Safety Equipment for Construction Companies and Workers

Safety equipment can guard against ear damaging noise, onsite equipment that could harm the eyes or hands, and dangerous chemicals that could affect a person handling or exposed to them without the proper protective clothing. Safety equipment helps companies and workers stay in compliance with OSHA regulations, and can reduce workplace injuries. Safety supplies include several different categories of construction safety equipment, each designed to provide specific protection.

Protective eye equipment includes glasses and goggles to protect the eyes from sparks, debris and fumes. Other protective head and face gear includes hard hats, face shields, sweatbands and head wraps to protect from debris, fumes, splashing chemicals, welding sparks, impact from falling objects and heat or cold. This safety equipment can prevent burns from sparks or flame, and damage to the eyes from flying debris.

Protective gloves may be chemical, cut or heat resistant without losing basic flexibility. They can protect the hands from cuts, scrapes, and burns from flame or chemicals. Body vests protect the torso from debris or burns, while providing a reflective surface for high visibility at night or on busy jobsites. They are particularly important when there are many vehicles or moving construction equipment on the jobsite after dark, for walking workers’ protection.

Safety equipment such as respiratory masks can prevent damage to the lungs and through from inhaling chemical fumes, dust, and micro particles. Filters come in varying sizes and strengths and the respirator can be disposable. Air purifying respirators are excellent for working in extremely dirty air or where there is concern over airborne pathogens or bacterium.

Hearing protection can range from small earplugs to noise cancelling headpieces. Fall safety equipment allows workers to reach heights without as high a risk in case of a fall, using slings and anchors to keep workers safe on platforms or construction rigging. Other construction safety equipment includes ergonomic equipment to prevent back and shoulder strain and lighting including handheld flashlights for maneuvering in the dark.

Protective clothing such as Tyvek or micro fiber suits can keep work clothes and skin safe from paint, chemicals, dirt and dust as well as many other hazardous things. These disposable suits do not tear or puncture easily and can be used with gloves, masks, hoods and disposable boots. Welding helmets work to block spatter, heat, fumes, glare and high temperatures.

Using the proper type of construction safety equipment at all times keeps workers safe and reduces the possibility of the company being held liable for injury on the job. At the same time, safety supplies such as a fully equipped first aid kit complete with supplies for chemical burns and airway issues should always be kept close to hand on a jobsite in case an injury does occur.

Safety equipment is a major part of any successful construction job, and should not be skimped on - you never know when you will need it, and it is so much better to be continually safe than sorry. Investing in proper safety supplies can keep you and your workers safe at all times.

NCH Safety is the author of this article on Safety Equipment. Find more information about Safety Supplies here.