Recognizing National Safety Month

June is National Safety Month and DiscountSafetyGear wants to make sure you are safe and protected. For more than 100 years, the National Safety Council has been a leader in workplace safety. Their goal is to stop preventable deaths in this lifetime with increased awareness and protocols. Despite all the advances that have been made in safety, between 2017 and 2018, preventable work-related deaths increased by 2%. Every worker deserves to make it home safe, and so we want to take some time to bring attention to some of the ways you can take care and precaution to get the job done efficiently and safely.

Working with Fatigue

Getting a good nights sleep is key to keeping energy up and mental awareness at 100%. Many workers don’t always recognize the importance of sleep and fail to prioritize it as a regular part of their health routine. Sleep helps the body remain healthy and function during the day and is a vital part to brain cognition and our ability to perform on the job. The National Safety Council is a leader in working to change the culture and conversation surrounding sleep depravity in the workplace with extended research, education and outreach programs. 

Our jobs often require us to push beyond our natural sleep patterns, especially in positions outside of daylight shift hours. Fatigue can and will result in these cases, leading to a lack of judgement, alertness, slower reaction times, and the ability to make good decisions. This can increase the risk of incidents and injury in a workplace, especially when operating equipment. According to the NSC, more than 43% of workers are sleep-deprived, and those most at risk work the night shift, and long or irregular shifts. Following are a few facts for employers:

1. Safety performance decreases as employees become tired
2. 62% of night shift workers complain about sleep loss
3. Fatigued worker productivity costs employers $1,200 to $3,100 per employee annually
4. Employees on rotating shifts are particularly vulnerable because they cannot adapt their “body clocks” to an alternative sleep pattern

Dr. Geoffrey Calvert, team leader and senior medical epidemiologist at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, discusses shift work and sleep.

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Geoffrey Calvert, MD, MPH, FACP

“In today’s competitive economy, an increasing number of U.S businesses operate to meet customer demand for 24/7 services. These around-the-clock operations are required in order to maintain a place in the global market where transactions with clients, suppliers, and colleagues can span multiple time zones.  Consequently, for many men and women, the workday no longer fits the traditional 9-to-5 model.  They may clock in at midnight and out at 8 in the morning, or they may follow a rotating shift-work schedule consisting of periodic day shifts, evening shifts, and night shifts.”

From a study conducted by Geoffrey Calvert and the CDC, they concluded that sleep-related problems were common among workers, especially among night-shift workers who had the highest risks for sleep problems. Moreover, these risks among night-shift workers persisted even after we adjusted for potentially confounding factors, such as long working hours, socio-demographic characteristics, and health/lifestyle/work factors. DiscountSafetyGear wants to make sure you get enough sleep while working through out the week. Your health and safety are important to us. We have attached important links below that can help with managing your fatigue at work.

Contact Us

Email us at support@onlinestores.com

Call us now toll free: 1-877-411-0036

1000 Westinghouse Drive
Suite 1
New Stanton, PA 15672

Want to Stay Updated?

Follow Discount Safety Gear on:

• Instagram @Discountsafetygear
• Facebook @Discountsafetygear
• Twitter @Safetygear

Important Links:

NSC.org

Healthline.org

Sleepfoundation.org

Sleep.org

References

“Fatigue – You’re More Than Just Tired.” National Safety Council, http://www.nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/fatigue/fatigue-home.

“Shift Work and Sleep.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2016/10/05/shift-work-and-sleep/.

“Why Do We Need Sleep?” Sleep Foundation, 11 Sept. 2020, http://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/why-do-we-need-sleep.

The Low-Down on Fall Protection

Believe it or not, falls are one of the most common work related injuries in the construction field. In the most serious of circumstances, it can cause death. The importance of having proper work equipment is crucial when trying to prevent fall accidents on the job. The United States Department of Labor put safety guidelines and requirements in place under its Occupational Safety and Heath Administration (OSHA) in order to ensure safe and healthy working conditions by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach, education and assistance. OSHA has developed a webpage to provide workers and employers useful, up-to-date information on safety standards. For the best fall protection gear, look no further than DiscountSafetyGear! 

Fall Protection from DiscountSafetyGear

At Discount Safety Gear, safety is our top priority. We want to provide you with the best and most reliable equipment to get you through any job, no matter the heights. Our extensive line of fall protection gear and accessories range from the basic necessities to the most advanced tools. We have a wide range of lanyards, anchors and carabiners to choose from to help ensure you are secure when working from elevated levels. DiscountSafetyGear offers a variety of additional products that will add extra support and comfort. Body pads for instance, will protect your shoulders and upper body from the strain of wearing this equipment on the daily. We also offer roofer’s kits, which include items like a harness, rope, roof anchor, and storage bucket. These kits make it easy to get all of your fall protection needs in one purchase! We carry products from brands such as MSA, FallTech, Miller and more!

MSA Roofing Fall Protection Kit

This MSA’s Roofing Fall Protection Kit meets all your basic fall protection needs with an FP Pro Vest-style safety harness, a lifeline rope grab with shock absorbing lanyard, roof anchors, polyester rope and wood-screws. This roofing kit even includes a handy tote bag to store and transport your safety equipment. MSA is a trusted name in fall protection, providing high quality safety harnesses and lanyards for all your safety needs.

Stay safe and protected with Fall Protection at DiscountSafetyGear!

Contact Us

1000 Westinghouse Drive
Suite 1
New Stanton, PA 15672 Email Us

Call us now toll free: 1-877-411-0036

Want to Stay Updated?

Follow Construction Gear on:

• Instagram @constructiongear
• Facebook @ConstructionGear 
• Twitter @WorkClothes

Your Guide to Rain Gear

FINALLY! Say goodbye to winter and hello to warm weather. Spring has finally sprung, and you know what that means! The days are longer, the air is warmer, flowers are blooming, and rain is a staple in the forecast. If you work in construction, you know the importance of having safety gear that keeps you warm, dry, and comfortable. The work doesn’t stop when the weather decides to change, and at Discount Safety Gear, we know the importance of providing you with high quality gear that will survive whatever Mother Nature throws at you.

Why is it Important?

Quality rain gear is made to withstand anything from a sprinkle of rain to a heavy downpour. We know there’s nothing worse than being soaking wet and miserable, especially when you’re working, so we make sure to carry products that will withstand the elements! Everything is made to be comfortable, durable and will keep you warm throughout the work day. Because the weather can get dicey fast, visibility is a major concern when working in harsh conditions, and is why we sell high visibility rain gear. This will allow drivers to spot you when the weather is bad and you’re on the job.

Rain Gear We Offer

We have a wide variety of rain gear and accessories at Discount Safety Gear. Some of our products include rain jackets, rain suits, rain bibs, rain pants, rain ponchos, and rain hats. We carry trusted brands, such as, River City, Occunomix, Custom LeatherCraft, Rothco, Dutch Harbor Gear, Neese, and more! We offer products that are waterproof, hooded, water resistant, high vis, flame resistant, chemical resistant, and insulated. You can’t always trust the weather, but you can make sure you are covered with the proper rain gear to keep you comfortable and dry!

Featured Product

OccuNomix Class 3 High-Vis Breathable Rain Jacket 

OccuNomix Class 3 High-Vis Breathable Rain Jacket

The OccuNomix Class 3 High-Vis Breathable Rain Jacket will keep you dry and in sight. The LUX-TJR rain jacket is ANSI Class 3 compliant and is made of 100% ANSI polyester with a PU coating that is breathable and waterproof with sealed seams. There is a zip, roll-away hood and 2 outer lower pockets for storage. Check out more rain jackets like this at DiscountSafetyGear.com!

Contact Us

Email us at support@onlinestores.com

1000 Westinghouse Drive
Suite 1
New Stanton, PA 15672

Call us now toll free: 1-877-411-0036

Want to Stay Updated?

Follow Construction Gear on:

• Instagram @constructiongear
• Facebook @ConstructionGear 
• Twitter @WorkClothes

What’s the Deal with Disposable Gloves?

In May of 1889, the idea of disposable gloves was created at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. William Halsted, chief of surgery at John Hopkins, had an assistant that was complaining about her hands having rashes all over them, caused by the chemicals handled during surgical procedures. To solve this problem, Dr. Halsted reached out to Goodyear Rubber Company with a design, and together they collaborated in the creation of the first pair of rubber disposable gloves. Before the creation of disposable gloves, patients undergoing surgery only had a 50% survival rate, due to the germs on surgeons hands that caused infection.

_{An image of one of the original prototypes for the disposable gloves. Held at Alan Mason Chesney Medical Archives of The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.}

Once the word got out about how disposable gloves prevented infection, everyone jumped in line to get them. Since then, gloves have evolved from an afterthought of protection into a lifesaving tool used everywhere in the healthcare industry. The most common types of disposable gloves are: Latex, Nitrile, Vinyl, Neoprene, and Poly gloves. These gloves can be for general use, food prep, exam use, and other tasks, which is why it is important to know which kind is right for your needs. One of the most important questions is, how often should you change your disposable gloves?

Even if your gloves are durable or medical grade level, disposable gloves are not supposed to be worn forever. To ensure protection and sanitation measures are maintained, it is important that you change gloves regularly. Here are some helpful tips to use as a guide:

1. When starting a new task, you should always use a new pair of gloves. Using the same pair for different tasks can cause cross contamination.
2. If your glove gets damaged in any way, you should use a new pair. Check them on a regular basis for rips or tears to ensure proper protocol is followed.
3. If you are working with chemicals or hazardous materials, it is recommended that you dispose of them in the correct place to avoid cross contamination, and bring extra pairs with you as needed.
4. Always remember to wash your hands before and after you use gloves.

After wearing gloves for a prolonged period of time, protection levels will start to decrease. Whatever you are doing while wearing disposable gloves, it is important that you follow the guidelines provided above. Following these helpful tips will keep you and others around you safe.

At Discount Safety Gear, we provide our customers with the best quality gloves to ensure safety. Nitro-V™ Disposable Gloves are formulated with a proprietary vinyl compound equivalent to Nitrile to enhance dexterity, strength, and performance. They have an Industrial Grade 5 mil thickness for prolonged use and strength in each pair. A great alternative to both vinyl and nitrile disposable gloves, Nitro-V™ has an excellent balance of durability and flexibility, making them superior to the standard vinyl, and a great cost-effective solution to nitrile disposable gloves.

Nitrile Equivalent Gloves

Looking for other types of gloves? Check out our wide selection at DiscountSafetyGear.com! We offer everything from anti-vibration to waterproof, and are sure to have just what you’re searching for! Discount Safety Gear is your go to for everything PPE – gloves, masks, face shields and more, it’s all here for you!

Contact Us

Email us at support@onlinestores.com

Call us now toll free: 1-877-411-0036

1000 Westinghouse Drive
Suite 1
New Stanton, PA 15672

Want to Stay Updated?

Follow Discount Safety Gear on:

• Instagram @Discountsafetygear
• Facebook @Discountsafetygear
• Twitter @Safetygear

References:

• “The History Of Disposable Gloves.” SOSCleanroom.com, http://www.soscleanroom.com/blog/the-history-of-disposable-gloves/.“
• How Often Should You Change Your Disposable Gloves?” YourGloveSource.com, http://www.yourglovesource.com/blogs/glove-knowledgebase/how-often-should-you-change-your-disposable-gloves.
• “Caroline Hampton Halsted: the first to use rubber gloves in the operating room”

 

Recognizing National Radon Action Month this January

Did you know that January is National Radon Action Month?

Has your home ever been tested for radon? Learn more about radon and the risks it carries for your home and your health.

What is radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas. It is naturally produced by the breakdown of minerals, soil, and rocks. Radon gas enters buildings and houses through cracks in the foundation and other structurally compromised areas. While the production of radon is inevitable, the health damages this gas inflicts can be avoided if the correct precautions are taken.

As radon is a colorless and odorless gas, you may be inhaling it inside your home without even knowing it. Radon gas can become trapped within your lung tissue, leading to serious health complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), radon inhalation is the #2 leading cause of lung cancer (second to cigarette smoking) and is responsible for over 20,000 deaths in the United States yearly.

Minimizing your exposure to radon

Even though the production of radon gas is inevitable, reducing exposure while inside your home is completely within your control. Even if your home is newly built or reconstructed, there could still be high radon levels present. In fact, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that 1 in 15 American homes have elevated radon levels. So, where do you begin?

The first and most important step: Get your home tested for radon. Radon levels can be quantified using an at-home test kit or by hiring a home inspector qualified to perform radon testing.

Home radon test kits can be commonly found at hardware stores or can be ordered online. Simply expose the test kit to the air in your home, and then mail the kit to a designated laboratory for processing. Here are two online retailers that offer relatively inexpensive radon test kits: Amazon and Radon.com. Be sure to closely follow the kit’s instructions to ensure accurate results.

Other steps to reduce radon exposure include sealing all foundational cracks and gaps. Also, improve air ventilation and circulation in your home with vent pipes and fans.

Radon exposure can inflict serious harm on your health if high levels go unnoticed. Have your home tested today and be sure to spread the word about National Radon Action Month!

---

Questions or comments? Contact us toll free at 1-877-734-2458.

---

For more information on radon exposure and related health complications, please visit the CDC here.

For more information on National Radon Action Month, FAQ, and ways to be proactive about radon exposure, visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and their Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon.

Contact the National Radon Hotline at 1-800-SOS-RADON.

Unbeatable Boot Discounts on Carolina, Timberland & Wolverine

You don’t want to miss this deal! To close out 2019, Discount Safety Gear is having an unbeatable sale on your favorite safety boots. All Carolina, Timberland, and Wolverine boots are 20% off – but only until December 31st!

Carolina Boots

Discount Safety Gear carries almost twenty different styles and varieties of Carolina safety boots. From logger boots to steel toe work boots, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect shoe.

Check out this Carolina men’s 8″ boot crafted with Kharthoum cigar leather and a steel linesman shank for strength and durability. This boot features Carolina’s exclusive proprietary waterproof liner, SCUBALINER, which is sure to keep your feet dry and warm! Another great feature is the removable polyurethane footbed, which provides next level arch support and comfort even when on your feet for hours at a time. For added protection, these boots are electrical hazard rated to protect you from charges up to 14,400 volts at 60 hz. Available in composite toe or soft toe, in sizes 8-14 and medium or wide width.

Carolina Men’s 8″ Waterproof Work Boots

Timberland Boots

We also have 30 varieties of Timberland boots! There’s a Timberland boot for everyone with awesome features like steel toe, waterproof, puncture resistance, and more!

This men’s Timberland Pro Endurance 8″ boot is rated 5/5 stars based on customer reviews and is truly a bang for your buck! Constructed with full grain authentic leather, this boot is both abrasion resistant and antimicrobial. A built-in Steel-Flex Puncture Plate provides puncture resistant safety while on the job. With a tough fiberglass shank, you can be sure this shoe is durable and built to last. Available in sizes 7-15 in medium or wide width.

Timberland Pro Endurance Puncture Resistant 8″ Steel Toe Boots

Wolverine Boots

Wolverine safety boots are made with only the highest quality materials, and you will be able to tell that as soon as you step your foot into one! Discount Safety Gear carries over twenty styles of Wolverine boots, engineered with premium technologies to make a luxurious boot.

This Wolverine Raider 6″ MultiShox Work Boot is made with full grain leather and a mesh lining for breathability. Wolverine MultiShox removable insole provides ultimate cushioned comfort. Wolverine Contour Welt allows the shoe to flex with you, giving individualized comfort even when wearing the boot for several hours. The thick rubber sole is slip, oil, and abrasion resistant for improved safety even in wet and slippery conditions. Available in both soft or steel toe, sizes 7-14, and medium or extra wide width.

Watch the brief video below for more information on Wolverine Contour Welt technology.

Wolverine Raider 6″ MultiShox Work Boots

Don’t wait to order! From now until December 31st, enjoy a 20% discount on all Carolina, Timberland, and Wolverine boots! A perfect holiday gift or a great treat for yourself – this deal can’t be beat!

---

Have questions or comments? Contact us toll-free at 1-877-734-2458.

New Styles of Avenger Men’s Safety Boots Now Available

Exciting new products are available at Discount Safety Gear – just in time for holiday shopping! We now carry two new styles of Avenger safety boots for men.

Our Avenger men’s hiking boot (pictured below) is perfect for those who enjoy the thrill of exploring the great outdoors. These boots are made with high quality, full-grain, brown crazy horse leather. They provide a metal-free, lightweight composite toe, along with abrasion guard shields on the toe and heel for additional protection. Want to hike in the dead of winter? Not a problem with these boots! On top of being waterproof, they also offer 200 grams Thinsulate Insulation so your feet will remain cozy warm and dry even in the most grim of climates. There is thick padding in the tongue and collar to maximize comfort. Available in sizes 7-17 and in medium or wide width, this boot is a perfect fit for any man.

Avenger Men’s Hiker Composite Toe Insulated Boot

For those who need a sturdier boot with more advanced features, the Avenger men’s boot (shown below) may be a better option. Similar to the boot above, this Avenger boot is also waterproof and made with high quality crazy horse leather. It features a carbon nanofiber composite toe and abrasion bumper shield over the toe. The major differences in this boot? Triple the amount of insulation – 600 grams Thinsulate Insulation! Made with puncture-resistant plating, this boot offers maximum protection for your feet. They have flex-welt construction, providing excellent flexibility and durability. The removable polyurethane insole provides comfort and shock absorption for those who plan to put these boots to work on long distance hikes or extended hours standing at work. This boot is oil-resistant, and its thick treads are non-slip even in wet and slippery environments. Meets ASTM2413-11 I/C and Puncture & EH Ratings. Available in sizes 7-17 in both medium and wide widths.

Avenger Men’s Composite Toe, Puncture Resistant, Waterproof, Insulated Boot

Know an avid hiker or outdoorsman? Or someone whose occupation requires a high quality durable work boot for protection? These Avenger boots would make for the perfect gift this holiday season!

This isn’t all we have to offer! Check out the entire selection of safety boots available at Discount Safety Gear – over 100 styles!

---

Have questions or comments? Contact us toll-free at 1-877-734-2458.

Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Hard Hat

Happy birthday to the hard hat! This year, the hard hat is celebrating its 100 year anniversary. Learn more about the history of the hard hat and its changes over the years.

The hard hat was first created by an American man named Edward W. Buller as a result of the booming industrial growth and construction that was occurring in the early 1900s. With increased construction, laborers were at risk for serious bodily injury. Thus the idea of a protective head covering for construction workers, modeled after a military helmet, was born. The Bullard family manufactured the first official hard hat in 1919.

As a result of continually improving safety requirements for construction laborers and their workplaces, the hard hat has gone through major evolution. The first hat, coined the “Hard Boiled” hat in 1919, was made using steamed canvas, glue, and leather. By 1938, hard hats were being made with aluminum, providing the durability of metal. Evolution did not stop there. The 1940’s brought fiberglass, and the 1950’s led to a thermoplastic material that provided strength and cost-effectiveness. Today’s hard hats are produced using polyethylene plastic, yielding a hat that’s lightweight and protective.

Another evolutionary milestone in the production of the hard hat came in 1982. It was during this year that Bullard integrated a suspension system on the interior of their hard hats. Despite a heavy impact on the hat, the suspension system cushions the blow against the user’s head and absorbs some force of impact.

Here at Discount Safety Gear, we look forward to seeing what the future of workplace safety brings. We carry a variety of hard hats including several styles, colors, and the ability to customize or add logos.

Pyramex Ridgeline 4-Point Ratchet Cap Hard Hat (left);
Pyramex SL Series 4-Point Ratchet Hard Hat (right)

Hard hats aren’t all we have to offer! To check out our selection of high quality safety and personal protective gear, visit our online store.

---

For more information on the evolution of the hard hat, visit the Bullard website here.

Looking for some extra reading? The New York Times published an informative article on hard hat evolution that can be viewed here.

Have questions or comments? Contact us toll-free at 1-877-734-2458.

Keep Your Eyes Safe & Protected!

Last time we covered ear safety so it makes some sense to talk about eye protection today. Eye protection is not spoken of as much as it should. You may not think your eyes need protection but surprisingly, they need as much protection as your ears do! Here are just a few of our safety glasses:

 

Safety Goggles are the most popular method of eye protection,as they can be used for nearly anything. They are also good for working outdoors, keeping debris out of the eye when doing outdoor work and even protecting against harmful splatters from chemicals. In addition to work, eye protection can also apply to learning and sports. Many schools use them for science classes involving chemistry or any other class that calls for the use of them. Some sports also involve the use of eye protection like swimming and skiing.

 

Shaded Safety Goggles can not only help protect your eyes externally but also internally, as well. Many of them protect against UV rays which can damage your eyes after prolonged sun exposure. We also recommend seeing your local eye care professional at least once a year to ensure your eyes are healthy and are getting the best care.

 

You can also choose from our many brands of safety glasses. Many of our brands are well-known, like DeWalt, 3M, and Pyramex. Choose from many shade colors like clear, blue, brown/bronze, or silver! And did you know you can also customize your safety glasses to include your company logo? They are perfect for your business, employees, or customers.

 

-CD

Can You See Me Now?

High Visibility, or High-vis, are not just limited to construction or anyone doing physical labor but other occupations. You may have seen a crossing guard, a construction worker, or even a jogger wearing high-vis. They are bright and visible, especially in the dark, wintry days. Dark environments and unpleasant weather conditions make it hard to see anyone who is outside, creating hazards. Snow in particular, makes it very difficult to navigate through, especially during blizzards.

Jackets are some of the best things you can wear in high-vis. You can wear it any time you are outside, whether you are using it for work or just shoveling snow from your sidewalk. Try a simple bomber jacket for the best in protection and warmth. Some, like the Pyramex Class 3 Weatherproof Fleece Jacket, is brightly colored and has five pockets. Two pockets are good but think about what you can do with five!

However, it’s not just snow that’s a challenge. Rain is also a hassle in some places, especially in places like California that recently had wildfires and are in danger of mudslides. Our raincoats, like our bomber jackets, are brightly colored and best of all, they can be worn by everyone. Wear them on your walk or out running errands! The Occunomix Breathable Rain Coat is ideal because it’s simple and very waterproof. Best of all, it’s ANSI compliant. And don’t forget the rainboots! Our rainboots are some of the best in price in addition to being made of some of the best material. Try the CLC Rubber Rain boot or if you like a little color, the Women’s Knee High Safety Boot.

You can also try our High-Vis accessories like these thermal gloves, our Boonie Hat which is bright orange and has a nice strip of the High-Vis material or even a seatbelt cover, which fits on just about any seat belt.

 

-CD