Construction work can provide a rewarding and competitive career. If you enjoy hands-on work and a good challenge, you might fit right in on a big construction project.
While an opportunity-heavy industry, construction labor also has a significant number of safety risks. Wearing protective gear is a critical step in protecting yourself from severe injuries on the job.
Helmet
Arguably the most critical PPE to wear on a construction job is your hard hat. A high-quality helmet can protect your head from injury during numerous hazards including falling debris and moving equipment that you might not notice. A helmet can also aid in protecting your head if you fall and hit your head.
Harness
Another valuable piece of PPE to own is a harness. This is particularly important if you work at height. If you regularly scale scaffolding or work on rooftops where you could sustain fatal injuries in a fall, having a harness can improve your stability if you lose your footing.
Experts strongly encourage you to always work with someone or to have a way of calling for help if you must complete a job alone. However, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there are no federal guidelines that prevent construction workers from working alone.
Reflective clothing
Reflective clothing can improve your visibility which can make it so others can see you more easily. If you do not wear bright clothing, workers operating machinery or equipment might not notice you. If you work on a roadside, motorists might also fail to see you.
Other PPE that can actively protect you from harm includes durable boots, gloves, eye protection and a mask to improve the quality of the air you breathe. Your diligence in wearing your PPE always might be the reason you stay safe at work even when you encounter a hazard.
