Industry

Essential Safety Tips For Construction Workers

Construction workers can be exposed to a wide range of hazards. Due to the nature of their varied jobs, the industry has established strict regulations which govern and regulate a safe working environment for all.

To protect workers against the risk of accident or injury to health, including exposure to adverse conditions, personal protective equipment (PPE) and protective clothing is prescribed.

Let's take a look at some of the essential safety tips for construction workers.

Construction Worker Safety

Safety equipment and clothing saves lives

PPE and clothing is required to comply with industry standards as established by the relevant industry authorities. There are a lot of workplace injuries which can be prevented by wearing suitable protection.

Boots

Designed to resist crushing and penetration of the foot, all construction workers, regardless of their particular job on a site, are required to wear safety boots or shoes. Designed to have an impenetrable sole and upper as well as the all-important steel cap toe, they keep feet dry and safe from all conditions.

Helmets and Face Protection

Safety helmets are mandatory on any construction site to protect the worker from head injury in the event of falling objects. Even site visitors are required to wear them. Fitted with a chin strap and safety visor, it is designed to be lightweight and comfortable but reinforced.

The wearing of goggles to protect the eyes or a fitted face shield may also be required depending on the job. Protecting the face from airborne dust, heat or other dangerous substances is a necessity. Safety spectacles are available in a range of styles and can even be made to fit those who need prescription lenses.

Gloves

Gloves are an essential part of clothing that all laborers need. Safety gear made tough to protect against injury designed to protect against basic cuts and scrapes as well as chemical spills. Gloves required can vary depending on the task at hand. Thinner varieties are best for brick laying whilst the more heavy-duty gloves are used when working with steal. Make sure the gloves you wear are appropriate for your job.

Noise

Construction sites are very noisy places. Those who work directly with noisy equipment are required to wear earplugs or earmuffs at all times. There are even some hard hats which are fitted with ear protection too. Even if you are not directly associated with machinery that produces loud sounds, it is wise to protect your ears anyway. Constant repetitive sound can damage the ear drum and cause long term impact.

Protective and reflective clothing

Construction workers are exposed to a wide range of weather conditions. Industry regulated clothing must be waterproof and reflective so that it is highly visible. Clothing must cover all exposed areas of the arms and neck for particular jobs and be lightweight but tough enough in the event of accident. Labourers work physically hard so they must also be designed to breathe.

Protect yourself with knowledge

In addition to clothing and equipment, construction workers require highly developed skills; not only for the job they are tasked with, but in relation to how to operate equipment safely and accurately. Workplace regulations as well as Occupational Health and Safety Acts stipulate that all employees must have up to date and correct training, skills and certificates to ensure they can be appropriately placed in a labour job.

Safety is paramount on any construction site and personal protective equipment and protective clothing is essential. These essential safety tips are just the beginning. Make sure your employer supplies you with with the necessary protection that fits you comfortably.

Shared by Blue Collar People.

If you have any questions, please ask below!