Personal protective equipment, (or PPE), has become headline news in the last few years, thanks in no small part to the threat of the coronavirus pandemic, but for those working on construction sites across the country, PPE has always been a key point of consideration. Construction sites, after all, present a whole world of obstacles and potential hazards that could potentially lead to accident or injury, which is why the importance of appropriate and effective PPE on a worksite is of such value. Here, we identify the main components of personal protective equipment, emphasising their uses and importance:
Hard Hats
Arguably the most important and essential piece of PPE on any construction site, a hard hat is an absolute must-have. Able to protect against head injuries, particularly from objects that have fallen, or to prevent accidental head contact with dangerous or electrical objects, a hard hat is vital. You should check your hard hat for noticeable dents, cracks or damage frequently, and replace damaged hard hats with new ones.
Work Boots
Nothing says protection like a steel-capped boot. Work boots are crucial on any construction site, to help protect against crushed toes as a result of heavy equipment landing or falling at your feet. Not only this, but work boots are durable, waterproofed and puncture-resistant, to help handle the toughest of environments or conditions.
Gloves
No matter the job in hand, (no pun intended), work gloves are vital to your protection, with several uses across varying tasks or construction sites. In fact, different work gloves should be considered depending on the task at hand, with heavy-duty leather and canvas gloves considered appropriate in protecting against cuts and burns, whilst rubber gloves are more suitable for working with concrete.
Face or Eye Protection
PPE is incomplete without vital safety glasses or face shields, particularly if the work involves a high risk of debris or harmful dust and toxins getting in the eyes or lungs. Protective eyewear is essential for work such as cutting, grinding, welding and chipping, whilst face masks and welding shields help protect from dust and toxins.
Hearing Protection
Many worksite tools generate a significant amount of noise, enough to damage workers’ hearing over extended use, particularly when using heavy machineries such as chainsaws or jackhammers. In this instance, ear muffs or, in particular, earplugs are considered an essential piece of PPE.
High-Vis Clothing
Visibility is paramount on a worksite, with many jobs requiring workers to operate in low light or nighttime conditions. This makes high-visibility clothing an essential component of PPE for all workers, i.e, brightly coloured jackets, trousers and vests, (typically green or orange), should be worn at all times to further assist with worker visibility on-site.
Looking for worksite PPE? At A. McIlrath & Son, our range of Husqvarna personal protective equipment is designed with the same craftsmanship and attention to detail as their tools. And because Husqvarna makes the machines you’re using, we know exactly how to make the clothing and equipment that helps you use them best. Contact us today!