Section

Safety

Articles and resources on safety practices and equipment for trades and DIY work.

Electrician in full arc flash gear narrowly escapes a powerful arc flash explosion with intense heat and flying sparks.

What Are Arc Flash Safety Principles for Electricians and Why Do They Matter?

The heat generated by an arc flash can reach temperatures exceeding 35,000°F.

Ben Foster· May 4· 5 min
Farmer using accessible equipment in a modern farm field, showcasing the benefits of universal design for inclusivity and safety.

Why Farmers Are Embracing Universal Design for Safer Fields

At a small family farm in rural Iowa, a self-closing latch on a stall door, a seemingly minor detail, has enabled a farmer with limited mobility to continue his lifelong work.

Ben Foster· Apr 23· 3 min
A home electrical panel sparking, illustrating the danger of electrical hazards and the importance of prevention in homes and businesses.

How to Prevent Electrical Hazards in Homes and Businesses

In 2023 alone, electrical malfunctions ignited 23,700 residential fires, claiming 305 lives and incinerating over $1,501,600,000 in property value, according to the USFA .

Ben Foster· Apr 22· 5 min
Construction workers on a high-rise site, demonstrating the critical need for OSHA fall protection standards and safety equipment.

What are OSHA fall protection standards for construction sites?

In 2021 alone, 372 construction workers were killed by falls to a lower level, making falls the leading cause of death in the industry despite clear federal regulations, according to KIPRC .

Ben Foster· Apr 19· 5 min
Worker performing a Lockout Tagout (LOTO) procedure on industrial machinery, ensuring safety during maintenance.

What are Lockout Tagout (LOTO) principles and procedures?

In over 58% of reviewed fatal workplace incidents, the life-saving Lockout/Tagout procedures were never even attempted, according to research published in PubMed .

Ben Foster· Apr 17· 5 min
Industrial workers implementing strict lockout tagout procedures on complex machinery in a modern factory to ensure safety during maintenance.

Improving Lockout Tagout Procedures for Industrial Worker Safety

In fiscal year 2023, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recorded 2,554 Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) citations, marking a 17% increase from the previous year.

Ben Foster· Apr 15· 5 min
A skilled tradesperson demonstrating correct ergonomic posture while lifting heavy materials, highlighting injury prevention in skilled trades.

What Are Ergonomic Principles for Skilled Trades Injury Prevention?

Block masons manually lift over 200 concrete masonry units (CMUs) each day, with individual units weighing 16.

Ben Foster· Apr 14· 6 min
Close-up of an overloaded electrical outlet with faint sparks, symbolizing a hidden danger in a home.

How to Improve Home Electrical Safety Protocols

In 2021, United States fire departments reported an estimated 24,200 residential electrical fires.

Ben Foster· Apr 13· 5 min
A skilled tradesperson demonstrating correct ergonomic posture while working with machinery, emphasizing safety and injury prevention in the workplace.

Why ergonomic principles are crucial for skilled trades injury prevention

More than 90% of participating construction firms had a written safety program, yet the majority lacked trade-specific ergonomic interventions, according to a study published in PubMed .

Ben Foster· Apr 13· 8 min
A safety inspector carefully inspecting a large piece of construction heavy machinery on a busy worksite, highlighting the importance of thorough checks.

How to Inspect Heavy Machinery Safely: Best Practices Guide

Even with a 50% decline in machinery-related fatality rates between 1980 and 1992, heavy equipment still caused approximately 404 deaths annually in construction from 1992 to 2010.

Ben Foster· Apr 12· 8 min
Technician safely performing machine maintenance in a 2026 workshop using lockout tagout procedures and clear safety protocols.

How Do Electrical Safety Protocols and Lockout Tagout Procedures Work in 2026?

Every year, the proper application of electrical safety protocols and lockout tagout procedures prevents an estimated 120 fatalities in workplaces across the United States.

Ben Foster· Apr 10· 6 min
A modern smoke and carbon monoxide detector mounted on a white ceiling, glowing softly, symbolizing home safety and protection against unseen dangers.

How to Install and Maintain Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: A Complete Guide

Understanding how to install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors properly is a critical aspect of property safety. This guide provides a complete overview of installation, maintenance, and common pitfalls to ensure your alarms are always functional.

Ben Foster· Apr 9· 8 min
Skilled tradespeople using ergonomic tools and proper posture in a well-designed workshop, illustrating injury prevention and productivity through applied ergonomic principles.

A Workplace Ergonomics Guide for Skilled Trades: Injury Prevention and Productivity

For skilled trades, understanding and applying ergonomic principles is crucial for injury prevention, productivity, and career longevity. This guide explores how to design workspaces, tools, and tasks to minimize physical stress and reduce musculoskeletal disorders.

Ben Foster· Apr 6· 8 min
A trade professional wearing safety glasses and gloves carefully inspects a power drill on a workbench, emphasizing safe power tool handling and maintenance practices.

How to Use Power Tools Safely: A Complete Guide to Handling and Maintenance

A comprehensive power tool safety guide is crucial for trade professionals to prevent severe injuries. Learn systematic practices, pre-use inspections, and proper PPE to mitigate risks and ensure a secure work environment.

Ben Foster· Apr 4· 8 min
Technician applying a red lockout device and "DO NOT OPERATE" tag to an electrical panel, emphasizing safety to prevent unexpected machine startup and mitigate electrical hazards.

How Lockout/Tagout Works: A Complete Guide to Mitigating Electrical Hazards

Lockout/Tagout (LO/TO) is a fundamental safety procedure designed to prevent injuries from unexpected machine energization. This guide details the step-by-step process and key considerations for mitigating electrical hazards in the workplace.

Ben Foster· Apr 3· 8 min
Diverse trade workers in a high-risk industrial environment, wearing advanced PPE, demonstrating adherence to specialized safety protocols like LOTO, ensuring workplace safety.

A Guide to Specialized Safety Protocols for High-Risk Trades

For professionals in high-risk trades, understanding specialized safety protocols and equipment is a critical component of daily survival. Adherence to these guidelines is paramount for safeguarding personnel against severe injury or fatality.

Ben Foster· Mar 31· 9 min
An electrician in safety gear carefully inspects a home's electrical panel, ensuring wiring compliance and preventing hazards like shock or fire, demonstrating best safety practices.

How to Follow Electrical Wiring Safety Best Practices and Regulations

Understanding electrical wiring safety best practices and regulations is crucial for preventing severe risks like electrical shock, fire, and equipment damage. This guide provides essential steps for safe electrical work, hazard prevention, and knowing when to call a professional.

Ben Foster· Mar 30· 8 min
Editorial illustration for A Practical Guide to Smart Safety Tech and the Hazards They Prevent

A Practical Guide to Smart Safety Tech and the Hazards They Prevent

Modern safety technology is transforming workplaces by shifting from reactive accident response to proactive prevention. This guide explores worker-worn devices and site-based systems that use data and AI to mitigate common workplace hazards.

Rick Donovan· Oct 7· 4 min
Editorial illustration for How to Choose the Right Safety Eyewear for Any Job Site Hazard

How to Choose the Right Safety Eyewear for Any Job Site Hazard

Selecting the proper eye protection for any job site involves understanding distinct hazards and ANSI Z87.1 ratings. Match your specific work risks to certified safety glasses, goggles, or face shields for adequate shielding.

Rick Donovan· Oct 3· 4 min
Construction workers operating heavy machinery safely on a busy construction site, maintaining awareness and safe distances.

Essential Heavy Machinery Safety Practices for Construction Sites

Every year, thousands of construction workers are injured or killed by heavy machinery.

Ben Foster· Sep 14· 4 min
Construction site with heavy machinery, safety barriers, and workers maintaining a safe distance during operations.

Crucial Safety Practices for Heavy Machinery

Over 75% of struck-by fatalities in construction involve trucks or cranes, reports OSHA via Rakenapp .

Ben Foster· Aug 29· 3 min
Tradespeople and DIYers demonstrating essential safety practices and wearing proper PPE on a construction site.

Essential Safety Practices and Equipment for Tradespeople and DIYers

Brunt, a workwear company founded in 2020, has achieved over $300 million in annual sales .

Ben Foster· Aug 22· 4 min
A tradesperson wearing safety gear meticulously works on an electrical panel, demonstrating essential electrical safety practices in a professional setting.

Essential Electrical Safety Practices for Tradespeople

Every year, over 2,000 tradespeople in the US suffer non-fatal electrical shock injuries, leading to lost workdays.

Ben Foster· Aug 11· 4 min
Tradespeople on a construction site wearing essential PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility vests, and work boots, demonstrating workplace safety.

8 Essential PPE Items for Tradespeople

A single severe neck or back injury on a job site can cost a business over £160,000, according to PoweredNow .

Ben Foster· Aug 7· 4 min
Tradespeople collaborating on safety plans, highlighting preparedness and adherence to 2026 standards for enhanced worker protection.

Tradesperson Safety: 2026 Standards & Strategic Planning

Last-minute emergency safety gear purchases cost 15-40% more than planned acquisitions, reports Intrinsicallysafestore .

Ben Foster· Jun 27· 4 min
A person wearing safety goggles, gloves, and a mask while working on a home improvement project, highlighting essential protective gear.

Top 4 Essential DIY Home Improvement Safety Gear Picks

Last year, over 400,000 Americans visited emergency rooms for DIY-related injuries.

Ben Foster· Jun 9· 4 min
Advanced AI robotic arm performing precise welding in a factory, with human workers observing the automation.

AI Robotics in Skilled Trades Raise Ethical Questions for 2026

In a German factory, a single AI-powered robotic arm now completes intricate welding tasks that once required five skilled welders, finishing the work in half the time with zero defects (Manufacturing

Ben Foster· Aug 31· 3 min
Split image showing AI monitoring industrial safety on one side and a worker's privacy concerns represented by shadows and question marks on the other.

AI monitors industrial safety, but ethical concerns loom.

On June 5, 2026, MindBio Therapeutics Corp.

Ben Foster· Aug 23· 3 min
Editorial illustration for How to Calculate Airflow for a Workshop Ventilation System

How to Calculate Airflow for a Workshop Ventilation System

Learn how to calculate the essential airflow (CFM) for your workshop ventilation system by understanding key metrics like ACH and room volume. This guide provides a clear formula and a practical example to help you size your system correctly for optimal air quality and safety.

Scott Ramirez· Oct 10· 4 min
A modern workshop with advanced ventilation systems actively filtering the air, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for workers.

What is Workshop Ventilation for Air Quality?

Even under extreme conditions, like a workshop operating with high cooling loads, precisely engineered ventilation systems are silent guardians against unseen health hazards.

Ben Foster· Sep 18· 4 min