Section

Safety

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

Close-up of a tradesperson's hands performing a detailed safety check on a power drill, highlighting the importance of maintenance.

Power Tool Safety Practices for Daily Checks and Maintenance

Failure to observe safe work practices causes most hand and power tool accidents, according to UNC Policies .

Ben Foster· Jun 22· 5 min
Flagstaff residents at a town hall meeting discussing a proposed sales tax increase for public safety services, with symbols of fire and EMS in the background.

Voters to decide on sales tax hike for public safety

In Flagstaff, Arizona, voters will decide on a 0.

Ben Foster· Jun 20· 4 min
Tradespersons on a construction site wearing essential safety gear, including hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves, working diligently.

Top Safety Gear for Tradespersons

Annually, over 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries occur in the US, many affecting trades and often stemming from a momentary lapse in safety gear use ( PMC ). These incidents cost lost productiv

Ben Foster· Jun 17· 6 min
Illinois firefighters proudly stand with newly acquired safety equipment, symbolizing the positive impact of state funding on emergency response.

Illinois fire districts receive $6 million in state equipment grants

Illinois fire departments requested over $8 million in state funding for small equipment this year, but only $6 million was awarded, leaving 282 applications unfunded.

Ben Foster· Jun 5· 3 min
A collapsed second-floor deck showing damage and exposed spray foam insulation, illustrating DIY renovation risks.

DIY spray foam risks second floor load paths nationwide

A recent incident in Ohio saw a second-floor deck collapse, which investigators linked to altered load paths from a DIY exterior renovation project, highlighting a growing, unmonitored risk in homes n

Rick Donovan· May 22· 4 min
Vast Alaskan landscape with distant smoke plumes under an ominous sky, a ranger in the foreground symbolizing preparedness for the wildfire season.

Alaska prepares for 2026 wildfire season amid challenges

Approximately 17 wildfires have already ignited across Alaska this spring, most human-caused and preventable.

Ben Foster· May 3· 3 min
Construction worker performing tasks at height with tools securely tethered, emphasizing workplace safety and the prevention of dropped objects.

Tool tethering market growth forecast to reach $1.2B by 2035

Falls from height, often involving dropped tools, accounted for 395 fatalities in the US in 2022, according to OSHA Data.

Ben Foster· Apr 25· 4 min
Elderly and disabled farmers safely and efficiently operating advanced, accessible farm machinery, showcasing the positive impact of universal design.

Universal Design Tools Boost Farming Safety and Accessibility

Fatalities in agriculture decreased by 15% in regions adopting universal design principles for equipment over the last three years, according to a USDA Report 2023 .

Ben Foster· Apr 23· 3 min
Winchester firefighter holding new SCBA equipment, symbolizing improved safety and readiness thanks to a state grant.

Winchester Fire Department Receives State Grant for Safety Equipment

Winchester firefighters, who previously relied on self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units dating back to 2005, can now replace every single one thanks to a new $150,000 state grant.

Ben Foster· Apr 11· 3 min
Massachusetts firefighters in full gear inspecting new safety equipment, including thermal imaging cameras and turnout gear, inside a modern fire station, symbolizing enhanced readiness.

Massachusetts Awards $5 Million in State Grants to Fire Departments for Safety Equipment

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded $5 million through its Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program, providing critical funding for turnout gear, thermal imaging cameras, and other essential tools to 307 fire departments across Massachusetts.

Ben Foster· Apr 1· 4 min
Massachusetts firefighter in full modern safety gear, standing confidently in front of a fire station, symbolizing enhanced protection from recent state grants.

Massachusetts Fire Departments Receive $5 Million in Safety Equipment Grants

Over 300 Massachusetts fire departments are receiving a total of $5 million in state grants to purchase essential safety equipment. This funding will enhance protection for first responders across the Commonwealth.

Ben Foster· Apr 1· 4 min
A collection of different fire extinguishers, each labeled with its class (A, B, C, D, K), arranged for a safety demonstration or training.

What Are Fire Extinguisher Classes A, B, C, D, and K?

Using a standard water extinguisher on an electrical fire can electrocute the user, potentially causing severe injury or death.

Ben Foster· Sep 14· 5 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
Close-up of a clean, industrial air compressor with professional lighting, emphasizing its efficient and well-maintained state.

How to Maintain Your Air Compressor for Peak Performance

Ignoring a small air leak in an industrial air compressor can lead to substantial energy waste, costing businesses thousands annually and prematurely wearing out expensive equipment, as noted by CP Co

Ben Foster· Sep 11· 7 min
Worker safely performing maintenance on industrial machinery using lockout tagout devices to control hazardous energy.

What is Lockout Tagout (LOTO) and Why is it Crucial for Workplace Safety?

Being caught in machinery, electrocution, or struck by objects were the most common injury mechanisms in fatal lockout/tagout-related incidents, according to PubMed .

Ben Foster· Sep 10· 5 min
Electricians in specialized safety suits meticulously working on a high-voltage electrical system, demonstrating adherence to strict safety protocols.

How to Implement High-Voltage Safety Protocols for 2026

As little as one milliampere of current is perceptible, and just six milliamperes are enough to cause pain and loss of muscle control, according to HSI data.

Ben Foster· Sep 2· 7 min
AI camera system in a forest detecting early signs of wildfire smoke, showcasing advanced technology for environmental safety and prevention.

AI tools detect wildfires for early detection and prevention

An AI camera in Arizona's Prescott National Forest detected smoke from the Brady Fire when it was less than one acre, according to AP News .

Ben Foster· Jun 18· 2 min
Person wearing safety goggles and gloves using a power drill for a home improvement project, emphasizing the importance of DIY safety equipment.

DIY Safety Equipment Picks for Home Improvement Projects

In 2020 alone, preventable injuries caused 200,955 deaths in homes and communities, according to Lawnstarter .

Ben Foster· Jun 6· 5 min
Homeowner wearing safety glasses and gloves, diligently working on a DIY project with power tools in a safe, organized workshop.

Homeowner DIY Safety: Essential Equipment and Risk Prevention

An estimated 80,000 Americans require emergency room treatment annually for lawn mower injuries.

Ben Foster· Jun 5· 5 min
Electricians conducting thorough safety checks on a large-scale electrical project installation, emphasizing precision and advanced safety protocols.

Top 11 Electrical Project Safety Checks and Best Practices for 2026

In 2023, Grupo Ortiz reported a 31% decrease in work-related accidents resulting in lost workdays, marking a substantial improvement in safety performance.

Ben Foster· May 20· 6 min
Skilled trades workers on a construction site diligently following safety protocols, including fall protection, in a well-lit environment.

Workplace Safety Practices for Skilled Trades

In 2023, U.S. construction sites recorded 1,075 fatal injuries, according to Pelco . Falls remained the leading cause of death in the construction industry, as reported by OSHA . These incidents highl

Ben Foster· May 19· 6 min
Construction workers and heavy machinery operating safely on a busy construction site, emphasizing safety protocols and vigilance.

Best Practices for Heavy Machinery Safety on Construction Sites

Between 1980 and 1992, 1,901 workers died in machinery-related incidents on U.

Ben Foster· May 19· 5 min
Tradespeople wearing essential safety gear, including hard hats, safety glasses, and high-visibility vests, on a job site, emphasizing preparedness and protection.

Essential Safety Gear for Tradespeople

97% of safety equipment manufacturers report higher costs for materials and components, directly impacting the availability of essential gear for tradespeople.

Ben Foster· May 19· 5 min
Construction workers safely operating power tools on a busy site, wearing protective gear and maintaining organized workspaces.

Top 9 Power Tool Safety Practices for Safer Workplaces

Burns, severe shocks, and even heart failure are among the chief hazards of electric-powered tools, yet most power tool accidents are entirely preventable through basic safety measures.

Ben Foster· May 18· 6 min
An electrician wearing comprehensive personal protective equipment (PPE) carefully works on a live electrical panel, emphasizing safety protocols.

Top 10 Electrician Safety Practices and PPE for Live Systems 2026

Each year, 13% of electrical workers experience an arc flash incident, according to a 2023 electrical safety in the workplace survey by Fluke Corporation .

Ben Foster· May 11· 7 min
Advanced battery management system in a high-tech lab, demonstrating two-fault tolerance for critical defense applications.

Top 11 Advanced Battery Safety Practices for Every Need

In critical defense applications, a battery management system must remain safe even if two failures occur simultaneously.

Ben Foster· May 3· 5 min
Automotive technician wearing safety gear inspects a high-voltage EV battery pack with a subtle spark indicating a potential hazard.

7 High-Voltage Battery Safety Protocols

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalled certain 2026 Nissan Leaf vehicles due to a battery fire risk.

Ben Foster· May 2· 5 min
Tradespeople on a construction site wearing essential safety gear including hard hats, safety glasses, and high-visibility vests.

Top 4 Essential Safety Gear for Tradespeople

In 2022, over 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries were reported. A significant portion impacted tradespeople across sectors, many preventable with basic safety gear ( OSHA ). These are not just s

Ben Foster· Apr 29· 6 min
Construction workers meticulously using fall protection gear, including harnesses and safety nets, on a high-rise building site.

Addressing Persistent Safety Violations in Skilled Trades

Last year, inadequate fall protection accounted for nearly 40% of all OSHA citations in construction.

Ben Foster· Apr 28· 6 min
Farmers with and without mobility impairments operating advanced agricultural machinery, demonstrating enhanced safety and accessibility in modern farming.

New universal design tools boost agriculture safety and accessibility

For the first time, individuals with significant mobility impairments are operating complex agricultural machinery.

Ben Foster· Apr 23· 2 min