Respiratory Protection Week: Protecting Workers from Invisible Hazards
Respiratory Protection Week, led by NIOSH each September, highlights the importance of protecting workers from airborne hazards in the workplace.
From construction sites filled with dust to healthcare facilities where infectious agents may be present, respiratory hazards are often invisible but highly dangerous. Employers have a responsibility to identify these risks and provide proper protection.
Why Respiratory Protection Matters
According to the CDC/NIOSH, thousands of workers across the U.S. face exposure to harmful airborne contaminants every day. These exposures can lead to long-term respiratory illnesses, reduced lung function, or even life-threatening conditions.
The OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) requires employers to establish and maintain effective respiratory protection programs whenever employees are exposed to hazardous substances.
Protecting workers is not only a matter of compliance. It is also a critical investment in employee health, productivity, and long-term safety.
Common Workplace Respiratory Hazards
Industries vary, but many employees encounter risks such as:
Dust and particulates: construction, mining, agriculture
Fumes and vapors: welding, painting, chemical processing
Gases: carbon monoxide, chlorine, ammonia
Infectious agents: healthcare and laboratory environments
Recognizing these hazards is the first step in protecting your team.
Key Elements of a Respiratory Protection Program
An effective program should follow OSHA’s standard and include:
Medical evaluations to determine an employee’s ability to use respirators safely
Fit testing to ensure respirators provide adequate protection
Employee training on the correct use, limitations, and maintenance of respirators
Program evaluation to assess effectiveness and make adjustments when needed
Recordkeeping to stay compliant with OSHA requirements
For many employers, working with a trusted safety partner like PCS Safety ensures these steps are implemented correctly and consistently.
Training and Employee Awareness
Even the best respirator cannot protect workers if it is not used properly. Training is critical for employees to understand:
When respirators are required
How to inspect and wear them correctly
How to maintain and store them
How to recognize signs of improper fit or failure
Employers should hold refresher trainings regularly and update employees when new equipment or hazards are introduced.
Taking Action During Respiratory Protection Week
Respiratory Protection Week is the perfect reminder to review your current safety practices. Ask yourself:
Does our workplace have a written respiratory protection program?
Are fit tests and medical evaluations up to date?
Have employees received training in the past 12 months?
Do we have documentation to show compliance?
If you answered no to any of these questions, it may be time to update your program. PCS Safety can help identify gaps and provide solutions tailored to your workplace.
Protect Your Team
Invisible hazards can cause lasting harm, but with proper planning and compliance, you can keep your workforce safe.
👉 Contact PCS Safety today to strengthen your respiratory protection program.
