A safety switch apparatus includes one or more switching elements in association with an operating head. A housing and a cover are provided for maintaining the switching element(s) therein. A switch cavity is formed between the housing and the cover to maintain the switching element(s) in the switch cavity between the housing and the cover. A plurality of cover-housing threads are provided by the housing and the cover in association with a plunger extending between the switch cavity and the operating head, thereby providing a weather-sealed and explosion-proof barrier for protecting the switching element(s).