Four Major Must-Haves in Construction
This might be a redundant thing to say but it is crucial in the construction industry and you have to be extra careful. There are certain things you should always have on you in order to prevent any injuries. Here they are listed below:
- Hard Hats – This object is very important because it not only shields your head and neck but also shoulders and protects you from electrical shock (if it’s the right hard hat). Some hard hats can be fitted with shades, goggles and hoods. The hat can also protect you from spills and blows to the head. It’s very important to wear a hard hat at all times on the work site. A survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that almost all who suffered head injuries were not wearing head protection.
- Safety Glasses – These glasses come in many different styles, so it’s important that you use the right glasses for the task that you are performing. It is believed that up to 90% of injuries can be prevented by wearing the safety glasses. Make sure that your glasses fit properly and are comfortable to wear.
- Safety Boots – The boots most commonly worn for safety are steel toe boots. Most construction sites will not even let you enter without wearing these boots. Some may think they are uncomfortable and don’t allow for air circulation. However, it is very important to wear these boots to prevent injury from heavy objects falling on your feet or from stepping on sharp objects. The boots will also protect your ankles if you step in a steep hole.
- Gloves – Wearing gloves should be discussed with the on-site safety professional. In certain circumstances you should not wear gloves, because they may get caught in machinery and injure hands or fingers that way. In other cases, gloves should be worn to prevent injuries to the hands. Always take precautions and use common sense.
Personal protective equipment should always be on hand and worn at all times. If you have any questions about what kind to wear, be sure to ask your on-site supervisor or a member of Risk Management.