Working with machines and dangerous raw materials at varying heights and depths, humans become susceptible to injuries and accidents. The intentional highest protective measures to ensure the well-being of employees are the responsibility of employers. The protective equipment is designed to absorb hard impacts and provide protection for the workers. Explore here the wide variety of options available specific to the safety of construction workers.
Why Safety is Important for Workers?
Protection is the foremost requirement for employee well-being and to enhance productivity at work.
- Measures to protect employees prevent both minor and major work-related accidents. These incidents can occur due to falling objects, slips or falls, dust inhalation, equipment or vehicle mishaps, chemical spills, and other hazards.
- Protection increases the credibility of clients and brands. Businesses or organizations looking for construction would favor brands with lower injury or accident rates, often preventable with quality protective equipment.
- When safety measures fail, it can result in financial losses. Additionally, businesses seeking construction insurance may face elevated costs if they experience significant accidents or injuries
- Following protective measures also attracts quality workers. With the proper actions taken to ensure protection, it eliminates the risk or fear of accidents and injuries, directing the focus on work. The subsequent result will be an increase in productivity, efficiency, and quality of work.
Essential Safety Equipment for Construction Workers
Some of the key equipment’s necessary to impart safety for construction workers are as follows:
Head Gears
Headgear, protective helmets, safety helmets or hard hats are used to reduce the impact on the head. It can occur either by the falling of the worker or the object on the head. The chosen head gears must ensure head protection while considering the comfort of the worker. They should also reduce the risk of stress due to heat in areas of higher temperature or during summer seasons. Additionally, it should weigh optimally to impart protection while not adding to the burden of wearing employees.
Fall Prevention Equipment
There are wide types of fall prevention equipment available to be used based on the construction site:
- The guardrails prevent falling from height or into depth and do not require specialist training.
- For heights exceeding 25 feet, safety nets are necessary.
- To work alongside vulnerable openings, employ protective barriers.
- Canopies prevent objects from falling onto workers and protect the workers themselves. These mesh-like structures are designed to prevent object penetration
- The toeboards are used to prevent falling or striking of items to the works. They must take up 50 pounds of force and should be 3.5 inches high.
- Floor holes require hole covers that can withstand twice the reasonable weight expected to be placed on them
Spectacles For Eye Protection
The decision of spectacles must be according to the type of hazard possible on construction sites. It should properly fit the worker and must meet ANSI Z87.1-2012 standards. The lens shade should depend on the exposure to light radiation. The spectacles for protection are available in a variety that includes safety glasses, goggles, and face shields. Besides, the mandatory presence of eye wash for immediate delivery of emergency services is also important for eye protection.
Earmuffs or Earplugs as Ear Protection
Ear protection is compulsory according to OSHA guidelines if employees are exposed to around 85 decibels for eight hours. There are two types of hearing hazards: one due to sudden bursts of noise and the other due to prolonged noise exposure. Besides noise control measures, employers must invest in ear protection equipment as well, which are earmuffs and earplugs.
- The earmuffs cover the entire ear and are joined by a curve going over the head. They completely block the noise, while the advanced versions are also available, fitted with a microphone and small speakers.
- Earplugs are preferred for protection from low-intensity noise. They are disposable and cost-effective and offer easier methods for compliance with OSHA guidelines.
Safety Shoes
The safety shoes must impart protection from sharp objects, slips, punctures and water. Moreover, a protective toe cap adds extra protection to the shoes. The shoes must also not compromise the comfort of the wearer while also offering shock absorption and cushioning effects. Choice of safety shoes should also consider the lining, insole and outsole material. Companies like Liberty, Hillson Rockland and L&T-SuFin Brand Solido Olympus are some of the preferable options.
Hand Gloves
The safety gloves for hand must meet the level of protection required depending on the potential hazard possible at the location of construction. The hand safety and gear should be cut and corrosion-resistant, should be able to withstand temperature fluctuations and must be shock absorbers. The proper fit is important not to hinder the quality of work. The grip plays a key role in imparting protection and ensuring the right quality. Furthermore, the hand gloves must be durable without compromising the worker’s comfort level.
First Aid Package
Regardless of protection level, the occurrence of injuries cannot be eliminated entirely. These scenarios require the presence of emergency first aid kits ready to use on an immediate basis as per the requirement. The first aid kit should meet ANSI Z308.12015 standards, and the Class B type IV is suited for construction sites. The components of Class B first aid kits include the following components of recommended specifications:
- Bandage
- Roller gauze
- Gloves
- Trauma Pad
- Sterile Pad
- Adhesive Tape
- First Aid Guide
- Cold Pack
- Splint
- Tourniquet
- Eye/Skin Wash
- Antiseptic And Antibiotic Treatment
- Cpr Barrier
- Scissors
- Gel Soaked Burn Dressing
Protect Your Employees With L&T-SuFin
With adherence to the guidelines from OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, construction companies can deliver quality work without compromising employee safety. Helping the brands and companies follow the guidelines, L&T-SuFin offers high quality equipment of need. With our B2B business model, our customers are certain to get the following benefits: Also read
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With numerous products to offer, our customers can decide while checking out the products or head directly to their interests with specific filters. The shopping experience with us is easy. Our teams strive to offer the unavailable products at the earliest as soon as we are informed about the requirements. Further, competitive rates are applicable for products marked with the ‘Raise Quote’ option.
Ready to Upgrade Your Employee’s Safety with L&T-SuFin? Contact Us Today for the Best Products!