Slips, Burns And Cuts How Proper Equipment Can Keep Construction Workers Safe

By | July 30, 2017

High visibility hooded pullover sweatshirt

You can never be too cautious. This is the wisdom that undercuts heavy duty rain gear for construction and custom reflective jackets, as the construction industry is home to some of the most hazardous working conditions. When a simple slip or product malfunction can cause severe injury, it’s imperative to always be a little careful and make sure that your gear is up to the task. This can mean wearing footwear that can last the year or a reflective jacket that can alert others to your presence in dark or stormy weather.

Walking And Standing

Construction is a physically demanding job. While the average person can walk up to 10,000 steps per day, a construction worker or day laborer can exceed 30,000 during a single shift. This means proper footwear is essential to avoid sprains, twists, slips and falls. Good grip, snug fit and high-quality materials go a long way in keeping workers protected from the aftermath of constant physical activity. This can be cotton safety shirts, high visibility pants are just a good pair of socks.

Hearing And Protection

Construction sites are host to a lot of loud and constant noise. Earplugs are necessary to protect workers’ hearing. Permanent hearing loss can be caused by sounds that exceed 85 decibels and, depending on the fit, earplugs can reduce noise by 15 to 30 decibels. It’s important to make sure that earplugs are snug and regularly washed to keep them as effective as possible. Even when the noises don’t seem particularly loud, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Injuries And Illnesses

Over $70 is spent on foot protection per employee every year. Additional products like heavy duty rain gear for construction and cargo work pants with reflective tape are staples that need to be used constantly. Otherwise? Employees could end up taking constant sick leave for illness and injury. According to the Institute For Work And Health in Canada, a new employee in their first month of work has three-times the risk for lost-time injury. Age also plays a factor in this.

Sick Leave And Recovery

Reducing the rate of sick leave means using proper equipment. Data provided by the Bureau Of Labor Statistics shows that workers over the age of 65 experienced 94 injuries per 10,000 workers. This is less than any other age group, which have higher rates of injuries and illnesses on average. The average teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 in 2014 missed four days of work on average after a work injury. Prevention is just as important as tackling issues immediately. This is where vests, gloves, shoes and earplugs come in.

How To Stay Safe With Proper Equipment

How can we create a safer environment? By adhering closely to OSHA standards and making sure the work equipment used is up-to-date and properly maintained. A heavy duty rain gear for construction can prevent workers from getting sick by insulating them from the weather, while a fluorescent vest makes it easier for others to identify workers in the dark. Coupled with gloves to prevent burns and tough shoes to reduce strains, the construction industry can be safer than ever before.