At Black River Trading, we take safety seriously—not just in our own service operations, but for every equipment operator, mill technician, and plant crew member we support.

While Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is critical in the recycling industry, it has limitations. It won’t prevent every hazard, especially if not used properly or consistently. That’s why combining PPE with safe work practices is essential.

Here are some takeaways we emphasize with our team and clients:

• Hard Hats protect from falling objects—but only if worn consistently
• High-Vis Vests are required in customer yards, plants, and on road calls
• Footwear Matters – steel or composite toe, 6” height minimum, puncture and slip resistant
• Glasses Over Glasses – if you wear prescription lenses, you still need proper OTG safety glasses
• Gloves must match the job—fit snugly and offer the right level of puncture resistance
• Hearing Protection should always be available and used in high-noise environments
• Inspect Daily – damaged PPE offers little protection

We encourage customers to review their own PPE protocols. If you’re not inspecting gear before each use, you’re adding risk. If your gear is worn, notify your supervisor and replace it.

Remember, safe teams are strong teams. At Black River Trading, we’re proud to serve those who value doing the job right—and doing it safely.