Posted on Jul 23, 2015
CW3 Kevin Storm
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We get safety briefed to death, we handled hazardous chemicals, we move heavy stuff. We wear PT belts 24 a day if need be. Any one can stop an unsafe act, yet why is it that things like coveralls and safety shoes do not get issued to every soldier if we are truly trying to improve safety? For that matter why don't we carry them in clothing sales?
Posted in these groups: 31m8esm34pl Safety74e0f2f8 Clothing4276e14c Uniforms
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1SG Senior Enlisted Advisor
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Edited 9 y ago
We have reflective belts, what else do you need. Once you dawn your PT belt your invincible.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
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Because they should be used on an "as needed" basis, and are issued accordingly (at least in the USMC). Our Flightline crews (among others) generally wear coveralls, and others who have need are issued safety boots, however they are not appropriate for everyone, and are "cost prohibitive" to issue to everyone when only a small percentage will actually need them on a "regular basis."
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CW3 Kevin Storm
CW3 Kevin Storm
9 y
Okay what does a uniform cost in relationship to how many soldiers are required to perform vehicle maintenance, generator maintenance, or maintenance on other field equipment? How many troops fall in this category: 1910.136(a)

General requirements. The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, or when the use of protective footwear will protect the affected employee from an electrical hazard, such as a static-discharge or electric-shock hazard, that remains after the employer takes other necessary protective measures.

When you look at this OSHA requirement it changes the perspective entirely IMHO.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
9 y
CW3 Kevin Storm Right, but how often will an admin person need those?
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CW3 Kevin Storm
CW3 Kevin Storm
9 y
When I was an S-2 NCO, I had to go to the motor pool at least twice a week. Had to load a 50 pound safe every time we went to the field. Every duty assignment is different. Some people may spend a career sitting on their tail section, and others are humping and pumping grease, grime, dirt and powder.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
9 y
CW3 Kevin Storm Concur. But what are the percentages? When I was at the Infantry, coveralls would have been a godsend. When I was on Quantico, they would have been a waste of resources.

It's a numbers game. That's all. The standard issue covers things everyone needs. Unit issue covers "as needed."

Why have coveralls at a location where folks just won't use them. Where cammies will work 85%+ as well?
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CW4 Brigade Maintenance Technician
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I understand where you are going with this, but not all MOS's need coveralls or safety boots. A 42A or 92G won't need those to perform their jobs. Shoot, I can't even get all the coveralls and safety boots I need for mechanics. I've had to buy them commercially with a government credit card at every duty station that I've been too.
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CW3 Kevin Storm
CW3 Kevin Storm
9 y
OSHA 1910.136(a)

General requirements. The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, or when the use of protective footwear will protect the affected employee from an electrical hazard, such as a static-discharge or electric-shock hazard, that remains after the employer takes other necessary protective measures.

There is the standard. Hard for any one to argue around it.
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CW3 Kevin Storm
CW3 Kevin Storm
9 y
A 92G has every reason IMHO, to expect Safety Shoes. Can they reasonably expect to handle heavy objects that can fall? Yes, do they handle things that could pierce the sole of their boots? Yes.
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