Dan Shipp noted that "none of us came into 2014 with a strategic plan to deal with the Ebola disease" but that the industry has met the urgent need with flying colors. "This is what we do every day for workers around the world." 

According to the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), revised WHO technical specifications for PPE selection are a step in the right direction concerning the recent Ebola outbreaks. 

Technology in the protective clothing industry just keeps getting better, fiber blends are now lighter and more comfortable, and more sophisticated garment designs include venting and layering options.

Ergodyne Launches New Battery Operated Heated Jacket 

"For workers braving the frigid elements on a daily basis, sometimes layering just won't cut it," said Tom Votel, president and CEO, Ergodyne. "We've created a jacket that not only heats the body, it is comfortable, convenient, and easy to use - exactly how a jacket should be." 

The latest protective eyewear from 3M, the 3M HIE6 Protective Eyewear, is integrated directly into the suspension of 3M hard hats, nearly eliminating the weight of eyewear on a person's nose and with no temples. 

Cut-Resistance Standards (Protective Industrial Products) 

There is an immense misunderstanding concerning the EN388 and the ASTM F1790-05 cut tests. Different testing methods, ratings and standards can seem overwhelming when trying to select the correct product. 

Capital Safety Launches New Safer Rope Grab System 

Fall protection systems specialist Capital Safety has introduced the new DBI-SALA Rope-Safe rope grabs designed for use as a secondary backup device for fall arrest. 

Portsmouth Firefighters Acquire Improved Breathing Apparatus (Scott Safety) 

"The new units, made by Scott Safety, are designed to provide increased protection against superheated toxic gases," Deputy O'Brien said in a prepared statement. "The units are also designed to reduce the severity and frequency of strain and sprain injuries to firefighters during use. 

South Carolina Man Dies in Fall From Cell Tower 

A 44-year-old South Carolina man fell 105 feet to his death while working on a cellphone tower.

OSHA Standards Protect Workers from Exposure to Ebola 

Can an employer receive an OSHA citation for failing to protect its employees from exposure to the Ebola virus? Surprisingly, the answer is yes.

Fracking Fumes: Where There's a Well, All is Not Well 

After analyzing 24 scientific studies, the Natural Resources Defense Council finds plenty to worry about, from birth defects to deadly effects.

Worker Wins $62M in Fall Case 

The Queens Supreme Court jurors returned their verdict on Dec. 17, finding that property owner Hutch Realty Partners LLC and contractor Gamut Consulting Inc. had failed to provide the worker with proper safety devices.

New Suit for Ebola Workers Promises More Comfort, Safety 

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new-style outfit that is not only more comfortable, but also less likely to accidentally infect its users. 

Ontario Announces New Working at Heights Standards 

Ontario is improving safety for construction workers by making new training for those who work at heights mandatory as of April 1, 2015.