Safety is paramount on a construction site. As well as there being a duty of care to yourself and others, maintaining certain safety standards is a legal requirement. Therefore, as a worker, one of the main things you need to address before you even step on site is work-wear. Protective clothing is, in many ways, your first line of defense against accidents and injuries.
Safety Isn’t an Option
In the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 covers all sectors. This means public and private construction sites must meet the safety standards outlined in this document. In simple terms, the law states that all workers must be protected from workplace hazards that can compromise their health and safety. Moreover, all workers must be protected from hazards that could, in turn, be transmitted from a workplace to other people.
Construction has many obvious hazards. Falling debris, sharp objects and heavy materials all pose a risk of injury. With that being the case, safety work-wear is essential. Today, there a companies that specialize in safety gear. For example, engelbert strauss provides safety-compliant clothing for all industries. From medical scrubs to high-vis jackets, this company is designed to help employers and employees meet safety standards. As a construction worker, sites like this are important. However, you need to know what you’re looking for within its range of work-wear options in order to make the right choices.
Choose the Right Work-Wear
In other words, you know what protective clothing you need. For example, work trousers for a builder are going to be different from those worn by a plant engineer. When you’re browsing a site like engelbert strauss, you need to consider what potential hazards there are and, in turn, what injuries they could cause.
In construction, a lot more processes are becoming automated. This is helping to make projects more efficient. However, even with the introduction of computers and robots, it’s still a manual job. As such, you need to protect yourself. The main guidelines for safety work-wear on construction sites are as follows:
- A hardhat to protect the head, particularly from falling debris.
- Safety glasses to protect the eyes from dust and debris.
- High-vis safety jackets to ensure everyone is clearly visible on site.
- Work trousers and long-sleeve shirts unless weather conditions make this difficult.
- Sturdy boots, preferably with steel toe-caps to protect the feet.
Other work clothes you might consider buying are things like protective gloves, face masks, chemical splash goggles, harnesses (when working on raised platforms), and sunglasses to avoid glare when working outside in the sun.
Basically, anything you can think of that will protect you from a hazard should be part of your daily work-wear routine. Construction can be a dangerous job but the best way to keep yourself safe is to use protective clothing. Although a hardhat and steel toe-capped boots aren’t a substitute for due care and attention, they are there in case of accidents. In essence, safety work-wear is your personal insurance policy or, to put it another way, your first line of defense.
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