The heavy machinery, dangerous temporary structures and working at height, make construction sites one of the most dangerous places to work. There is a lot of potential for injury and so you want to make sure that you are wearing the right PPE to protect yourself.
In the UK, it is the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that puts the laws in place dictating what PPE must be worn on a construction site. Most construction sites in the UK have their dress code displayed somewhere, so that everyone understands what PPE is required.
Unsteady ground often comes with the territory on construction sites, meaning that safety boots with strong soles and ankle support are a necessity. Steel toe capped boots will also help protect your feet from being crushed by a heavy load.
All workers on a construction site are required to at least wear a high-visibility vest. It’s absolutely essential to remain as visible as possible in order to avoid any accidents.
Some construction jobs require that employees work overnight, in low light conditions or in roadworks. In situations like this, hi-vis workwear is absolutely the only PPE choice. Hi vis trousers, paired with a hi-vis jacket and safety helmet means that workers will be able to continue working without being in danger of injury, or worse.
A safety helmet must be worn by absolutely everyone that sets foot on a construction site. From the site manager, to site visitors. It’s a legal requirement. The colour of the safety helmet that you wear is an indicator of your role on the construction site. Visitors wear a separate colour so it’s obvious who’s an employee and who’s not.
Safety gloves are strongly recommended and sometimes required for a lot of jobs on construction sites. Safety gloves protect the hands from cuts and other injury and also offer an excellent grip for handling heavy machinery and other construction site equipment equipment.
Depending on the work you are carrying out, there are many different types of safety gloves available, including anti-vibration safety gloves, cut resistant safety gloves, rigger gloves, and much more.
Keeping warm and dry at work is important. For outdoor construction work in all weather conditions, you need good quality waterproof workwear, it’s crucial to maintaining comfort and productivity. Make sure that it’s breathable so that it is easy to work in. Adding a thermal base layer will help trap heat and insulate the body.
For those working at height, a safety harness may be required. Thousands of accidents involving slipping or tripping happen in the construction industry every year. With the main causes being wet and uneven surfaces and cables or other obstacles.
Falling from a height can cause major injury or even death and is one of the biggest killers in the workplace. Use guardrails, safety nets and fall-arrest equipment to help prevent workplace fatalities.
Make sure you dress appropriately. Staying safe whilst working on a construction site should always be your first priority.
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