National Association Of Safety Professionals

Respirators are essential for shielding workers from harmful particles, chemicals, and gases. But here's the catch — if it doesn't fit, it doesn't protect. Facial Hair & Respirator Seals Beards, mustaches, and even stubble can break the seal, letting contaminants sneak in. OSHA makes it clear: facial hair can't interfere with the seal or valve function. What Can Employers Do? 🔹 Offer Facial Hair-Friendly Options: PAPRs (Powered Air-Purifying Respirators) and low-pressure respirators allow for more facial hair flexibility. 🔹 Keep Multiple Styles On Hand: Different workers, different needs. Be prepared with options. 🔹 Train & Test Regularly: Annual fit testing is required, but don't forget daily seal checks. Protect your crew. Keep them safe. Follow the guidance and ensure every breath is a clean one. For more on facial hair and respirators, check out NIOSH's handy infographic here: https://lnkd.in/eDKFG7Rh #WorkplaceSafety #PPE #RespiratorSafety #NIOSH #OSHA #NASP"

OSHA has cited Sunrun Installation Services Inc. for two repeat safety violations after workers were observed without required fall protection at two job sites in Oak Park and Skokie, IL. The violations occurred just weeks apart, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $288,087. Falls from elevation remain the #1 cause of death in the construction industry. OSHA reminds all employers that no worker should be exposed to fall hazards above 6 feet without proper protection. These injuries and fatalities are 100% preventable with the right safety measures in place. 📊 Fall-related Stats to Know: 395 construction worker deaths in 2022 were fall-related (BLS). 20,000 injuries annually due to falls from heights (CDC). ❌ Don’t let your workplace be next. 📚 Invest in proper fall protection training and ensure compliance with OSHA standards. If you’re looking to enhance your knowledge, explore NASP’s fall protection training courses today. 🔗 Learn more and protect your team: https://lnkd.in/eFNbJ9ug #WorkplaceSafety #FallProtection #OSHACompliance #SafetyFirst #NASP

🚨 Shocking Explosion of Garbage Truck Leaves First Responders Injured 🚨 Dramatic footage captured a powerful garbage truck explosion in Arlington Heights, IL, injuring two police officers and one firefighter. The truck, powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), partially exploded, sending flames, smoke, and debris flying into nearby homes. Bodycam footage shows the force of the blast, which shattered windows, damaged roofs, and blew siding off multiple houses. Authorities believe uncontrolled combustion in the truck's garbage hopper may have fueled the explosion. Thankfully, the injured first responders sustained non-life-threatening injuries, with one firefighter already back on duty. For affected residents, damage claims can be filed with Groot Waste Management Services under claim number RC15285. This shocking event highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and the unpredictable dangers first responders face daily. 📺 Watch the full video here: 💬 Share your thoughts below — How can we better protect our first responders in hazardous situations? #SafetyFirst #EmergencyResponse #WorkplaceSafety #FirstResponders #NASP

A 47-year-old diver lost his life on his first day at work during an underwater test at the Manns Harbor Bridge in June 2024. OSHA's investigation revealed Coastal Gunite Construction Co. failed to meet essential safety protocols, including: 🔹 Pre-employment fitness evaluations for divers 🔹 On-site emergency response tools like first aid kits and resuscitators 🔹 Air quality and pressure testing for diving equipment These lapses underscore the critical importance of proactive safety measures in high-risk industries like commercial diving. Coastal Gunite now faces four serious OSHA violations and $40K in proposed penalties. This tragic event serves as a powerful reminder for all employers: Rigorous safety protocols save lives. #WorkplaceSafety #DivingSafety #OSHA #SafetyMatters #NASP

A new survey from Fusion Risk Management reveals the top threats companies face and how they're preparing for them. Here are some key takeaways: 🔐 Top Threats: 51% of employees cite cyber threats/attacks as the biggest risk. 33% point to massive tech failures and natural disasters. 📋 Preparedness Plans: 76% of employees have access to a written emergency plan. Plans exist for natural disasters (83%), cyber threats (65%), and active shooter events (62%). 📆 Plan Updates: 53% of companies update plans annually, but 28% don't test or update them at all. 📢 Employee Training Gaps: 1 in 5 employees say they've received no emergency preparedness training. The top "Achilles' heels" in preparedness? Inadequate training (29%) Poor crisis communication (26%) Low employee buy-in (25%) Companies are prioritizing risks, but is it enough? See the full story and more insights from the survey here: https://lnkd.in/eD9uHP-9 #EmergencyPreparedness #WorkplaceSafety #CrisisManagement #NASP

🚧 New OSHA Rule: Properly Fitting PPE for ALL Construction Workers 🚧 OSHA has finalized a revision to its PPE standard for the construction industry, now requiring that all personal protective equipment (PPE) must properly fit each worker who needs it. This change addresses a critical issue, especially for women and workers with non-standard sizes, ensuring they have access to PPE that fits correctly. Properly fitting PPE isn't just about comfort — it's about safety. Ill-fitting PPE can reduce protection, create new hazards, and discourage usage. With support from both employers and unions, this new rule aligns the construction PPE standard with those already in place for general industry. A safer, more inclusive future for construction workers is here! Read more about this update on the OSHA website here: https://lnkd.in/eTkmCWhA #OSHA #PPE #ConstructionSafety #WorkerProtection #NASP

OSHA has released its first arc flash guidance update in over 20 years. See what changes they have made on the OSHA website here:

Hey there! We totally get it. You want more live classes, and guess what? The 2025 NASP Live Training schedule is here, packed with loads of your favorite topics. Just grab the QR code above or head over to our live calendar at https://lnkd.in/etFt_865 But a heads up: these classes tend to fill up super quickly, so make sure to snag your spot soon!

Special Announcement! IACET is proud to be able to honor NASP for its commitment to delivering high-quality instruction to its learners by proving they follow the ANSI/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and Training by passing a rigorous accreditation process. NASP’s entire course catalog provides Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Whether you are new to the safety profession or a seasoned veteran, NASP is the trusted source for safety, health, and environmental training solutions that are ideal for your professional growth. Learn about our Accreditation and Course offerings here https://lnkd.in/e_2dXA87.

Safety Alert: Protecting Workers in Cannabis Processing Facilities The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is urging employers in marijuana processing facilities to prioritize worker safety, particularly regarding exposure to ground cannabis dust. This call to action comes after updates to workplace safety standards following the tragic 2022 death of a Holyoke facility employee linked to occupational asthma. Ground cannabis dust poses significant hazards, including respiratory system irritation and skin sensitization. The commission's newly released safety bulletin offers practical steps to improve health and safety in the cannabis industry: 🔍 Risk Assessment: Identify potential skin and respiratory risks, including allergens in cannabis dust. 🛠️ Controls: Implement engineering controls (like local exhaust ventilation) and administrative processes to limit exposure. 🧤 PPE: Ensure employees have gloves, respiratory protection, and other personal protective equipment. ⚕️ Medical Management: Provide care for workers exhibiting symptoms of exposure. Additionally, employers must evaluate the hazards of chemicals they produce and comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (1910.1200). This includes maintaining accessible Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The bulletin also reinforces the obligation of licensees to establish written workplace safety and health procedures and comply with state-specific regulations. This aligns with February guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, which outlined safety and sanitary standards for processing marijuana plant materials. Take Action Today: Protect your team by implementing these measures to reduce risks and promote a safer work environment in cannabis processing facilities. #WorkplaceHealth #NASP