The Importance of Personal Protective Equipment
sites are an extremely risky and dangerous place to work. Heavy machinery, if not treated with the utmost safety and precaution, can lead to serious injuries and even death. Although sites are usually given the green light by health and safety officials, accidents can still happen through carelessness and/or poor training. All construction sites must comply with OSHA regulations intended to minimize the number of accidents on construction sites.
Unfortunately, regulations are not always followed, or followed tightly enough and all kinds of accidents occur every day. Some of the more severe risks on a construction site include falls from dangerous heights, crane accidents, being pinned beneath operating equipment, electric shocks, falling debris and fires and explosions. Using personal protective equipment can save you from a variety of injuries. There are ways to protect yourself.
Head Injuries:
Prevention of head injuries is one of the most important factors in every safety program. A single injury to the head can handicap an employee for life, or it can be fatal. A recent study of accidents and injuries showed that most workers who suffered impact injuries to the head were NOT wearing head protection. The majority of workers were injured while performing their normal jobs at their regular worksites. Using a hard hat will protect you from impact, penetration and even some electrical injuries.
Foot/Leg Injuries:
When working on a construction site where there is the potential for injury, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that employers will direct and make sure that their employees wear the proper kind of shoes for adequate protection. Foot guards and safety boots will protect you from hazards such as sharp objects, hot surfaces, electrical hazards, as well as helping you to maintain traction on wet surfaces.
Eye/Face Injuries:
The majority of workplace eye injuries are caused by small particles or objects (such as metal slivers, wood chips or dust) striking or abrading the eye. Nearly three out of five injured workers were not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident or were wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the job. Goggles, helmets and face shields will help protect from debris, flying chips or fragments and sparks while welding, as well as keeping dust and dirt out of your eyes.
Hearing Loss:
Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause irreversible damage to your hearing. The selection of the type of hearing protection depends on a number of issues, such as the amount of attenuation required, as well as comfort. The two basic types are ear plugs and headphones. If you use earplugs, be sure to use ones that are made of material that self-forms to the ear. Be sure to clean them regularly and replace them when they begin to wear.
Respiratory Injuries:
When working in contaminated environments where vapors, fumes or gases are present, use a NIOSH-approved respirator. Make sure the unit fits properly and you have been trained on respiratory use prior to work. A respirator will allow you to breathe normally without inhaling any of the toxic air contaminants your workplace may have.
Your employer should have a written policy on the use of PPE (personal protective equipment), and you should receive training on what items to use as part of your regular safety training program. Your employer is also required to have this equipment available to you, but it is your responsibility to use it properly and to understand the limit of protection such equipment provides.