Saf-T-Gard Celebrates 90 Years of Bringing Workers Home Safely

Saf-T-Gard International, Inc. proudly celebrates its 90^th anniversary in 2026. Since its establishment in 1936,
Saf-T-Gard has remained committed to one purpose: helping workers return home safely to their families. Today, that same commitment continues through the company's mission: To provide, based on our experience, expertise and understanding of our customers' requirements, solutions to their needs for industrial safety products and personal protective equipment (PPE) of the finest world-class quality, appropriate and suitable for the purposes intended, that provide value, safety, and security.

Founded in Chicago as Latex Glove Manufacturing Company by Leo and Lillian Rivkin, the company produced waterproof, rubber-coated cotton gloves. During the 1940s, because of war-time pressures on Chicago industrial plants, the company expanded as an industrial glove distributor, selling gloves to military equipment manufacturers.

As workplace safety regulations evolved throughout the 1960s and 1970s, so did Latex Glove Manufacturing Company. Recognizing the growing need for comprehensive worker protection, the company began supplementing its legacy of hand protection with industrial safety products from global suppliers, including protective eyewear, respirators, hard hats, protective clothing, footwear, and first aid kits and supplies to meet OSHA’s requirements. In response to this transformation and positioning the company for further growth and better customer service, the company moved to a larger, more modern facility in 1979 in Northbrook, Illinois.

The early 1980s marked another significant milestone with the creation of the Voltgard^® Test Lab, which was launched to develop the electrical testing and utility industry business by providing the testing of rubber insulating products to complement the sales of new products. Today, more than 40 years later, the Voltgard^® Test Lab operates as the largest, independent, NAIL4PET-accredited test lab in the United States and performs full-service testing and recertification, at both AC and DC voltages, for more than 12 different categories of rubber goods – all to applicable ASTM standards. Additional Voltgard^® advantages include the Original Rubber Goods Change-Out Program^® – the industry’s first structured, professionally-managed program designed to simplify the rubber goods testing and change-out process by minimizing out-of-service time and allowing workers to focus on other priorities while remaining safe and productive. Having experienced significant business growth, Latex Glove Manufacturing Company moved to an even larger facility in Northbrook. The new building was nearly double in size with plenty of room for even greater expansion.

In 1989, reflecting its transformation into a comprehensive safety solutions provider, Latex Glove Manufacturing Company officially became Saf-T-Gard International, Inc. – a name that has since become synonymous with quality, expertise, and workplace safety. Today, Saf-T-Gard offers tens of thousands of products spanning the full range of industrial PPE and facility safety from the world’s leading manufacturers alongside its expanding family of proprietary "GARD" brands. Saf-T-Gard serves customers in all 50 states and in more than 50 countries around the world. The company also proudly serves U.S. federal agencies through its awarded U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Contract.

Experience has always been one of Saf-T-Gard's greatest competitive advantages. The company's professional staff has more than 250 years of combined industry experience and includes nationally recognized safety leaders and technical experts. Among its team are a past president and Hall of Fame member of the National Industrial Glove Distributors Association (NIGDA), a past president of the Safety Equipment Distributors Association (SEDA), a voting member of ASTM International Committees F18 on Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and F23 on Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment, members of the International Safety Equipment Association's (ISEA) Hand Protection Task Group, and numerous Qualified Safety Sales Professionals (QSSP), SEE-certified experts, NFPA 70E-trained professionals, and fall protection specialists.

"As we celebrate our 90^th anniversary, we’re incredibly grateful to our customers, employees, suppliers, and partners who have been part of our journey," said Richard Rivkin, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Saf-T-Gard International, Inc. "While we’re proud of our history, what matters most is the trust our customers continue to place in us every day. For four generations, our family has understood that worker safety extends far beyond the workplace – it impacts families, communities, and lives. Every employee is someone's spouse, parent, child, or friend. That is why we have always believed our responsibility goes beyond supplying products. We provide expertise, training, and comprehensive safety solutions that help ensure workers return home safely at the end of every shift. As we begin our tenth decade, we’re committed to maintaining that mission with the same dedication, integrity, and customer-first philosophy that has guided Saf-T-Gard since 1936."

The Gard’s Got It!

GET IT AT THE GARD: Did you know Saf‑T‑Gard carries Se-Kure Domes & Mirrors?

Saf-T-Gard is a full-line supplier of safety products and personal protective equipment (PPE). Shop our comprehensive selection and use promo code THEGARD for 15% off sitewide savings!

Click here to shop Se-Kure Domes & Mirrors online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information or to place an order.

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month

Did you know out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest (OHSCA) is responsible for approximately 350,000 deaths in the U.S. annually (and is responsible for twice as many fatalities than all other workplace injuries combined)? Of those victims, only about 10% survive according to the American Heart Association. Once people call emergency services for help, they need the right equipment and confidence to act to keep the victim alive for the 7-14 minutes it takes for EMS to arrive. 10,000 cases of SCA happen at work each year. If employees aren’t trained to act, a victim’s chance of survival is very low. Rapid response, CPR, and AED use are absolutely critical for a positive outcome.

If a worker collapses suddenly and is unresponsive, they should be treated with both high-quality CPR and an AED. Immediately performing CPR and using an AED can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival - Good CPR chest compressions are essential for moving blood throughout the body and protecting vital organs. The AHA recommends a compression depth of 2-2.4 inches at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute to deliver high-quality CPR. Only 50% of SCA victims will initially need a defibrillating shock, but all will need high-quality CPR. If treatment is administered right away, a victim’s chance of survival can increase to about 60%.

If an AED is available, ask a bystander to bring it, and follow the instructions included with the device to place it on the victim. The AED will analyze the victim’s heart rhythm and determine whether a potentially lifesaving shock is needed. The AHA states that CPR and use of an AED while medical professionals are en route can directly impact a SCA victim’s chance of survival.

When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, survival depends on more than one person. It takes a community prepared to act. Please help spread CPR and AED awareness during Sudden Cardiac Awareness (SCA) Month. Every second counts, and you never know when you might need to help save a life!

Don’t become a statistic! Many workplaces aren’t prepared to handle a SCA emergency. According to the American Heart Association, 55% of employees report that their companies don’t offer first aid, CPR, or AED training. Furthermore, half said they couldn’t even locate the AED in their workplace. Training increases confidence during a SCA event, so the more your employees know ahead of time, the more they can do to help save a life.

SCA is unexpected and frightening, but it can be treated. Do your part to prepare your colleagues by offering CPR training and outfitting the workplace with ZOLL AEDs. In matters of life and death, you can help save a life.

Saf-T-Gard offers a wide variety of ZOLL AED Plus^® packages including semi-automatic and fully-automatic options.

From now until December 31, 2026, ZOLL is offering a $400.00 trade-in credit when you replace any AED – regardless of the manufacturer – and upgrade to a ZOLL AED 3 at Saf-T-Gard or a $200.00 trade-in credit when upgrade to a ZOLL AED Plus^® at
Saf-T-Gard.

Click here to shop ZOLL AEDs online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information or to place an order.

Product Spotlight: Saf-T-Gard^® 
Solva-Gard^® Therma-Gard^® 
Heat-Resistant and Chemical-Resistant Nitrile-Coated Gloves

The Saf-T-Gard^® Solva-Gard^® Therma-Gard^® Heat-Resistant and Chemical-Resistant Nitrile-Coated Gloves replace bulky and stiff neoprene-coated gloves and glove/sleeve combinations that leak, are also now available in a full range of hand sizes to deliver a better, more comfortable fit. These are also the first gloves of their kind to have a qualified, third-party test for conductive heat resistance.

Made with USDA-accepted materials and sealed for liquid-resistant protection, both the SGK-32AEL (19” elbow length) and SGK-32ASL (26” shoulder length)
Saf-T-Gard^® Solva-Gard^® Therma-Gard^® Heat-Resistant and Chemical-Resistant Nitrile-Coated Gloves feature a mildew and anti-germ treated 100% cotton knitted fabric base lining for enhanced tear resistance, warmth and absorbency, as well as an additional 100% acrylic heat-resistant lining. A micro-texture finish provides a safe, secure grip on oily, wet, or dry materials.

Additional features and benefits include the following:

Click here to shop Solva-Gard^® Therma-Gard^® Heat-Resistant and Chemical-Resistant Nitrile-Coated Gloves online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information or to place an order.

Watch the FREE If They Don't See It, It Doesn't Work Webinar Sponsored by AccuformNMC ON DEMAND

Construction sites are constantly changing, which makes maintaining clear, consistent safety communication a real challenge. Missing signage, unclear hazard identification, and inconsistent messaging can lead to confusion, increased risk, and compliance issues.

This webinar breaks down the most common safety visibility gaps found on jobsites today—and how to address them using simple, effective identification solutions. From tagging systems and PPE communication to heat safety visibility and large-format messaging, you’ll learn how to make safety expectations clear, consistent, and easy to follow.

Participants will leave with practical strategies to improve jobsite communication, support compliance efforts, and reduce risk through better visibility.

Five Safety Tips

1. HANDS DOWN - One glove doesn’t fit every hazard. Select hand protection based on the specific risks involved, including cuts, punctures, abrasion, chemicals, heat, cold, and electrical exposure.

2. HANDS DOWN - Check your gloves before every use. Cuts, tears, holes, chemical damage, or excessive wear can compromise protection and signal that it’s time for a replacement.

3. HANDS DOWN - When cut hazards are present, use the ANSI/ISEA 105 cut-resistance rating to help select a glove with a protection level appropriate for the task.

4. HANDS DOWN - Chemical-resistant doesn’t mean chemical-proof. Always verify that the glove material is compatible with the specific chemical being handled and consider breakthrough time, permeation, and degradation.

5. HANDS DOWN - Proper fit is part of proper protection. Gloves that are too large can interfere with dexterity and create snag hazards, while gloves that are too tight can restrict movement and make tasks more difficult.

Visit with Saf-T-Gard

iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Mountain Time), and Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Mountain Time), Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa, Glendale, AZ, Booth #614

Question - Does OSHA require personal protective equipment (PPE) to be replaced after a certain period of time, even if it appears to be in good condition?

Answer - Not necessarily. OSHA does not establish a universal expiration date or replacement schedule for all PPE. Instead, employers must ensure that PPE remains appropriate for the hazards involved and is maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition, as required by 29 CFR 1910.132(a).

The service life of PPE depends on several factors, including the type of equipment, frequency of use, environmental conditions, exposure to chemicals or other contaminants, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Some PPE, such as hard hats, safety glasses, protective gloves, and hearing protection, may need to be replaced when inspections reveal damage, deterioration, or reduced protective performance. Other equipment, including fall protection systems, respirators, and electrical insulating products, may be subject to additional inspection, maintenance, or testing requirements under applicable OSHA standards.

Importantly, PPE does not have to appear visibly damaged to become ineffective. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperatures, chemicals, repeated use, and improper storage can compromise protective materials over time.

Employers should establish PPE inspection and replacement procedures based on workplace hazards, applicable regulatory requirements, and manufacturer instructions. Employees should also be trained to recognize signs of wear or damage and report equipment that may no longer provide adequate protection.

Saf-T-Gard Spotlight

Victoria Johnson has worked at Saf-T-Gard for more than 12 years and has held multiple positions. Currently, she is Senior Administrator, Telecom & Changeouts.

What Victoria likes about Saf-T-Gard:

"I love getting to work with a great team of supportive, fun, and helpful people."

What makes Victoria's day:

"Getting to assist our customers and provide them with equipment that helps keep them safe."

Victoria's outside interests are:

"I love reading, cooking, watching any bad reality show Bravo has to offer, and being a mom to two amazing daughters."

Don’t Let a Slip become a Fall

Slips, trips, and falls can happen anywhere—from the production floor to the parking lot—and changing fall weather can introduce additional hazards such as rain, wet leaves, and reduced daylight.

Under OSHA’s Walking-Working Surfaces Standard (29 CFR 1910.22), employers must keep walking-working surfaces clean, orderly and, to the extent feasible, dry. Employers must also regularly inspect these areas and correct or guard hazardous conditions before employees use them again.

Help reduce the risk by promptly cleaning spills, keeping aisles and walkways free of clutter, securing cords and hoses, maintaining adequate lighting, and addressing uneven or damaged surfaces. Outdoor areas, entrances, and transition points deserve extra attention as seasonal conditions change.

Employees can help, too. Encourage workers to report hazards when they see them rather than assuming someone else will take care of them.

As I See It

It’s October 2026, and here is my personal review of last month’s National Safety Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Every year it seems there is a buzzword or recurring theme among industry-leading exhibitors. In 2026, there was a lot of focus on the connected worker. The technology exists in smart head protection, smart vests, and other wearables to record and report potentially hazardous events. This is particularly important for lone worker situations. The concept of a connected worker is so much more than replacing paper documents with digital technology. By leveraging mobile devices and IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, connected workers can access digital work instructions, benefit from instant team communication at the point of action, and record/report real-time data, providing benefits such as faster and more accurate incident response, and improved quality outcomes. Contact
Saf-T-Gard to learn more.

The international presence at the National Safety Congress grows every year. Many of these basic displays identify the exhibitor as “manufacturer and exporter.” In our 60+ years of experience in global trade, the phrase “manufacturer and exporter” is half-correct. They may be exporters, but not all of them are true manufacturers. Buyer beware #1!

For me, the most distressing exhibit at the 2026 National Safety Congress was for a major online retailer whom I will not name but you can guess. They have an excellent online portal for buying anything from books to office supplies and everything in between. There were long lines for visitors looking for giveaways. This is the poster child for commoditization of safety products. Just one click to buy something from a pretty picture and slick wording. But without product knowledge and customer service and support – Buyer beware #2! You can even find products that misrepresent compliance with industry standards enforced by OSHA – and that can get someone hurt or worse. As I have written frequently, price and value are not the same.

We have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to help you sort through it all, because we are
Saf-T-Gard International – Bringing Workers Home Safely Since 1936.

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