FR clothing isn’t just gear. It’s about your family, your future, and your longevity. In this episode, Dr. Kevin Rindal sits down with Derek Sang, a leading voice in flame-resistant (FR) and arc-rated (AR) safety education. With 25+ years in the industry and a background as a Division I offensive guard at San Diego State, Derek helps bridge the gap between safety regulations, real-world application, and best practices.

He explains why FR/AR clothing matters far beyond compliance: it protects careers, reduces wear-and-tear on your body, and helps workforce athletes perform at their best. Tune in for actionable insights on inspecting PPE, modeling safe behavior, and building a culture of accountability—so everyone can show up ready for the long game.

THE LISTENER TAKEAWAYS

• Your clothing can be the fuel in a fire. FR/AR gear exists to stop everyday fabrics from igniting, not to stop the arc itself.

• Small habits save careers. Simple things like buttoning your shirt, rolling sleeves down, or not wearing a hoodie under FR gear can be the difference between a scare and a life-altering injury.

• Fit your PPE like performance gear. Not too tight, not too loose—the air gap matters.

• Do the 3-second PPE check: Integrity, Fasteners, Fit.

• Leadership sets the standard. When leadership consistently wears and maintains their PPE correctly, newer employees are likely to emulate them.

• Today’s workforce needs the “why.” Clear purpose beats rules every time.
• The trade shortage is real. For every 3 retiring tradespeople, only 1 is entering. Safety and culture matter more than ever.

• Longevity is everything. Better PPE, better ergonomics, and better habits mean more years doing the trade, and enjoying life after.

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to WorkReady

01:10 Meet Derek Sang: From Athletics to Safety Expert

03:13 The Evolution and Importance of PPE

07:14 Derek's Journey into the PPE Industry

10:03 Advancements in PPE and Safety Regulations

16:05 Real-Life Incidents and Lessons Learned

27:39 Creating a Culture of Accountability

30:53 The Safety Belt Analogy: Consistent Safety Practices

39:04 Bridging Generational Gaps in Safety Communication

43:50 The Future of Trades and Workforce Challenges

47:14 The Role of Safety Professionals and Personal Sacrifices

53:50 Derek's Personal Drive and Gratitude

CONNECT

Connect with Dr. Kevin Rindal

• WorkReady Hub: https://www.kevinrindal.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workready_Kevin
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinrindal/
• Subscribe to Field Notes: https://www.kevinrindal.com/podcast-page

Connect with Derek Sang

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-sang-qssp-cshep-iashep-0232b8b/
• Email: derek.sang@bulwark.com
• Bulwark FR (Bulwark.com)

RESOURCES

• WorkReady Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkReadyPodcast
• Vimocity Workforce Readiness Platform: http://vimocity.com
• WorkReady Community (FREE): https://vimocity.circle.so

🎉 SPONSORS

• Vimocity — The Workforce Readiness Platform
• http://vimocity.com
• Vimocity Community (FREE for field pros)
• https://login.circle.so/sign_in?request_host=vimocity.circle.so