Construction Site? (Nov2022) PPE and Construction Work Sites
Construction has a high number of injuries and accidents each year, compared with any other industry. Unexpected hazards can pose serious safety and health risks for workers, even after an extensive risk assessment has been done.
Employers can reduce the risk of these risks by putting a little more effort into their work and providing the correct guidance, tools and protective equipment for workers.
This content is intended to provide information on the best personal protective equipment (or PPE) to use in construction settings safely. It also provides tips and tricks to avoid injuries and accidents at work.
Construction Site Accident Statistics
In the US, nearly 11.4 million people were employed in construction over the past year. The UK’s construction industry is responsible for 7 % of the nation’s workforce. This makes it one the most risky industries to work in.
If we look at the types of injuries or accidents that occur, falls from height remain a major cause of accidents in construction and ill-health. This accounts for more than 36% of all injuries.
26 percent of these non-fatal injuries were caused by slips, trips and falls. 57% were musculoskeletal. These numbers are almost double those seen in other sectors.
Employers should be concerned about these alarming numbers and take reasonable steps to protect their workers from health and safety hazards. They also need to implement procedures and right PPE in order to create a safe working environment.
PPE and Construction Work Sites
Even with all the precautions taken, workers are still at risk. These risks can cause damage to the eyes, face, and body parts. In worse cases, internal organs may also be damaged.
If these hazards are not eliminated, they can be reduced by wearing the right personal protective equipment at workplace. All types of PPE are used to protect workers against workplace injuries, accidents, and ill health. It can mean the difference between life or death by wearing the right equipment for your job.
Equipment Required in Construction Workplace
To work safely, there are many mandatory equipment. These are just a few of the many mandatory equipment required to work safely.
Construction industries must ensure that their workers have proper head protection to prevent any type of head injury. This is required at almost all construction sites. To avoid injuries, it is essential to organize the work environment in order to prevent accidents.
However, a well-organized workplace is not a safe place to work. For example, there is an inherent risk for head injuries and so such equipment is necessary.
To prevent many dangers, protective footwear is an essential piece of equipment for workers on construction sites. Workers may need to take a break in their foot muscles or bones, which can cause them to miss work for several days. Safety boots are a good option to protect your feet from any debris, materials or malfunctions in equipment.
High levels of noise and heavy equipment can cause permanent hearing loss or damage to the ears. To prevent noise exposure at work, earplugs are required for this type of work. Employers and workers must ensure that the hearing equipment is properly maintained and cleaned regularly to prevent other illnesses and ailments.
To protect the skin from damage or exposure to toxic substances and materials, it is important to take precautions. To minimize injuries, coveralls and protective clothing are recommended.
Our respiratory system is connected to many of our vital internal organs like the lungs and throat. Inhaling hazardous substances or chemical dust can cause irreparable damage to the internal organs of workers working in hazardous environments.
Inhaling hazardous gasses or dust can cause mild to severe injuries, including cancer. To do the job safely, respirator (RPE), is required.
Other Things You Need to Remember
Employers must ensure that workers, customers, and all other employees are protected by the essential protective equipment they use at work.