The Material4X Original High-Abrasion Glove’s synthetic leather outperforms standard synthetic leather gloves and rivals the function and feel of natural leather.

Because hand injuries are so prevalent among U.S. workers – 118,170 private-sector injuries in 2011, according to the 2014 edition of the National Safety Council’s “Injury Facts” – glove manufacturers are working to develop products aimed at reducing those numbers.

By taking basic precautions, workers can safely mix, handle and finish concrete without incident.

Rigging – when workers prepare equipment to be lifted by cranes, hoists or other material-handling machinery – is a common work process on shipyard and construction sites, among others. Performing rigging operations safely is critical.

Mishandling compressed gas cylinders – which can have internal pressure of up to 2,500 pounds per square inch – can be disastrous.

When working with conveyor belts, employees should always wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

A variety of safety precautions must be considered when handling batteries and battery acid.

A pinch point is “any point at which it is possible for a person or part of a person’s body to be caught between moving parts of a machine, or between the moving and stationary parts of a machine, or between material and any part of the machine,” states the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Lifting objects or manually handling materials puts workers at risk for back injuries. More than 111,000 such injuries requiring days away from work were recorded in 2017, according to Injury Facts, an online database created by the National Safety Council.

Whenever muscle damage occurs – whether it’s the result of a work-related incident, heat exposure, overuse or other cause – rhabdomyolysis can follow. Also called “rhabdo,” the condition develops when damaged or dead muscles break down and release cell contents into the blood, according to NIOSH.

Puncture wounds, sprained ankles and broken toes are just some of the injuries that can result from handling empty skids and pallets. With about 2 billion pallets circulating in the United States, according to the U.S. Forest Service, the Texas Department of Insurance offers tips to material handlers to help them avoid injury. 

Liquid nitrogen is the colorless, odorless, clear liquefied form of nitrogen. It can be extremely dangerous to work around.

Is steel strapping used at your worksite? The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services calls the straps “a useful way to keep rolls of sheet metal from unwinding while it is being transported, and for binding or reinforcing wooden crates and other boxes that contain heavy objects.”

The Work-Tek SABRE work boot features the brand’s Kinetic Management Technology, bio-mechanically engineered to deliver dynamic support that responds to foot movement while providing stability and comfort when standing still.

FootRests High Energy Footwear has a multi-layer cushioning system that places the cushion layers next to the foot for better comfort.

The waterproof CMF6371 6-inch Rugged Flex Boot CT features black oil-tanned leather with a rubber toe and heel overlays, while a Rugged Flex rubber outsole and five layers of cushioning make for all-day comfort on the job.

Whether you are an industrial worker or someone who needs extra stability in winter conditions, All Purpose Traction Aids will provide you with the confidence you need when working in icy and snowy conditions.

With a smooth leather upper, cushioned Skechers Memory Foam footbed and non-slip rubber traction sole, the Relaxed Fit Eldred SR casual lace-up sneaker is EH Safe rated (ASTM F2413-05).

Diamond Grips from ICEtrekkers provide aggressive traction for all winter walking conditions.

The TREX 6315 Strap-On Heel Ice Traction Device uses a corrosion-resistant steel heel plate secured to the boot with heavy-duty webbing that can be adjusted for a snug, secure fit.

The Boondock 6-inch Composite Safety Waterproof Work Boot features dual-density Dynamic Anti-Fatigue Technology that absorbs shock and returns energy at key zones of the foot while providing enhanced moisture management for all-day comfort.

Determining proper fit for safety footwear can be daunting.

Not sure you’ll remember the right rate for giving CPR compressions? Shake it off, calm down and turn on some Taylor Swift.

Washington — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched a Heat and Health Initiative to help protect workers from dangerous conditions.

Tumwater, WA — A new webpage offers resources for fostering mental wellness in the workplace and supporting workers who have a diagnosed mental illness.

Ann Arbor, MI — “Working memory” may play a key role in helping workers avoid getting distracted, results of a recent University of Michigan and Google study suggest.

Chicago — A large majority of workers are either burned out or feel ambivalent about their job, results of a recent survey show.

Taking prescription medicines known as “Z-drugs” for insomnia may lead to complex sleep behaviors, overdose, injury and – in rare cases – death, the Food and Drug Administration cautions in a recent alert.

London — People who are aware that their co-workers are using employer-provided mental health benefits may be more likely to use them too, researchers say.

New York — Increased stress, long hours and apprehension about disclosing mental health concerns are some of the most pressing challenges affecting women in the workplace, according to a new report.

You mad? Skip the venting – it’s not the answer to feeling better, results of a recent study suggest.

Fend off heart disease and prolong your life by taking the stairs rather than the elevator, results of a new study suggest.

Rancho Cordova, CA — More than 4 out of 5 Generation Z employees say they’re working longer hours – and most say their eye health is suffering as a result.

Exercises that make you “huff and puff” – including running, cycling and swimming – provide a level of cardiorespiratory fitness that can lead to a longer, healthier life, Australian researchers claim.

The use of flavored e-liquids in vaping devices may lead to the formation of nearly 300 different harmful substances, results of a recent study out of Ireland suggest.

San Diego — Opioid use related to workers’ compensation claims decreased nearly 10% in 2023, marking one of the largest drops the workers’ comp industry has seen in years, according to a new report.

Washington — In light of its recent survey of family caregivers that shows 67% struggle to balance work with caregiving duties, AARP is calling on employers to create “friendly and supportive” policies and benefits.

New York — Workers who experience recurring feelings of anger may have a higher risk of developing heart disease, results of a recent study show.

Gainesville, FL — A sense of guilt can help employees be better co-workers after they’ve been rude at work, results of a recent study suggest.

Cutting back on consuming ultraprocessed foods can reduce your risk of a stroke or cognitive issues later in life, according to a recent study out of Massachusetts General Hospital.

Washington — Younger workers report feeling lonely and stressed more often than their older colleagues, results of a recent survey show.

Looking for a simple way to calm anxiety or defuse stress? Step outside your home for a few minutes, researchers say.

Tampa, FL — Practicing mindfulness each day may help reduce workers’ stress and limit negative thinking on the job.

New York — Around 4 out of 5 CEOs say they’re under increased pressure from workers, customers, investors and other colleagues to prioritize human sustainability, according to the results of a recent survey.

Ann Arbor, MI — Even moderate exercise can help keep workers from feeling burned out, results of a recent study show.

Would you be able to provide aid to someone in cardiac arrest? Results of a recent survey suggest that for about half of us, the answer is no.

Construction Suicide Prevention Week, an outreach event aimed at addressing a growing issue in the industry, is set for Sept. 9-13.

State College, PA — The threats of high heat and wildfires are expected to persist well into autumn, AccuWeather says – meaning workers could be at risk.

Around half of adults – and 58% of parents – visit local parks or spend time in nature to help relieve stress, results of a recent survey show.

Quebec City — Work-related stress may heighten the risk of developing atrial fibrillation later in life, results of a recent study out of Canada indicate.