Safety has two aspects the tangible and the intangible; both go hand in hand when it comes to protection. It is imperative that construction workers or any workers who perform risky jobs are trained in taking safety precautions and given apt knowledge in this area.
In addition, a person’s protective gear is the most critical asset he has at his disposal. Although companies are required by law to employ regulations and policies that comply with safety standards, there is still room for accidents to occur. This makes it necessary for workers to also take individual care and purchase the best quality of safety gear available.
A person’s negligence is often the cause of his downfall as it is difficult for companies to routinely inspect whether each worker’s safety practice is in compliance with standard regulations. In fact, it is also a bit naive to expect companies who deal with hundreds of employees to share the same concern for their workers as one would for oneself.
The nature of construction sites is hazardous by default. The construction industry involves the use of heavy duty objects and complex machinery which require skills to be operated. This raises the chances of unforeseen accidents which can at times be unavoidable. But with basic safety equipment workers can further minimize the risk of inflicting any harm upon themselves.
Safety Shoes
Being equipped with constructions shoes that are specifically designed for this kind of risk, and wear and tear, workers can boost their productivity and perform their job with more ease and confidence. Protective footwear is mandatory for anyone seeking work or already working in a construction company.
The hazardous materials that workers are likely to be exposed to at construction sites pose all sorts of dangers including stepping over a sharp broken glass, into a puddle of cement, or walking into hot chemicals. Safety shoes shield workers from cutting, burning and bruising their feet. The main power of safety shoes lies in being slip-resistant – this reduces the chances of slipping or falling from a height.
The single most risky part in a construction job is to endeavour heights. It makes it really easy for workers to stand at height once they feel they have a good grip of the surface that is supporting their feet. To view the variety of construction boots and shoes click here, you’ll be guided regarding several features each boot is designed with.
Goggles
Protecting the eyes is equally important as protecting one’s feet. This fact cannot be stressed enough as construction workers are exposed to various chemicals which can easily splash into the eyes. The eyes being one of the most sensitive parts of the body should not be taken lightly.
Any task that poses risk to the eyes should be handled in a way that completely minimizes the hazards involved. Glasses and goggles protect workers’ eyes from chemicals, dust, debris, wood flakes, sharp objects and much more. Without protective glasses construction workers remain at a high risk of inflicting harm to their eyes.
Helmet
A worker helmet is the de facto symbol of construction safety gear. Head injuries are very common and more harmful and life-threatening than injuries to the feet or eyes. Protecting the head is a real concern for all workers. Helmets not only protect individuals from falling but also from any fallen objects and low ceiling that they may bump into.
Hearing Aids
Like all safety gears hearing aids are also an important addition. Over-exposure to loud noises weakens your hearing ability with time. This is especially true of many construction workers who suffer from audibility issues caused by exposure to loud ear deafening sounds. This is a growing concern which suggests workers should keep a good quality pair of hearing aids handy.
Masks and Filters
One of the main sources of health hazards is inhaling dust, debris, bacteria, and poisonous elements. A dust mask is a necessary component of the safety gear. Masks are flexible pads that cover the nose and the mouth, preventing the entry of dust and toxic substances into the nasal and air passages. It is also good for labour work involving cleaning activities.
Gloves
There are a variety of gloves available for construction workers for the simplest to the toughest jobs. These gloves are made for every type of challenge facing construction workers. They protect from cuts, abrasion, chemicals, and hot temperatures. The overall idea is to safeguard the hands from every potential danger.
Heat Protection
Every year workers suffer from various conditions. High temperatures and the direct exposure to the sun pose a number of dangers including dehydration and heat stroke. This makes it necessary for workers to incorporate heat protection in their safety precaution. A heat protection kit features neck cooling gears that help workers keep their body temperatures low. It is also recommended for them to stay as hydrated as possible.
Safety Outfits
Safety outfits dictate the type of clothing that is suitable for construction jobs; it is recommended to wear lightweight clothing during hot temperatures but it must include protective components that are part of safety outfits. These outfits typically include a construction vest, safety harnesses, respirators, ergonomics and much more. Safety clothing and equipment are necessary to utilize during any work task that involves risk to your health.
As aforementioned, comprehensive training and safety rules are key to reducing hazards and inefficiencies. Workers should be encouraged to watch safety videos demonstrating ways to protect themselves from potential accidents beforehand. It is also wise to learn about how one should respond to accidents involving oneself and others.
