Did you know that there are 9,997,965 construction employees in the U.S.?
While the construction industry is vital to our country and economy, it can also be dangerous. The industry has a high fatality rate of all sectors in our economy. That’s why it is so vital for construction safety gear to be worn during the work day.
We are here to talk about three must-have items to keep your fellow employees safe. Read on to learn more!
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Helmet
Construction safety gear is essential to protect construction workers on the job site. One of the most critical pieces of safety gear is a helmet. Helmets are designed to protect an individual’s head from dangerous conditions.
A helmet should fit snugly and comfortably, have a durable plastic or foam shell, and a shock-absorbing liner. It should be designed to allow for easy up-and-down head size adjustment for a proper fit.
Construction workers can prevent head injuries and potential fatalities. Construction workers must wear a hard hat daily on the job site as a primary measure of protection.
Goggles
Goggles are an essential piece of safety gear for any construction job. They protect the eyes from debris, dust, and other hazardous materials and protect them from electric shock, sparks, and chemical splashes.
They are designed to fit securely to the face. They can give clear peripheral vision. It also provides a tight seal around the eyes to keep out flying objects.
Goggles should be inspected regularly to make sure they are in good condition. If there is damage or wear and tear, they should be replaced. Always consider the type of job being done. Choose the fitting goggle for that task.
Shields with an anti-fog coating would be necessary for welding and grinding operations. All in all, it is essential to ensure construction crews have goggles to keep their eyes safe.
Gloves
Construction safety gear must-haves are essential for any construction site. Gloves are an important part of the ensemble. Specifically, work gloves are a must. Choosing suitable work gloves is essential for any construction site.
When handling equipment or Atlas Copco parts, gloves protect the hands from abrasions, cuts, and other injuries. Not to mention, by keeping hands warm, work gloves can also help protect from cold-related conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia.
When choosing the best gloves for the job, consider the range of motion and grip needed. Know the elements that are present on the worksite. This includes chemical residues, sharp edges, and extreme temperatures. In such cases, impact gloves can be a good choice, as these gloves are engineered to withstand an impressive amount of direct pressure, ensuring you’re covered in even the most demanding
situations.
Reflective Clothing
Regarding construction safety equipment, must-have essentials, reflective clothing is an absolute must. Reflective clothing provides high visibility to ensure the safety of the workers, especially in low light conditions like at dawn or dusk, when eyesight may be diminished.
Not only does reflective clothing ensure that the workers are safe, but it also reduces the risk of accidents around the work site. The workers can be seen when wearing reflective clothing and easily viewed by vehicles nearby.
Reflective clothing includes hard hats, safety vests or coveralls, wristbands, and tool bags. All of which are essential safety items that any construction site should have on hand to ensure the safety of the workers.
Hearing Protectors
These devices are designed to reduce the sound levels that can cause hearing damage and tinnitus. Both of which can lead to long-term hearing difficulties. They come in many forms, including ear muffs, plugs, and canal caps.
Ear muffs are the most common form of hearing protection on construction sites, as they provide good coverage. Ear plugs can also be worn, although they are less bulky, more comfortable, and less likely to interfere with communication.
Canal caps are lightweight and offer more protection, but they also block out more sound and must be worn correctly to be effective. All hearing protectors should fit comfortably and securely over the ear to be effective.
Safety Harnesses
Using safety harnesses while on a construction site is paramount to keeping workers’ construction safety. Harnesses provide plenty of support and protection and can significantly reduce fall risk. A properly fitted and inspected harness is one of the essential safety gear when working on a construction site, especially when working at heights.
Safety harnesses should have an adjustment system to ensure they fit the user correctly and should be designed to reduce the impact in the event of a fall. Manufacturers should follow industry standards and use the best materials to ensure the harness is of the highest quality and will not fail.
Ensuring everyone on the project has access to the necessary safety gear is the key to a successful and safe construction process. Safety harnesses are an integral part of construction safety and are too often overlooked due to the cost and effort.
Appropriate instructions for inspection and maintenance should be provided to ensure the harness is fit for use and in the proper condition for anyone using it.
Face Masks
The construction industry requires workers to have reliable safety and protective gear to protect them against hazardous workplace environments. One of the most critical safety essentials for construction workers is face masks. Face masks protect workers against dangerous dust, particulates, and environmental chemicals.
A worker needs to wear a mask to protect from toxins. It can help avoid breathing in airborne particles. It can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and other illnesses.
Workers should choose face masks with the appropriate filters and respirators. This depends on the construction environment to provide the best protection.
Additionally, face masks should be fitted correctly to protect the wearer adequately and replaced regularly. As such, construction safety face masks should be among workers’ top essentials and readily available to comply with the necessary safety standards.
Using the Right Construction Safety Gear
Construction safety gear is essential to the health and well-being of individuals working in the construction industry. Wearing the appropriate safety gear for the job is necessary to avoid fatal injuries and illnesses.
Invest in the proper safety gear for your construction jobs to ensure maximum safety for yourself and your workers.
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