According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 351 of the 1,008 workplace fatalities among construction workers in 2020 were caused by falls from heights. Why then are some companies still willing to risk the lives of their employees, just to get the job done? read more
Ask any experienced spray foam applicator about respiratory safety and they will preach that having the correct protection is vital to help guard against hazards such as isocyanates. The Spray Foam Magazine Team (SFMT) spoke with Precision Foam, LLC based in Midland, Texas to ask them why they believed switching from a cartridge full mask to a supplied air respiratory system was not only crucial for safety but made great business sense too. read more
Most spray foam contractors are already aware of the safety standards OSHA sets for eye wear protection, yet with any human, accidents can and will happen. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20,000 eye injuries occur in the workplace each year. They range from superficial eye injuries to severe trauma that can cause permanent damage, vision loss and blindness. read more
With the pressure to produce tighter cycle times, rising material and labor costs, and worker shortages, it is easy to get caught up or in a hurry and take “risks” doing something that is not safe. read more
PPE may sometimes intensify the effects of heat; however, it may also be employed to help fight it. OSHA agrees with this sentiment and states that the use of circulating air is “The most highly effective, as well as the most complicated, personal cooling system.” For example, PPE supplied air respirators, direct compressed air throughout the body and help increase both evaporative and convective cooling. read more
Certain features can increase the risk of a fire within a spray foam rig, but how can these risks be decreased? A few contractors weighed in with first-hand experience on what it means to get a little hot in the rig. read more
The last two years have emphasized the importance of PPE, not just for the contractors but the world. The COVID-19, pandemic has put personal protective equipment in the spotlight with “PPE” now a common term among the public. How is this affecting trends in PPE, and what may the consumer consider when ordering supplies. Spray Foam Magazine spoke with some employees of Bullard, a global PPE manufacturer based in the United States, to get their take on the current PPE situation. read more
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration today announced a new emergency temporary standard to protect more than 84 million workers from the spread of the coronavirus on the job. The nation's unvaccinated workers face grave danger from workplace exposure to coronavirus, and immediate action is necessary to protect them. read more
Isocyanates are extremely responsive chemicals and are widely used to manufacture foams, fibers, and coatings. This includes many spray polyurethane products. Due to the powerful irritants to the mucous membranes of the eyes, gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts, it is imperative that everyone in the spray foam industry be aware of these potential dangers and have these dangers included in safety preps, steps and talks when applicable. read more
Falls continue to be one of the highest causes of injury and death in the U.S. workplace. However, trips and falls can be prevented with employers ensuring that the work area is set up in such a way that all OSHA fall protection guidelines are adhered to. For example, OSHA requires fall protection be provided at elevations of six feet in the construction industry and that fall protection be provided when working over hazardous equipment and machinery, irrespective of the fall distance. read more
