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It’s time for a New View of safety

It’s long overdue, according to Dr. Sidney Dekker, who in 2014 wrote an essay on “The ‘Failed State’ of Safety.” Yes, says Corrie Pitzer, who is giving a talk, “Safety at a Dead End” at the American Society of Safety Professionals’ annual conference this June.




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What are new view applications?

The New View is fundamentally the application of systems thinking to workplace health and safety. It considers safety an emergent property of the system. So what does that jargon mean? Instead of focusing on an individual thing, the organization steps back and takes a broader view.




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High-Reliability Operations emphasize error management

What is a High Reliability Organization? The work is highly technical and complex, operators require a high level of technical training and certification, and the consequences of error can be catastrophic. Hence, “it has to be done right every time.”




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NFPA 70E’s focus on preventing human error

The 2018 print edition of NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace® is 104 pages. Updated every three years by the 70E technical committee, this comprehensive standard covers the latest information about the effects of shock, arc flash, arc blast, dc hazards, and developments in electrical design, PPE.




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Humanistic behaviorism: The essence of effective behavior-based safety




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Do you have a plan? Protect workers from lung cancer

Crystalline silica is one of the most common elements on the planet, just behind oxygen. About 2.3 million workers are exposed to it in their workplace. It’s about 100 times smaller than sand and can be found on construction sites in building materials such as concrete, block, stone, sand, and mortar.




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Navigating OSHA recordkeeping & reporting

As OSHA continues to update its 2016 rule on recording and reporting workplace injuries and illnesses, organizations should be aware of new policies that affect how they treat – and reward – safety in the workplace.




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Critical safety protocols for operating lifting and rigging equipment

Delve into the critical guidelines and practices underpinning safe industrial operations, along with the potential consequences of overlooking them.




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When seconds count: Making eyewash stations accessible, responsive and safer

Recent advances in plumbed permanent eyewash stations are improving the odds of workers walking away from these accidents with their eyes with minimal eye damage.




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The rebranding and expansion of industrial hygiene

In this podcast, we discuss how the industrial hygiene professional has evolved over the years as well as AIHA’s rebranding, and even AI as it relates to safety.




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Morgan Stanley predicts 2018 will be tricky for global economies

Investors will have to be careful next year as potential stalling economies in the U.S. and China, along with rising global inflation and tighter monetary policy, could make for a “tricky” 2018, according to Morgan Stanley.




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Fenix Light Limited expands into industrial safety market

The Fenix brand has successfully entered the major outdoor/military/law enforcement markets, and is sold to more than 100 countries and regions worldwide. With manufacturing based in Shenzhen, China, Fenix creates unique products in a company-owned facility, and exceeds industry standards with additional in-house testing protocols.




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Update on ISEA standards

ISEA 121, Dropped Object Prevention Solutions will circulate for consensus approval and public review by end of 2017 with expected publication of a final, approved standard at end of 1Q 2018.




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Safety industry summit set for May 6-8

Save the date for the International Safety Equipment Association’s (ISEA) 2018 Executive Summit, May 6 – 8 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Pentagon City, within the Washington DC Metro Area.




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Kiplinger’s latest forecast for the GDP growth rate

The economy rolled on in the third quarter of 2017, growing by 3%, despite the hurricanes that battered the United States during the quarter.




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Survey finds worldwide EHS budgets to increase 5.4% in 2018

The largest annual global survey of environment, health and safety directors says that EHS budgets will increase by an average of 5.4% in 2018. This is according to a survey of 382 EHS directors by independent research firm Verdantix in 31 countries and 25 industries worldwide.




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Heads up: Here are upcoming QSSP classes

QSSP increases the knowledge and competency of safety sales professionals, which in turn, builds trust and credibility in the customer relationship. The resulting partnership can be instrumental in reducing injury and illness in the workplace.




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Strong growth trajectory for the U.S. economy continues in 2018

For the 1st time since the middle of 2014, the U.S. economy has sustained 3% growth for two consecutive quarters, providing strong momentum into next year. The current Conference Board forecast calls for 2.8 percent growth during the final quarter of 2017 and 2.5% growth in 2018.




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2018 Conferences

From the ASSE to the VPPA, occupational safety and health organizations have a busy year planned for conferences that will educate and enlighten safety and health professionals - as well as provide you with opportunities to network with you rfellow OSH pros. Here's a list of upcoming conferences in 2018.




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Annual Grainger Show attracts 12,000

Grainger welcomed more than 12,000 attendees in February to its annual Grainger Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. “An event like this for Grainger showcases the types of products, solutions, services and expertise we offer customers,” said Deb Oler, Grainger senior vice president and president, North American Sales and Services.




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Fastenal reports 2017 annual and fourth quarter earnings

Fastenal Company announced its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2017. Net sales increased 108% for the year, and 14.8% in the fourth quarter. Gross profit for the year was 10.1%.




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The black hole lead crisis: Do you know where your leads are?

Like many of the readers of this article, for more than 25 years now I have been working with and struggling with sales leads.




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2nd annual AD eCommerce Summit: An ever-evolving digital world

From February 7-9, 2018, AD hosted its second annual eCommerce Summit at the Westin in Denver, CO. More than 250 AD independent distributors across six industries and three countries attended.




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IoT resupply buttons benefit vendor-managed inventory programs

Jergens Industrial Supply recently teamed up with custom software development group MindHARBOR Inc. to solve a problem in their supply chain -- and in the process found a new line of Internet of Things (IoT) technology to market to other distributors.




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MSA Safety Incorporated 2017 revenue up 4%

Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety Incorporated reported results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2017.




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ISEA’s new online training courses for safety sales professionals

The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) has announced two new online training programs for safety sales and marketing professionals. The new courses are part of ISEA’s strategic initiative to provide quality professional development programs to broaden knowledge and competency in occupational health and safety.




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Klein Tools buys Ergodyne to take advantage of an evolving ecosystem

Klein Tools and Tenacious Holdings, the parent company of Ergodyne, announced in September a major deal in which Klein Tools acquired Ergodyne. The “Tenacious Nation” will remain tenacious, with Ergodyne operating as a separate business unit at its St. Paul, MN headquarters and Tom Votel staying on as Ergodyne president.




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In search of omnichannel excellence

These five key elements are emerging as the foundation for omnichannel excellence and should be executed by distributors, according to NAW – the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors.




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So why is the economy booming?

No doubt the U.S. economy is in a boom, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The Conference Board reports the highest levels of job satisfaction in more than a decade. The ratio between the unemployment level and the number of job vacancies is at its lowest level in a half-century




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Y. Berger & Company AB brings Eureka Gloves to the U.S.

We are a family-owned business based in Goteberg, Sweden and founded in 1959 as a Trading Company for Technical Fibers. Eureka Safety is the PPE division of Y. Berger & Co AB launched in 2009 as a logical extension of our expertise in technical materials and technical knowledge and history of glovemaking.




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OSHA emphasis points in 2018

The agency remains in a state of flux as of mid-October. Scott Mugno, the nominee to be OSHA’s top boss, still has not been confirmed. The chief of staff position is vacant. There are no senior advisors. One of two deputies is missing. Four regional administrators are in temporary “acting” roles. 




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You need a process & technology behind downloading leads

We always hear the call from management, “We need more sales!” The call from the marketing team: “Sales needs to do better with the leads, they don’t close enough.” The sales team complaining that “these leads from marketing are horrible.” Same story, new year.




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OSHA enforcement is not letting up

OSHA cited Cedar Fair LP – which operates as Cedar Point – for failing to protect workers from fall hazards after an employee suffered serious injuries at its Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park. The company faces proposed penalties of $142,270 for one willful and one serious safety violation, the maximum penalties allowed under the law.




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Can distributors win as “The Experience Store”?

Many distributors looking for ways to fend off disruption (read Amazon) are considering how to repurpose legacy brick-and-mortar facilities, according to NAW – the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors.




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The next recession is coming — by 2021

Two-thirds of business economists in the U.S. expect a recession to begin by the end of 2020, with trade policy presenting the greatest risk to the expansion, according to a new survey reported by Bloomberg. So you can keep the panic button under lock and key.




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AD completes planned transition to member ownership

AD, the contractor and industrial products wholesale buying / marketing group, announced the completion of the transition of ownership from AD’s long-time Chairman & CEO, Bill Weisberg, to the buying group’s distributor members.




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Snow Phipps Group acquires BlackHawk Industrial Distribution

Headquartered in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, BlackHawk is a leading distributor of cutting tools, abrasives and industrial MRO products used in manufacturing, aerospace & defense, energy, auto aftermarket, construction, general industrial, medical and agriculture applications. 




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Motion Industries acquires Hydraulic Supply Company

Motion Industries, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company, announced that it acquired Hydraulic Supply Company (HSC). Execution of the transaction was completed on October 1, 2018. 




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Implement a floor safety plan to prevent slips, trips & falls

Telling employees to watch their step isn’t enough to eliminate slip, trip and fall injuries in production areas. Like other safety hazards, slip, trip and fall hazards can be identified and in many cases eliminated.




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DPA Buying Group adds 25 new safety distributors & suppliers

The DPA Buying Group is pleased to welcome twenty new distributor members to its safety & public safety product divisions.




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Best practices for safe chemical handling in parts washing processes

What are the hazards workers are most exposed to in the workplace? Environmental considerations are also crucial to mark.




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Epicore Biosystems to deploy connected hydration globally to Chevron's frontline workers

Connected Hydration is a sweat-sensing wearable biosensor and cloud analytics solution that measures sweat loss, sodium loss, skin temperature, and movement to provide actionable rehydration strategies in real time to industrial workers ahead of adverse dehydration events. 




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Workplaces are often mismanaging mental health risk – here’s how

Managers may not always be in the best position to detect subtle signs of mental distress or provide immediate support for employees experiencing severe depression or anxiety. 




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Balancing innovation and integrity: Advanced tech in Olympic safety

Allegations of using drones for unfair advantage during the Tokyo 2020 Games raise serious ethical concerns and underscore the need for responsible technology use in the Olympics.




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DOL announces $1.4M in grants to prevent workplace gender-based violence, harassment

Workplace violence and harassment disproportionately harms women from underserved and historically marginalized communities, including women of color, LGBTQI+ individuals, women with disabilities and women affected by persistent poverty and inequality. 




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Avetta Partners with the National Safety Council to Introduce the Safety Maturity Index™

The new index advances safety management by providing a scalable, actionable framework based on leading indicators to enhance safety outcomes across global supply chains.




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ASSP unveils new membership model and management system

The Society’s membership model has been restructured to add key benefits while a new association management system is simplifying member engagements.




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Technology is great but…

Human competencies that will always be valued include understanding visual inputs, understanding meaning, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving and empathy and caring for others.




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Regular maintenance practices to ensure safe milling operations

Prioritizing routine maintenance helps businesses keep operations safe, efficient and cost-effective in the long run.




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Matthew Rehlander of National OnDemand, Inc. named 2024 J. J. Keller Safety Professional of the Year

Free webcast scheduled on October 3 to hear firsthand accounts of the three top outstanding safety professionals.