No one should take construction site safety lightly, no matter how long you’ve been in the industry. Construction hazards are common, and accidents can happen at any time and without warning.
It pays to prepare for these occurrences by utilizing the proper equipment. Knowing the safety equipment you must have on a construction site isn’t just the responsibility of project managers. Every worker needs to know how to use the equipment that could save them from a potential injury.
Protective gloves
A construction worker’s hands are their most important tools. That’s why it’s so important to take care of them. Using protective gloves on a job site ensures you and your workers stay fit to work for long periods of time. They also protect against grievous injuries from tool mishaps or malfunctions.
Goggles and hardhats
You may think you understand why you need these on a construction site, but have you truly taken the time to think about what they protect? Your head and eyes are the most vulnerable places on your body. Not only does working without these go against normal safety regulations, but it also doesn’t make sense when you consider the possible outcomes of not wearing them.
Respiratory protection
Whether you’re working with asbestos, getting sprayed with concrete dust, or just dealing with drywall, you need to keep your lungs safe from harmful inhalants. At the minimum, use dust masks when dealing with these issues. You may have to upgrade to respirators if you’re going to do prolonged work near these dangerous particulates.
Fall protection
Most construction projects involve some level of height. That’s why some of the most important safety equipment to have at your job site addresses fall protection. Falling is one of the greatest and most common hazards for a construction worker. There should be scaffolding below if you are above six feet off the ground. You may also use harnesses at higher elevations.
Ear muffling
Construction sites are loud; that’s simply a fact of life. Many routine construction noises are very harmful to a human’s hearing when exposed for too long. Using hearing protection is essential to ensuring every worker’s long-term health. Everyone within earshot should use some form of protection.
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