News from the Safety Industry

Following the nation’s first municipal ban on PFAS in firefighter gear, San Francisco equips its entire frontline force with non-PFAS turnout gear to reduce exposure risks while maintaining NFPA performance standards.

The SafetyFOCUS education program offers expert-led training to help safety professionals build practical skills, earn CEUs and address evolving workplace safety challenges.

Federal deregulation is slowing OSHA’s rulemaking, but targeted proposals—such as exemptions for inherently risky activities and continued heat-safety efforts—signal selective regulatory shifts. At the same time, states are advancing their own standards, creating a more complex compliance environment for employers.

OSHA issues new letters of interpretation to clarify how employers must apply key safety standards, from confined spaces to recordkeeping and audiometric testing.

State public health officials are urging employers in the stone countertop sector to strengthen silica dust controls, respiratory protection, and medical surveillance after confirming the state’s first work-related silicosis case in this industry.

ISEA has presented its Ryan-Willson Service Award of Excellence to Ergodyne founder and longtime leader Tom Votel, recognizing his decades of influence, innovation and steadfast commitment to elevating safety equipment standards and strengthening the industry.

Shrader Homes Inc. was cited after inspectors found workers exposed to multiple hazards at a White City framing site, including unprotected heights, damaged ladders and missing eye protection, marking several serious and repeat violations.

Recent global fire incidents highlight how quickly small oversights can turn deadly. Reviewing core NFPA 101 concepts—clear egress routes, accurate occupancy classifications, working detection systems, and consistent training—can help U.S. employers strengthen life-safety programs in 2025.

Next-generation detection technology and human-first design are turning safety into a performance advantage, giving operators greater confidence and improving workflow efficiency.

With thousands of training providers removed from the federal registry for non-compliance, J. J. Keller is offering a free ELDT Audit Checklist and its Safe & Smart® ELDT Trainer Certification Program to help motor carriers meet FMCSA requirements and avoid onboarding delays.