The construction industry comes with many health and safety hazards. From working at a height to handling dangerous substances, construction workers need to be protected at all times. Safety equipment is one of the most important parts of the manufacturing and construction industry.
Personal protective equipment is used to keep workers safe and protected from the environment around them. However, PPE must be worn correctly to ensure its effectiveness in protecting the worker. PPE can be a substantial expense for construction employers, especially when replacing certain items consistently.
Here are the different pieces of safety equipment you may be asked to wear in a factory or construction environment.
Eyewear
A whopping 2,000 people experience eye injuries in the workplace every day. Most of these injuries can be prevented with protective eye gear like goggles or glasses. Chemicals get splashed, materials fall, and tools are mishandled daily on construction sites. Eye injuries can lead to a permanent loss of vision and even total blindness. Do not underestimate the importance of protective eyewear – and make yourself aware of the risks involved in working with biohazards.
Headphones
Earplugs and headphones are needed to protect your ears against loud noises. Excessive exposure to noise can damage your hearing and cause migraines or tinnitus. Earplugs are comfortable to wear every day and convenient to take on and off.
Headwear
Hard hats and helmets are essential PPE on construction sites. Hard hats are needed on areas with heavy materials that could fall and cause a concussion or brain damage. Most helmets come with an adjustable interior harness and sweatband to make them comfortable and practical to wear. Choose a design that suits your workplace and try to invest in headwear that fits your body comfortably.
Foot protection
You should wear puncture resistance and slip resistance shoes – steel toe capped boots are standard for construction workers. Heavy equipment can be dropped or fall, leading to crushed toes and severe foot injuries. It’s also worth looking into shoes with high tread and anti-skid soles if you work in a damp environment.
A whopping 16% of industrial accidents happen from tripping or slipping on site. These injuries could be avoided with the proper footwear and a good cleaning regime. While PPE is essential, it’s also necessary to keep your workplace tidy and organised. Try to keep your PPE stored in a dry location and make sure any loose wires or materials are kept to one side.
You can also invest in special socks to make your construction boots a little more comfortable. Special socks are more of a luxury – but they can make all the difference if you’re prone to blisters and sore feet.
Look after your protective equipment, and make sure to replace any defective items as soon as possible!
