G&K focuses on helping businesses improve workplace safety

06 Jun '14

2 min read

In recognition of National Safety Month this June, G&K Services, Inc. is focused on helping businesses improve workplace safety.

G&K has identified three areas where companies can reduce the risk of employee injuries and support a safe work environment:

First: Increase worker visibility in low-light environments. Worker visibility is critical to employee safety. Workers must be visible to equipment operators and motorists in all lighting conditions. Enhanced-visibility and high-visibility (ANSI-compliant) uniforms provide increased visibility for people who work in low-light or hazardous environments.

Enhanced visibility garments are well suited for people in lower-risk work environments who need improved visibility in low-light conditions. High Visibility, ANSI-compliant, garments comply with the ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 standard, which addresses worker visibility and specifies minimum amounts of reflective trim for workers who are exposed to higher vehicle speeds or reduced sight distances.

Second: Place safety enhancing floor mats in high risk areas. Visual clues keep safety top-of-mind for employees and notify them when entering a dangerous area. A floor mat with an OSHA approved safety-striped color border alerts workers to areas or machines that potentially pose a hazard.

These mats have a cleated back to minimize movement and also dissipate static to maximize safety in computer rooms and electrical part manufacturing areas. Other types of floor mats help businesses comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.22 by trapping water and dirt to keep floors clean and prevent slips, trips and falls.

Third: Provide flame resistant (FR) protection in hazardous settings. Employees who could be exposed to electrical arc flash, flash fire, or other hazards, such as combustible dust, or molten metal should be outfitted in FR uniforms. Many industries face the risk of electrical arc flash or flash fire that can ignite clothing.

The most serious injury risk is often not caused by an actual fire or explosion, but by clothing igniting and continuing to burn after the heat source has been removed. This risk can be reduced with FR clothing, which self-extinguishes. These garments dramatically reduce the severity of burn injuries and provide valuable escape time to increase the chance of survival. Companies should conduct a safety assessment to understand their workplace risks and provide employees with appropriate safety clothing.

In support of National Safety Month, G&K Services will be showcasing its latest safety solutions at the American Society of Safety Engineers’ (ASSE) Safety 2014 Expo, June 8-11, 2014 in Orlando, Florida.

G&K Services

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