It’s no secret that construction can be very dangerous work. Construction workers work from high levels and deal with dangerous equipment. They must balance themselves at great heights while carrying heavy equipment. They work outside in the elements, and they do so all year round. Whether involved in residential or commercial work, these workers must make sure they stay safe by wearing the right safety equipment. Here is a list of the main types of safety equipment that all construction teams should have.

Safety Glasses

According to the World Steel Association, over 6 million people work in the steel industry. Working around steel or any other type of metal in construction or other industries can mean there are a lot of hot metal sparks flying around. Your eyes are some of the most delicate parts of your body, making it important to protect them from any type of flying objects that are bound to be around a construction site. Safety glasses can also shield their eyes from particulate dust. Since many construction workers may be working outside, the glare of the sun can also impact their vision, so it's essential that they can also protect themselves from UV rays. Don't skimp on these items! Source your eyewear from a reputable supplier.

Gloves

Construction workers have to handle all sorts of hazardous materials. Some of these materials may be very hot to the touch. Some materials can also be extremely sharp, which can result in cuts and abrasions. Protecting their hands with the right gloves can ensure that they can avoid burns, infections, and cuts. These types of gloves often come in materials like rubber, leather, or synthetic fibers. They need gloves that can comfortably fit around their hands but can grip the equipment well. As construction is a hands-on job, it's imperative that their hands stay in healthy condition.

Hard Hats

No construction worker should ever step on a site without a hard hat. After all, all sorts of construction material can fall any time from a construction site. There are farming objects, debris, and electrical shocks to look out for. Being unprotected in such an environment can result not only in a severe laceration to the head, concussion, or a lack of consciousness. According to our experts, a hard hat should be replaced around every five years or whenever it becomes obviously damaged.

Earplugs

Don't forget to protect your hearing. Construction sites and other industrial areas are places that can be very loud due to the nature of the work. Metal or other composites are constantly being banged, sawed, and hammered. Anyone working in this environment should always have the right ear protection, and strong earplugs are a good option. They should always be worn if the noise level is above 85 decibels. For further reference, 85 decibels is equal to the sound of a lawn mower. In addition to earplugs, construction workers can choose to wear earmuffs while doing their job.

Boots

Safety equipment on a construction site includes the right footwear. There's a reason why construction workers never work in sandals or sneakers. Feet are just as vulnerable as any other part of the body. The steel toes on construction boots help to protect feet from the impact of something falling. Boots should always be comfortable and allow wearers to stand and work all day long. When the boots are becoming worn down, workers should make sure that they're replaced.

As you can see, there's a good list of safety equipment that should be available on any construction work site. Construction workers risk their lives in various ways to make sure that buildings go up on time. It's imperative that people who are managing these construction sites ensure that everyone involved is properly protected and understands how to use such safety equipment. Keep your workers safe and make sure that you have the right equipment available from the right supplier. North-East Deck & Steel has been in business for many years and is proud to supply the construction industry with the right equipment to make sure that people stay safe. If you have any questions, please contact us for more information.