Traditionally known for its use in cleaning and preparing surfaces for painting and coating, blasting has expanded its reach into various other sectors such as automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding, and wind. Additionally, the industry has evolved in response to technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting market demands.

Among the myriad of hazards that corrosion control and protective coatings workers face daily, preventing dropped objects must be a top priority. The stakes are too high to ignore: In 2022 alone, falling objects accounted for 238 deaths and 57,000 injuries in the United States.

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), when ill-fitting or uncomfortable safety gear leads to improper use, it can reduce the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE) while increasing the risks of exposing workers to jobsite hazards.

Despite its utility, blasting presents significant hazards to coatings professionals, and not just from the force of the materials themselves. When left unmitigated, these hazards pose the risk of serious injuries to employees and can result in substantial legal and financial consequences for coatings industry employers.