Articles tagged: Personal Protective Equipment

Beaver dam removal is a common task for public works and highway crews managing drainage systems, culverts, and roadside ditches. While it may seem routine, it carries serious and often underestimated hazards. Water impounded behind a dam can be under significant pressure, and improper removal can l…

High-visibility clothing is one of the most critical layers of protection for public works crews operating in or near traffic, heavy equipment, and low-light conditions. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), through ANSI/ISEA 107, sets the requirements for high-visibility safety apparel …

In public works operations, few hazards are as unpredictable and deadly as a “widowmaker.” This term refers to a broken tree or large limb that remains suspended in another tree after a storm, high winds, snow load, or improper cutting. These hung-up trees can fall without warning, creat…

Winter storms often leave public works crews facing downed trees, hanging limbs, and debris blocking roadways. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and limited daylight significantly increase the hazards associated with chainsaw operations. Proper planning, correct PPE, and disciplined cutting techniqu…

Highway crews operate in some of the most hazardous work environments in public works. Fast moving traffic, heavy equipment, changing weather, noise exposure, and uneven terrain create a constant mix of risks. Personal protective equipment, or PPE, serves as the last line of defense when engineering…

Frozen culverts and blocked outfalls are common winter problems that can lead to flooding, road washouts, property damage, and hazardous driving conditions. Public works and highway crews are often called to restore flow quickly, sometimes during severe weather or freezing temperatures. Because thes…

Winter operations demand long hours in freezing temperatures, blowing snow, and damp conditions. Without the right clothing and protective equipment, road crews can quickly face hypothermia, frostbite, and reduced mobility. Proper layering and winter-specific PPE allow workers to stay warm, dry, and…

Winter weather brings unique hazards to public works and highway departments, and cold stress is one of the most dangerous. Crews working through snow, ice, and freezing temperatures must understand how cold stress develops, the early warning signs, and the actions needed to keep each other safe. Th…

Every excavation, trench, or confined-space operation carries serious risks. Soil can shift, water can enter unexpectedly, and equipment movement can change site conditions within minutes. To manage these hazards, OSHA requires that a competent person be present whenever workers are exposed to excav…

A trench collapse is one of the most dangerous emergencies a public works crew can face. Soil moves with tremendous force, and a worker buried in even a small cave-in can be critically injured or suffocate within minutes. The instinct to jump into the trench and start digging is powerful, but it is …

A Job Safety Analysis, often called a JSA, is one of the most effective tools a public works department can use to prevent accidents. It breaks a job into simple steps, identifies the hazards in each step, and outlines the controls crews must use to stay safe. A strong JSA improves safety, strengthe…

Public works crews encounter dead animals regularly, especially along rural routes and high speed highways. Although it is a common task, handling roadkill carries real health risks. Rabies, Lyme disease, salmonella, e coli, and other pathogens can be present on or around a carcass. Proper PPE, safe…