Shield of Armor Safety

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from our team to yours!

As we pause to give thanks, we’re grateful for the workers, safety leaders, and partners who make every jobsite a safer place.

Stay safe, stay aware, and enjoy a well-deserved holiday with friends and family.

Thank you for trusting us with your safety needs.

Send a message to learn more

11/24/2025

Winter Work Safety – L&I Guidance (WAC 296-800)

Winter conditions create added hazards, and employers must maintain a safe workplace under WAC 296-800-110. Keep these essentials in mind:

• Prevent Slips & Falls
Clear ice and snow, use salt or sand, and wear proper winter traction footwear.

• Dress for the Weather
Layer clothing and protect hands, feet, and head to reduce cold-stress risks.

• Take Warm-Up Breaks
Provide heated areas and watch for early signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

• Prepare Vehicles
Check tires and equipment and keep an emergency kit in every vehicle.

• Update Safety Plans
Add winter hazards to your Accident Prevention Program (WAC 296-800-140).

Stay alert, stay warm, and stay safe this winter.

Send a message to learn more

11/19/2025

This skid-steer balanced on loose rocks is extremely dangerous and directly violates Washington State L&I (WAC 296-155) construction safety standards.

What’s wrong:

-Equipment must be supported by stable, secure blocking or rated jack stands rocks are not allowed.
-Machinery must be prevented from shifting or collapsing during maintenance.
-Removed guarding and uneven ground increase the risk of a crushing injury.

How to do it right:

-Use approved jack stands or solid blocking
-Work on level, stable ground
-Chock wheels and secure equipment
-Follow proper LOTO and L&I safety procedures

Unsafe setups like this put lives at risk. Let’s follow L&I standards and keep everyone safe.

11/14/2025

Know your limits or the roof will remind you.

In Washington State, L&I rules (WAC 296-800-27010) make it clear:

-You can’t overload roofs or floors beyond their rated capacity.
-Fall protection is required when you’re 6 ft or higher off the ground.
-Material loads must be spread out safely

So, before you shoulder “one more bundle,” remember: safety isn’t slowing you down it’s keeping you on top.

Because every roofer knows… confidence is good, but gravity always wins.

11/12/2025

Stay Certified, Stay Compliant.

In Washington, keeping your safety training and certifications current is more than just good practice it’s required by law.

Under WAC 296-71, workers and contractors in high-hazard facilities must complete 20 hours of advanced safety training every 3 years.

WAC 296-155 outlines ongoing safety and health training for construction sites, including fall protection, hazard communication, and first aid.

Employers must maintain proof of worker training for at least 4 years (WAC 296-156-040).

Expired or missing certifications can mean work stoppages, penalties, or jobsite removal. Don’t risk it, review your records, renew on time, and keep Washington worksites safe and compliant.

Send a message to learn more

11/10/2025

"Bucket List” You Don’t Want to Be On – Scaffold Safety in WA

Think balancing a scaffold on a paint bucket and cinder blocks is clever? Think again it’s a fast track to a safety citation (or worse).

Under WAC 296-59-085 and WAC 296-880-30030, scaffolds in Washington must:

-Sit on a solid, stable foundation no buckets, boxes, or bricks.
-Have guardrails or fall protection when working 10 ft or higher.
-Be inspected by a competent person before use.

Unsafe shortcuts might save a minute, but they can cost a life.

11/05/2025

Although teamwork is essential in safety, unsafe teamwork can be just as dangerous as working alone.

This image is a perfect example of what not to do on the job site. Balancing on unstable materials and relying on another person for support instead of using proper scaffolding or ladders can lead to serious injuries or worse.

-Always use the right equipment
-Follow safety protocols
-Never compromise safety for convenience

Teamwork means looking out for each other’s safety, not risking it!

11/03/2025

Common Sense Saves Fingers!

Just because a tool fits in your hand doesn’t mean it’s safe to use that way. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) exists for a reason gloves, safety glasses, and proper positioning can prevent serious injuries.

Let’s make safety a habit, not an afterthought. Every shortcut has a cost don’t let yours be your health!

10/29/2025

Safety Starts with Us, Washington!

In Washington State, regular safety meetings and strong teamwork aren’t just best practices they’re required under WAC 296-800-130 and help prevent accidents before they happen.

These meetings give everyone a voice, build awareness, and create a culture where speaking up about hazards is encouraged. Whether you’re in construction, healthcare, or the office, safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Let’s keep Washington’s workplaces safe, compliant, and strong together.

Send a message to learn more

10/27/2025

Excavation Safety Reminder Washington State

This photo shows what not to do. Heavy trucks parked right on the edge of an unshored excavation a collapse waiting to happen.

Under WAC 296-155, Part N, trenches over 4 ft deep must be sloped, benched, or shored, and heavy equipment must stay at least 2 ft from the edge.

Always plan, shore, and inspect. Lives depend on it.

10/22/2025

How Many Safety Violations Can You Spot?

This looks like a dangerous setup, and it is. Based on WA State L&I / OSHA rules, here’s what’s wrong:

-Fall harness not anchored properly
-Makeshift scaffold between ladders
-No guardrails or fall protection
-Working dangerously close to power lines
-No tool lanyards or drop protection

Working like this could lead to serious injuries or fines.

How many did YOU spot?

10/20/2025

Hazard Communication Saves Lives

Every worker has the right to know what hazards they may be exposed to on the job. A strong Hazard Communication (HazCom) program ensures employees understand the chemicals they work with, how to handle them safely, and what to do in an emergency.

From proper labeling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to regular training, clear communication keeps everyone safe and compliant with Washington State’s WAC 296-901 requirements.

Safety starts with awareness make sure your team knows what they’re working with and how to stay protected.

Send a message to learn more