Women Firefighters for the Future

Learn more about issues women face in the firefighting industry, the benefits of having a more inclusive workforce, and what is being done to attract more women to this important field.

Why is NIOSH Certification of Respiratory Protection Important?

respirator assembly after the respirator has been evaluated in the laboratory and found to comply with all requirements of Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84, and after the manufacturer’s quality plan is determined to be satisfactory.

Exposure Assessment Awareness Part II

3M’s Katie Hacker sand co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells continue their discussion on workplace exposure assessment awareness.

Exposure Assessment Awareness Part I

Welcome back to another episode of the Global Science of Safety podcast.  In this episode co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells, along with guest Katie Hacker discuss exposure assessment as a component of workplace hazard awareness. Having a systematic method to characterize workplace exposures to chemical, physical and biological agents is fundamental to occupational health and safety programs. This is part one of a two-part series on exposure assessment awareness. Tune in to learn more about this important aspect of workplace health and safety. Katie Hacker is a Certified Occupational Hygienist (CIH) and Global Application Engineering Manager in 3M’s Personal Safety Division.

The Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division.  This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.

Call for Submissions: 2024 3M PSD Occupational Health and Safety Scholarship Program

Learn more about the two scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each that will be awarded to outstanding students pursuing an education in a graduate occupational health and safety/industrial hygiene program at universities in the U.S.

Balancing Hearing Protection with Hearing and Communication Needs

In this episode, Eric Fallon joins co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells to discuss a common challenge: how to hear important sounds in the work environment while being protected from hazardous sound. Eric is a technical specialist with the 3M Personal Safety Division supporting protective communication hearing protectors. He holds a Doctor of Audiology degree and is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army. Tune in to learn more about understanding how fluctuating and intermittent noise can affect hearing protector use and about technologies that allow sound to be audible while protecting the worker from hazardous sound.

The Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.

Silica Awareness

Today on the podcast, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells discuss silica with guest Shari Smith. Shari is a segment specialist in the 3M Personal Safety Division and also a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

Recognizing Workplace Hazards

Building on the concept of anticipating workplace hazards, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells welcome back 3M’s Lucre Pfefferman to discuss hazard recognition.

Anticipating Workplace Hazards

There are many different types of potential health hazards across different segments and industries. In this episode of the Global Science of Safety Podcast, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells discuss workplace hazard awareness with 3M’s Lucre Pfefferman.

Full Body Fall Protection Harnesses

Today we’re going to learn more about the science behind fall protection harnesses, and our guest today is 3M’s David Baker.

Head Protection Selection

Welcome to the 3M Science of Safety Podcast. Let’s listen in and learn more about protecting workers from head trauma on the worksite. In this episode, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells welcome Don Rust, a Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Safety Professional in 3M’s Personal Safety Division, for a discussion on selection of head protection.

Protective Eyewear Selection

Curious to learn more about protective eyewear? Do spectacles provide splash resistance? Have you ever wondered about the purpose of different lens colors and coatings? In this first episode of season 2, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells, along with special guest Katie Aune, a Specialist Application Engineer and Certified Safety Professional in 3M’s Personal Safety Division, discuss eye protection in the workplace. 

Global Science of Safety Podcast: That’s a Wrap

Welcome back to the Science of Safety Podcast. It’s hard to believe this season is coming to an end.  In this episode, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells reflect back on some of the highlights from this first global season of the podcast.

Fall Protection Safety Tip: Importance of inspecting, fitting, and adjusting your Full Body Harness before each use

It is essential that the users of a full body harness receive proper training and instruction, including detailed procedures for the safe use of such equipment in their work application.

Fall Protection Safety Tip: Are You Prepared in the Case of a Fallen Worker?

Equipping harnesses with suspension trauma safety straps is an easy and effective way to help delay and possibly help prevent the onset of negative symptoms brought on by orthostatic intolerance resulting from a fall from height while in a full-body harness.

Global Science of Safety Podcast: Science of Fit – Hearing Protection 

Welcome back to the Science of Safety Podcast. This time the podcast co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells along with their guest, 3M’s Skye Liu, a Senior Specialist in China, to discuss the importance of fit for hearing protection. Fit and noise reduction are related and are key aspects of hearing protector selection and use. Tune in to learn more about fit for earplugs and earmuffs, fit testing methods, factors that can affect fit, best practices, and much more. The first global season of the Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a

Fall Protection Safety Tip: What Do the ANSI/ASSP Z359.11-2021 Safety Requirements for Full Body Harnesses Changes Mean for You?

Read up on what the ANSI/ASSP Z359.11-2021 Safety Requirements for Full Body Harnesses changes mean for you.

Global Science of Safety Podcast: Science of Fit – Respirator Protection

Learn more about the importance of fit for tight fitting respirators.

Fall Protection Safety Tip: Inspection and Product Life for Fall Protection Products

Learn about some useful recommendations when it comes to fall protection inspection of equipment and gear.

Global Science of Safety Podcast: Fall Protection Fundamentals – DEFs

Continue the discussion on the ABCs of fall protection in the second part of this series, but this time with a focus on the DEFs (descent and rescue, education, and fall protection for tools).

Fall Protection Safety Tip: How do Impact Indicators Work on Fall Protection Harnesses?

Find out why it is important to use the impact indicators properly on your fall protection harnesses.

Global Science of Safety Podcast: Fall Protection Fundamentals – ABCs

Learn more about how the hierarchy of controls is used in assessing the hazards and risks of situations that involve heights, and the ABCs (anchorage, body support, connectors) of fall protection.

Fall Protection Safety Tip: Can I Mark or Label My Certified Fall Arrest Product?

Marking and identifying various fall protection products made of webbing (i.e., belts, harnesses, lanyards, anchorage straps, etc.) is appropriate as long as acceptable materials or processes are used.

Global Science of Safety Podcast: Hearing Protection Part 2

Let’s listen and learn even more about some fundamental concepts for hearing protection selection.

After the Earthquake: Personal Protective Equipment for Cleanup

Selection of appropriate safety equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), is critical to all rescue workers, law enforcement, and other professionals involved in the aftermath of an earthquake.

Selecting the Right Personal Protective Equipment for Wildfire Cleanup

Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the aftermath of a wildfire is a critical component in the safe cleanup of fire debris.

Protecting Yourself Properly During Hurricane Cleanup

You protected yourself from the storm, now how do you protect yourself from the aftermath, including mold, exposed materials such as asbestos and other factors such as noise from machinery that may be used to help with the clean-up efforts? Consider what personal protective equipment you may need during clean-up that can go a long way towards helping prevent injury.

Flood Protection and Above the Shoulders PPE

With floods come hazards such as mold or airborne dusts containing harmful substances. Consider what personal protective equipment (PPE) you may need to help safely clean-up after the storm.

Fall Protection Safety Tip: More Information About the ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 SRD Update

Find out more important information about how these ANSI SRD Standard changes will affect the end-user.

OH&S Magazine Feature: Understanding the Use of Fall Protection in Warehouse Settings

Discover new innovative digital fall protection systems that can help increase worker safety awareness through integrated visual and audible alerts. 

Global Science of Safety Podcast: Hearing Protection Part 1

Listen to learn more about some fundamental concepts for hearing protection selection.

Global Government Best Practices in Developing National PPE Stockpiles

Review our white paper for guidance about developing a robust, resilient, and sustainable PPE stockpile program.

Helping Achieve Comfort with Head Protection

Read more about what to consider when evaluating head protection for comfort, safety, and compliance.

How Choosing the Right Eye Protection Can Help Workers Achieve Comfort and Compliance

See more about how different types of protective eyewear models can not only help protect workers but may also increase the comfort level.

Understanding More About the Hazards of Smelting and Casting

Review some of the hazards encountered during smelting and casting applications, as well as other activities associated with the primary metal manufacturing industries, and the PPE available.

Fall Protection Safety Tip: Inspect Your SRL Before Each Use

Learn more about how to protect yourself while working at heights by reviewing steps to inspect your SRL/SRDs.

Global Science of Safety Podcast: Respiratory Protection Part 2

Dive deeper into the different types and styles of respirators and concepts such as fit, comfort, and PPE compatibility with part two of this respiratory protection podcast.

Testimonial: Using the 3M™ Scott™ Vision C5 Facepiece with E-Z Flo C5 Regulator to Achieve Lion’s Den Status in the Firefighter Combat Challenge

Learn more about Lianne McAuley’s experience that tests a firefighter’s physical strength, endurance, and mental fortitude, and is arguably the toughest competition in sports.

Global Science of Safety Podcast: Respiratory Protection Selection Part I

Learn some fundamental concepts for respiratory protection selection.

Are Your Workers Protected?

Do you know what level of protection your employees are receiving from their hearing protectors? Now you can with a field attenuation estimation system (FAES). The 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System can help provide value for your hearing loss prevention program (HLPP).

Do You Know About the ANSI Z359.14 Self-Retracting Devices Standard Update? Find Out Here.

Learn more about what changes manufacturers will have to make for self-retracting devices (SRDs) on fall protection.

Do You Know the History of the 3M N95 and E•A•R Plug?

Learn more about the history and innovations behind 3M N95 respiratory protection and earplug hearing protection.

Find Out More About the Global Science of Safety Podcast

Whether you’re a safety professional, Occupational Hygienist, someone with any level of WHS responsibility in the workplace, a user of safety equipment or a safety nerd, then this is the podcast for you!

Download the Construction Working at Heights eBook Today!

Get the information you need to help implement safety solutions tailored to your worksite.

Exploring the Hazards of Welding and Some Helpful PPE Choices You Can Make

Learn more about what PPE and other measures that can be taken to protect those who engage in important welding and grinding applications.

Stay Up to Date: Subscribe to the 3M Fall Protection Newsletter

Read our quick newsletter for training opportunities, trends, top products, and other important fall protection information.

Steps to Help Protect Yourself from the Hazards of Wood Dust

Employers and safety managers must consider the importance of control measures, including using dust-reducing abrasive tools as well as respiratory protection, when necessary.

The Value of Advancing Workplace Safety and Health

Read our whitepaper to learn more about how investment in the safety and health of your workforce has appreciable benefits for workers, communities, businesses, and economies.

Beat the Heat: Identifying and Preventing Heat Stress

Now that summer is in full swing, heat stress can be a major concern in workplace environments. Consider what preventative actions to take to help protect outdoor workers.

Ten Considerations when Selecting Respiratory Protection

Achieving a proper fit and seal will help you get the most protection out of your respiratory PPE.

Comfort Considerations When Picking Respiratory Protection

Learn more about the wide variety of innovative technologies and features designed to enhance user comfort and help promote wear time for many types of respiratory protection.

10 Ways You Should Think About SCBA Comfort

You may think the comfort of an SCBA is subjective, but it’s really not. Find out more about how firefighters should judge the comfort of their SCBA.

PPE Selection for Working Safely in Construction During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Explore the many different types of solutions available to help protect your workers and maintain safe construction worksites.

General Guidelines for Working Safely in Construction During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Consider what additional requirements and steps employers should be taking to help protect the health and safety workers on construction job sites.

Beryllium Hazard: An Overview on Regulation Requirements Changes

The provisions reduce the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) over an eight-hour period and establish a new 15-minute Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL). Because of these changes to the exposure levels, employers have requirements that they must meet.

Reusable Respirators and PAPRs in Healthcare Settings

Find out more about the benefits of using reusable respirators (RR) and powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) in healthcare settings.

VLOG: Fluid Resistance Testing for Surgical Masks and Respirators

Find out more about the testing used to see if fluid penetrates surgical masks and respirators.

Selecting N95 Respiratory Protection for Healthcare Workers

Learn more about surgical N95 respirators and using respiratory protection in a healthcare setting.

The Challenges of Construction Noise Exposure

Learn how to protect construction workers from hazardous noise while still allowing them to hear the critical sounds needed to perform their job safely and productively.

Using PAPRs in Clinical and Healthcare Settings

Are you a professional looking to improve personnel safety in the healthcare environment through the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

The Differences Between Disposable Respirators and Surgical Masks

While disposable respirators look similar to masks used during surgery and other medical procedures, the two are designed for very different purposes.

Why Pick a PAPR?

Respiratory protection is a necessary part of many jobs throughout many different types of industries. Although there may be a higher capital expenditure when choosing to implement PAPRs into an employers’ respiratory protection program, this expense may be justified.

Why Metal-Detectable Earplugs Can be Important in Food Manufacturing

Metal-detectable earplugs can help food-processing facilities quickly identify any food that has been contaminated by an earplug or cord.

Why Do Disposable Respirators Have a Defined Shelf Life?

If you’re responsible for managing inventories of personal protection equipment, you should be aware that most disposable respirators have a limited shelf life, after which they should no longer be used.

Why Choose NFPA 1986 Compliant Respiratory Protection Equipment for Law Enforcement?

The NFPA 1986 SCBA standard was specifically designed for emergency services personnel engaged in tactical operations, disaster response, crime scene investigation, clandestine drug lab clean-up, and other response and or recovery situations that may expose them to CBRN hazards and/or could be immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH).

What You Can Do To Help Reduce Silica Dust Hazards

Workers should consider what tools they can use, respiratory protection, and other hygiene practices they should employ to help protect themselves from crystalline silica.

What to Consider Before Purchasing a “Refurbished” SCBA

When contemplating the purchase of new SCBA, it is important to understand the compliance implications of purchasing “refurbished” SCBA from a supplier not authorized by its manufacturer.

What is the Difference Between a Qualitative and a Quantitative Fit Test?

Learn more about the science of these U.S. OSHA-approved tests for fit testing of different types of respiratory protection.

What is Diacetyl? The PPE You Should Consider for Coffee Processing

Don’t worry. We aren’t here to tell you that you need to give up your coffee drinking. But, there are respiratory hazards coffee roasters and processing facilities should consider.