A very dramatic video showing the dangers posed by welding sparks that are otherwise not possible to be demonstrated. Original video is no longer available, but the segment is part of the new "Mythbusters: Big Blasts Collection" DVD at the following link:
http://store.discovery.com/detail.php?p=257741&v=discovery

Can also be found on the "Urban Legends" DVD:
http://store.discovery.com/detail.php?p=257743&v=discovery_shows_mythbusters_dvds-books

www.speedglas.com

This is a great respirator if you are trying to protect employees from hexavalent chromium, cadium or other hazardous gases. It does not require fit testing. Filters can be changed to protect against various gases.  It requires a rechargable battery that is included. It can be used in the shop or field. It is heavy and very warm if used in the summer.

This is a great harness and is loved by ironworkers. Comfortable, durable, and easily adjusted to fit. It comes in sizes small, medium, large, and XL. Because ironworkers love them, it is an incentive for them to wear and use fall protection equipment. We offer them as safety incentives.

Mike Wilson, Account Executive
mike@eyelation.com
1-888-308-4703 ext 117

Here is another example of how technology can make our lives simpler. This program/service may not work for very small or mobile work sites. However, for larger and fixed base operations, it's something to consider.

Jeff Greespen (Care Safety)

We have recently started converting all of our welders and connectors working in the air to this system. We haven't heard any complaints about the weight of the unit (under 3 lbs.), or that it restricts movement. The unit comes with a back pad that can be fitted to most harnesses to increase comfort. Also, the tie-back lanyards come in handy in many situations where anchor points are few and far between. These units are great for working in the air since they restrict most free falls to 2'-0" or less, which greatly reduces the impact forces on the body.

Jeff Greespen (Care Safety)

We have started going to this harness for all welders. The Nomex Kevlar webbing holds up great against welding splatter and cutting/grinding sparks. The cost is slightly higher than a normal nylon webbing harness, but we have found it has 3 to 4 times its usable lifespan.

www.ultrasafeusa.com

Fall rescue planning is now a mandatory item for all erectors. This is a retrieval system for employees who fall into their harness. It is critical that the worker does not stay suspended above the floor for so long that it inhibits blood circulation. With the innovation of the Gotcha Retrieval System, the worker can be retrieved with ease and speed. It comes complete in one bag so that it can continue up the building with the raising gang. It is small enough to fit into a normal size gang box. Each system contains a 14 ft extendable pole, a block and tackle, rigging strap, and a handbrake. The system can be prepared and ready to use in less than 3 minutes. Once you set an anchorage point, it is ready. With this system, you can lower the employee down or lift him up to safety. I have used the system over years and trained many local firefighters on its use and versatility. We do not build any high rise without our Gotcha System on hand. I highly recommend this product.

www.ultrasafeusa.com

We have used Ultra-Safe fall protection for more than 15 years. The new mini lite dual retractable is another innovative product that not only keeps our workers safe, but also meets the new DIN en 360 standard (approved for foot level anchorage). This retractable is being used by both connectors and bolt-up hands. It ensures 100% tie off and the ease of use of this equipment has made the transition very smooth.

In addition, the savings on using this system over replacing dual lanyards is truly a great cost effective measure. Repairs on all Ultra-Safe retractables can be done at most of your local distributors, which eliminates down time and the need to carry excess stock. I highly recommend this retractable to all erectors.

This book is written for the leadership of companies who are interested in taking their organizations to the next level in safety. It is very informative on the science behind behavioral based safety programs. Managers/Leaders of organizations who currently do not have or are just starting to look at a behavioral based safety process would find this book very helpful. Although, it calls into question the effectivness of many "time honored" safety programs, calling them a waste of time, money and potentially creating a less safety work environment. It does offer suggestions on what to do instead. It is likely that most who read this book will find it hard to reject all the items that the authors feel are ineffective. With that being said it does leave the reader with a more indepth thought process around the "why" employee's work at-risk and what a proactive organization can do to change that culture. At the very least, readers of this publication will come away with two or three new ideas or thought processes that will help them to achieve a culture of safety.