Phone Number1.800.527.8775
Email Addresskcsupply@kcsupply.com

KC Supply Co on Working in Wet Conditions
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Keeping a company running in tip-top shape is hard enough, but add in challenging weather and wet conditions, then what you have is a potential recipe for disaster. Taking the proper steps is essential to ensuring your workplace is hazard-free and your personnel safe.

We recommend some steps to help keep your company safe in wet conditions.

Have the proper gear.

Provide sufficient rain gear for your employees during the rainy season to ensure a streamlined workflow, free from any accidents caused by inclement weather. Good rain gear includes both pants and a coat made from ventilated materials to be worn comfortably for prolonged periods. In the colder months, it is better to use ones made from wool or synthetic material that can still provide warmth in wet conditions.

Use the appropriate equipment.

Avoid using tools not rated for outdoor use when it is raining. Ensure that all of the tools that would be used have textured or non-slip grips to prevent accidents. Providing work boots with deep threads is also helpful to prevent slipping in the work area. It is also important to use anti-fog spray or wipes on glasses or safety goggles to ensure adequate vision. Providing a high visibility vest to ensure that you are easily identifiable, especially when working in areas with high vehicle traffic or when working around heavy machinery.

Keep it simple.

Double-check your workspace layout and note areas that are most likely to have water pooling on them during wet conditions. Examples could be areas near doorways, entrances, or delivery bays. Ensure that these areas are always dried or have hazard signs nearby. This would keep your employees safe and save the company money from any potential lawsuits.

With proper precautions in place, you can keep your employees safe during wet conditions. For more information on safety equipment and other safety tips, visit our website today.

 

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What you need to know about tornado safety
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There have been 391 confirmed tornadoes in the US for 2023. It’s safe to say we are off to a windy start of the year. Tornado safety is essential in this regard, as every employer must be able to provide all of the necessary training, equipment, and planning that is needed for their employees to be safe.

Here are a few steps to help you keep your company safe during a tornado.

Plan ahead

The first thing you need to figure out is to identify the best place for a shelter. Underground areas like basements or storm cellars are ideal locations, as these areas are usually reinforced and away from any possible debris that could cause harm. If an underground shelter is unavailable, look for areas away from doors, windows, outside walls, and areas with wide-span roofs. Individuals caught in a tornado while driving are advised to head to the nearest shelter.

Get the right equipment

Tornado safety relies on having the right equipment. Create a disaster supply kit containing all the necessary items that an individual would need to survive for three days while waiting to be rescued. This includes food, water, first aid kits, flashlights, and other necessary supplies. These kits may be placed inside the shelter in advance. Ensure that any food items are stored properly and that you have adequate water and food for all your employees.

Updated training and exercises

Ensure that all of the employees have sufficient training in how to respond in case of an emergency. Training all employees to practice shelter-in-place plans is a great way to start the dialogue about tornado safety. Include in the training the need to account for all individuals present in the workplace while inside the shelters.

These are just some ways to ensure that your employees are safe in times of emergency. For more information on how to keep your employees safe, visit our website today.

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Personal protective equipment: An overview of KC Supply Co’s different PPEs
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There are a ton of different personal protective equipment (PPE), and finding the right one for your company might be a daunting task. We at KC Supply Co are here to provide you with the different types of commonly used PPEs that you may require in your given profession.

Hearing Protection

OSHA guidelines dictate that noise exposure of an individual is limited to eight hours for 90 dBA, with exposure times being halved for each five dBA increase. With our in-ear ear protection, your employees can safely work their eight-hour shifts with minimal risk of hearing loss. Ensure that the hearing protection has a snug fit and is always worn correctly to ensure optimal hearing protection.

Face protection and eye protection

Face and eye protection are paramount when it comes to personal protective equipment. We have a selection of hard eye and face protection ideal for industries that expose employees to hazards such as flying debris, chemical splashes, or even potentially infectious materials. Face and eye protection can be used with other PPEs, such as disposable masks or half-face respirators.

Head Protection

Head protection comes standard in any construction site as there is always a hazard of falling objects in these locations. But wearing a hard hat in extreme temperatures can be very cumbersome and sometimes painful. This is why we have winter liners and sweatbands that can be easily placed on and removed from the straps of your hard hat. These pieces of personal protective equipment would help reduce the chaffing of the straps onto your head while at the same time absorbing any sweat that may accumulate during work.

Visit us today at KC Supply Co for all of your personal protection needs. Whether it’s for your corporate or individual use, we are happy to provide the appropriate personal protective equipment for you.

 

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An overview of KC Supply Co’s different respirators
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Respirators are essential personal protective devices that are used in various industries all over the world. The COVID-19 pandemic also shone a limelight on the devices, as they became in short supply at the onset of the pandemic as healthcare workers scrambled to find one to be protected from the virus.  

Now that the pandemic and mandatory masking are a thing of the past, respirators are again in rampant supply. Here at KC Supply Co, we have a wide range of respirators. Whether you’re looking for a disposal mask or a more durable respirator for your employees, we have the equipment to satisfy your company’s needs.  

Please take a look at our offerings below.  

  1. Disposable mask – A disposable mask is easy to use and ideal in environments where you only need to filter out non-oil particulates in the air to protect your employees. Extra effort has to be given to ensure that a particular series of disposable masks fit an employee well. 

  2. Half-mask respirator – A half-mask respirator is ideal in many scenarios. The appropriate combination of pre-filters, filters, and cartridges can protect against harmful particles, fumes, vapors, and gases.   

  3. Full facepiece respirator – Full facepiece respirators give the same protection from harmful agents in the air as a half mask respirator, with the added benefit of forgoing the need for goggles. This is ideal in areas with a risk of exposure to smoke, vapors, and sprays that could harm the employee if exposed without any eye protection. 

  1. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) – SCBA protects the user from oxygen deficiency, dust, gases, and vapors at plants. These could even be used in tunnels or even by firefighters. SCBA offers greater versatility than other respirators as its use is not limited to environments with ample oxygen supply, with the drawback of having to carry your own oxygen tank. 

With our large variety of MSA and Draeger respirators, we can provide the best respirator for your particular work environment. To find out more about our available respirators and to fit test yours, visit us today. 

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KC Supply Co on the Top 10 Workplace Hazards and How to Prevent Them 
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Safety should always be your priority, as it is your employer’s responsibility to identify and mitigate workplace hazards. A safe workplace leads to a more productive environment and happier, healthier employees.  

 Keep an eye on these hazards:  

 Biological — Biological hazards potentially spread diseases in the workplace. Aside from the current pandemic and health protocols, consider if your employees also need updated vaccines, such as for the flu and other rampant diseases.  

  1. Chemical — Exposure to poorly managed industrial chemicals can lead to many adverse effects, such as skin irritation, burns, or eye injuries. These chemicals must be appropriately stored, and access to them must be restricted to authorized personnel with the appropriate training and personal protective equipment (PPE). 
  1. Confined spaces — Working in confined spaces is always among the most common workplace hazards. Always train the concerned personnel on how to function in the confined space, and teach those assigned to rescue them in times of emergency.  
  1. Electrical shocks — Shocks can occur without warning. Proper maintenance of electrical installations and immediate repair or replacement of damaged cables and appliances will keep them from happening. 
  1. Falls — Falls from high places or falling objects are among the most common and severe workplace injuries. Prevent falls by limiting access to authorized personnel, securing tools and safety equipment, and training staff on how to use them.  
  1. Fire — Fires are often the result of poorly maintained electrical equipment or other accidents. You must always have accessible fire extinguishers and ensure personnel is trained to use them. 
  1. Machinery malfunction — Workplace hazards are often caused by malfunctioning equipment, which can potentially cause life-threatening accidents. Prevent this through regular maintenance and training workers to report any malfunction.  
  1. Noise — Hearing damage or loss occurs in employees exposed to loud noises for prolonged periods. Supply your employees with the appropriate PPE and employ a shifting work schedule to ensure they are exposed to these sounds for the minimal time possible. 
  1. Physical — Encourage a work environment that promotes a Clean-As-You-Go system. To prevent physical injuries caused by an unsafe work environment, always ensure that the workplace is neat and orderly. 
  1. Poor Ergonomics — Poor ergonomics can lead to sprains and body fatigue that accumulate over time, leading to poor morale in your employees as they would relate work with pain. Workplace hazards caused by poor ergonomics can be resolved by training your employees in posture and fostering an ergonomic environment in your company. 

Eliminating workplace hazards is a nearly impossible task. Still, you would decrease these chances with good housekeeping, proper tools, and training. You would also know how to handle them should the need arise. 

 Visit us at KC Supply Co for all of your safety equipment needs. 

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KC Supply Co on the Importance of Housekeeping in the Workplace
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Housekeeping is more than just a buzzword. As an employer, it is a crucial component in your policy to ensure that your company is in tip-top shape. Good housekeeping practices can boost efficiency in the workplace regardless of the setting. You can control or eliminate workplace hazards that would have otherwise led to a costly incident.

Being effective in housekeeping is an ongoing process, not just an occasional or one-time clean-up. Here are a few tips to help you.

Keeping it clean.

Housekeeping is more than just telling your employees to clean up after themselves. It requires a thorough assessment of the workplace, considering the various moving and static parts, such as work areas, storage spaces, and even rubbish bins. Streamlining your workflow to ensure minimal handling of materials from storage to workstations while keeping the workplace orderly is the essence of housekeeping.

Keeping workers updated.

Ensuring that workers have the appropriate training is essential in a good housekeeping program. They would need to know how to handle the materials properly and, more importantly, how to dispose of them safely. In this way, they would protect themselves, other workers, and other workers and the company.

Keeping facilities maintained.

Maintenance is the name of the game. Maintaining the building and equipment is an important aspect of good housekeeping. The building, equipment, and machinery are in good working order. A good maintenance program should include inspection, upkeep, and repair of tools, machines, and equipment.

Overall, a good housekeeping program can keep your company functioning optimally, preventing any incidents that could lead to losses due to material repair or personnel accidents. Everything is cleaner and the workplace more hygienic, improving your employees’ health. It would provide more efficient use of the space while having better control of tools, materials, and even inventory.

Do you want to learn more about housekeeping? Head over to KC Supply Co today.

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