Shield of Armor Safety

01/29/2026

This photo shows a worker hanging from a crane hook with no fall protection or approved personnel platform. This is not just unsafe—it’s a serious violation of Washington State safety laws and could easily result in a fatal fall.

Broken WAC rules include:

• WAC 296-155-53302 – Fall protection is required when employees are exposed to falls of 10 feet or more
• WAC 296-155-53402 – Cranes may not hoist personnel unless very specific requirements are met, including a certified personnel platform
• WAC 296-155-53400 – Employees are prohibited from riding crane hooks, slings, or loads
• WAC 296-800-16005 – Employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause serious injury or death

One equipment failure, one slip, or one sudden movement could be catastrophic.

This is exactly why fall protection, proper lift planning, and crane safety training are non-negotiable on any job site.

01/28/2026

Workers’ Comp Injury Fraud Case in Washington

A Washington State bus driver is facing felony charges after investigators say he collected workers’ compensation benefits for an injury while claiming he was unable to work yet continued working other jobs at the same time.

According to Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, workers’ comp benefits are strictly for employees who are truly unable to work due to a job-related injury. Collecting benefits while earning wages elsewhere can be considered theft and fraud.

Cases like this highlight why accurate injury reporting, medical documentation, and compliance with L&I rules matter for workers, employers, and the system as a whole.

Read the full article below for all the details:

A news release from Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

01/22/2026

Serious Safety Violations

This setup exposes workers to a severe fall and struck-by hazard. Standing on a window ledge without protection and working over another employee is extremely dangerous and entirely preventable.

No PROPER fall protection provided – WAC 296-155-24611
(Fall protection is required when employees are exposed to falls of 4 feet or more, including window openings and ledges.)

Unsafe working surface / positioning – WAC 296-155-110
(Employers must provide a safe workplace and ensure employees are not working from unstable or hazardous surfaces.)

Improper ladder use – WAC 296-876-40020
(Ladders must be used only as designed and cannot be used as a work platform or in an unsafe manner.)

Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities.

Proper planning, correct equipment, and stopping unsafe work saves lives.

01/06/2026

Unsafe Lift Practices = Serious Risk

Using a forklift to elevate a scissor lift — especially with a worker inside — creates a serious fall, tip-over, and struck-by hazard. Forklifts are not designed to support aerial lifts, and this setup puts both the operator and nearby workers at significant risk.

Washington State WAC Violations:

WAC 296-863-40005 – Forklifts must be used only for their intended purpose and per manufacturer requirements.

WAC 296-869-20020 – Aerial lifts must be used and supported as designed by the manufacturer.

WAC 296-880-20005 – Fall protection is required when employees are exposed to fall hazards.

WAC 296-863-60020 – Prohibits lifting personnel with forklifts without approved platforms and procedures.

Using the proper equipment and following WAC requirements helps prevent serious injuries and costly violations. Safety should never be improvised.

01/05/2026

This image shows several Washington State L&I safety violations that put a worker at serious risk.

WAC violations include:

-Improper ladder use
WAC 296-155-477 — Ladders must be properly secured and used on stable footing.
A ladder between a bucket truck and a utility pole over water is not an approved access method

-Fall protection missing
WAC 296-155-24611 — Fall protection is required at 10 feet or more.
No visible harness, tie-off, or approved anchorage.
Working over water without protection
WAC 296-155-24510 — Life vests and rescue plans are required when working over water.

-Improper aerial lift use
WAC 296-155-703 — Aerial lifts must be used per manufacturer instructions, not as ladder supports.

Bottom line:
This isn’t efficiency, it’s a serious safety violation. Follow L&I rules, protect your workers, and prevent injuries before they happen.

01/02/2026

HOODIE DEALS (LIMITED TIME)

Keep your crew warm, professional, and branded on every job site without overspending.

Bulk hoodie pricing:

• 25 Hoodies — $550 (Save $150)

• 50 Hoodies — $1,000 (Save $200)

• 100 Hoodies — $1,850 (Save $450)

Perfect for cold weather jobs, company branding, and everyday workwear your team will actually use.

Contact us to order or customize:
aborneman@shieldofarmorsafety.com

(All sizes XXL and up are $2 extra per item)

12/31/2025

CONTRACTORS — LIMITED-TIME DEAL

Outfit your crew and stay compliant without breaking the budget.

This bundle includes:
• 50 Shirts
• 50 Safety Vests
• 25 Hoodies

Now only $1,800 (Save $300)

Perfect for job sites, company branding, and keeping your team visible and professional year-round.

Contact us to order or customize:
aborneman@shieldofarmorsafety.com

(All sizes for XXL and up will be $2 extra per item)

12/29/2025

A Serious Fall Hazard

This image shows multiple unsafe practices that would be serious violations if this were a construction jobsite. Ladders and scaffolds must be used strictly as designed improvised access greatly increases the risk of a catastrophic fall.

Potential Washington State L&I / WAC Violations:

• WAC 296-876-40020 & 296-876-40025 – Extension ladder is unsecured, not properly positioned, and being used as a work platform. Ladders must be used only for their intended purpose, maintain proper angle, extend at least 3 feet above the landing surface, and be secured against displacement.

• WAC 296-876-40020 – Worker is climbing while carrying materials, preventing the required 3-point contact and increasing the likelihood of losing balance.

• WAC 296-155-24505 – Work is being performed well above 10 feet without any form of fall protection such as guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, or safety nets.

• WAC 296-874-30004 – Scaffold is being used improperly to support a ladder and does not provide safe, manufacturer-approved access to an elevated work area.

One slip is all it takes.

Shortcuts may save time, but they can permanently change lives.

12/26/2025

At Shield of Armor Safety, we provide practical, hands-on safety training aligned with OSHA standards and Washington State L&I / WAC requirements. Our programs support every level of your organization from the field to leadership by turning compliance into real-world safety.

With experienced instructors and customized training, we help teams understand the rules and apply them confidently on the job. Whether on a construction site, in a warehouse, or managing operations, we strengthen safety culture and reduce risk where it matters most.

Training available in English and Spanish.

Send a message to learn more

12/25/2025

As we celebrate the holiday season, we want to take a moment to say thank you to our partners and clients for the trust and collaboration throughout the year. Working together to build safer workplaces and stronger safety cultures has been both meaningful and rewarding.

Your commitment to protecting people, improving processes, and prioritizing well-being inspires the work we do every day. We’re grateful to be part of that journey.

Wishing you and your teams a Merry Christmas filled with joy, rest, and time with those who matter most, and a safe, successful year ahead.

12/22/2025

This image shows a worker elevated on a forklift pallet to access a flagpole a setup that presents serious fall and struck-by hazards and does not meet Washington State L&I requirements.

Applicable WAC / L&I Violations:

-WAC 296-863-40005 – Forklifts may not be used to lift or support personnel unless an approved personnel platform is used and secured.

-WAC 296-880-20005 – Fall protection is required when employees are exposed to falls of 4 feet or more in general industry.

-WAC 296-863-60030 – Loads must be stable and secured; makeshift pallets are not an approved lifting method.

-WAC 296-24-73501 – Employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause serious injury or death.

Bottom line:
Using forklifts as man-lifts and improvised platforms puts workers at extreme risk and can result in serious injury, fatality, and L&I citations.

Always use the right equipment, follow WAC requirements, and protect your workers.

12/17/2025

This worker standing on an excavator bucket elevated off the ground a serious and preventable safety violation under Washington State L&I rules.

Key Washington State WAC / L&I violations include:

WAC 296-155-615(2)(a) – Employees may not ride in or work from excavator buckets unless the equipment is specifically designed and approved to lift personnel.

WAC 296-155-615(6) – Excavating and earthmoving equipment must be used only for its intended purpose.

WAC 296-155-24510 – Fall protection is required when employees are exposed to fall hazards; none is in place.

WAC 296-155-305 – Employers must provide a safe means of access; buckets are not an approved method.

WAC 296-155-100 – Employers must maintain a workplace free from recognized hazards.

Using heavy equipment as a man-lift creates extreme fall and crushing hazards. Safety isn’t optional it’s the law.