privacy.

Although OSHA supports workplace drug and alcohol programs, at this time OSHA does not have a standard. In some situations, however, OSHA's General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, may be applicable where a particular hazard is not addressed by any OSHA standard.

Citations for violation of the General Duty Clause are issued to employers when the four components of this provision are present, and when no specific OSHA standard has been promulgated to address the recognized hazard. The four components are: (1) The employer failed to keep its workplace free of a "hazard;" (2) The hazard was "recognized" either by the cited employer individually or by the employer's industry generally; (3) The recognized hazard was causing or was likely to cause death or serious physical harm; and (4) There was a feasible means available that would eliminate or materially reduce the hazard. An employer's duty will arise only when all four elements are present.

As I See It

It’s March 2026 and this month I would like to address TCO = Total Cost of Ownership. According to reports from the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), tariffs implemented in 2025 on personal protective equipment (PPE) have forced manufacturers and employers to consider lower-cost, lower-quality alternatives to maintain safety budgets. Over 90% of ISEA members surveyed expected these tariffs to have a negative impact on worker safety, with 77% reporting significant increases in costs for materials and components.

There is a distinct difference between price and value. If a cheaper product has a reduced service life, was it worth it? One of our key product lines is steel mesh safety gloves primarily for meat and poultry processing facilities to protect workers from knife cuts, slashes, and punctures. While these gloves can be reconditioned (contact us for details about our authorized repair facility), we have data that shows that our gloves last longer than competitive cheaper copycat products. The price difference is close to the cost of one glove repair, so if our gloves need fewer repairs, the math is pretty simple.

You can carry this TCO analysis even further by looking at your workers’ comp insurance claim file or OSHA 300 log of 2025 lost time injuries. If using a better product reduces lost time injuries, the value of using the better product is further enhanced by savings in lost time, medical expenses, insurance claims, and possible OSHA penalties.

The common law of business balance, attributed to John Ruskin, reads “There is hardly anything in the world that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price alone are that man's lawful prey." Early in my career I was meeting with the owner of a glove factory and we were discussing the competitive landscape. He told me that he could make the gloves a little cheaper by making them just a little smaller and with fewer stitches per seam and that many users wouldn’t notice until the gloves didn’t fit right and started to fall apart. Factor in productivity and again the math is pretty simple.

So, when it counts, count on us. Experience matters when it comes to your workers’ safety. That’s us - Saf-T-Gard International – Bringing Workers Home Safely Since 1936.

Sincerely,
Richard A. Rivkin, CEO and Chairman of the Board