Safety content has consequences. This page explains the rules we hold ourselves to before anything is published on SteelToeTools.
1. Primary sources only
Every regulatory statement cites the exact provision it comes from (for example 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1)), with a link to the official text on osha.gov or ecfr.gov. Technical values — material densities, bag yields, sling factors, exposure limits — come from the standard, the manufacturer or the professional body that owns them (NIOSH, ACI, Asphalt Institute, ASME, ANSI, NFPA). If a value cannot be traced to an authoritative source, we do not publish it.
2. Nothing invented
We do not estimate statistics, penalty amounts, dates or thresholds from memory. When sources disagree, we say so and cite both. Values that vary in practice (asphalt density, aggregate compaction, bag yield) are shown as typical values that you can edit, with a note to verify against your supplier's specification.
3. Federal baseline, state awareness
Our default is federal OSHA. About half of US states run their own OSHA-approved State Plans, some of which are stricter (California, Washington, Oregon, Michigan and others). Where a State Plan difference is significant we flag it, but you must always check the rules that apply where the work is done.
4. Authors and review
Each tool and guide names its author. Safety-critical content (rigging, excavation, heat, noise, lifting, permits) is reviewed by a qualified occupational safety professional before publication. Author pages list real credentials; we never invent bylines.
5. Dates and updates
Every page shows its last update. Regulatory pages are re-checked at least once a year and whenever a standard changes. Calculators carry a version number that changes whenever a formula or factor changes.
6. Independence
SteelToeTools is funded by advertising. Advertisers have no say in what we publish. We do not accept payment for placement in tools, guides or lists, and we do not recommend specific contractors or products in safety content.
7. What we do not do
- No legal, engineering or medical advice. Our tools support decisions made by qualified people; they do not replace them.
- No "certification". Our practice tests and courses are study aids. Only OSHA-authorized trainers deliver OSHA Outreach Training and issue DOL cards; only employers certify forklift operators.
- No reproduction of copyrighted standards. We paraphrase and cite NFPA, ANSI, ASME and ACI documents; we do not reprint them.
8. Corrections
Found an error — a wrong factor, an outdated citation, a typo in a permit? Use the contact page and tell us the URL and what is wrong. Substantive corrections are made promptly and the page's update date is changed.