Tips for Staying Safe on Jobsites
The dress code for construction site workers and visitors is primarily for safety. After all, many hazards exist on construction sites, from large machinery to exposed electrical wires to nails and glass underfoot. If you work at or visit construction sites regularly, make sure you’re wearing the proper attire.
Shirt and Pants
Most construction sites call for either Class 2 vests and t-shirts or Class 3 long-sleeve shirts. Sleeveless tops are often prohibited. Long sleeves should fit snugly since baggy shirts are more likely to get caught on nearby objects and harm the worker.
Long pants are also required. These protect the worker’s legs from sparks, wood chips or other flying debris that might be found on a construction site.
Head Protection
The head and neck are the most important parts of the body to protect on a construction site. The risk of bumping your head on a low-hanging object or being struck by a falling tool or debris could result in serious injury. For this reason, hard hats are a required part of proper construction site attire.
Workers should regularly inspect hard hats for dents, cracks or other deterioration that could make them less effective at absorbing the blow from an impact. Employers should supply hard hats for their team free of charge and replace them after a heavy blow or electrical shock occurs.
Face and Eye Protection
Safety glasses and face shields are important for protecting the eyes and face while nailing, sawing, grinding or welding. Such personal protective equipment comes in different styles, so be sure to identify specific hazards on the job site and select face and eye protection to match.
Foot Protection
The entire construction crew should wear sturdy work boots. Ideally, these should feature non-slip, puncture-resistant soles to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls. Steel toe boots are recommended for teams working near heavy equipment or in areas where falling objects are possible.
Hand Protection
Gloves protect a construction worker’s hands from hot and cold temperatures, splinters, fiberglass, sharp objects, and other hazards on the job. Work gloves often feature a rating from one to five, with five being the sturdiest. Construction sites typically call for gloves rated a two or three.
Other Protective Gear
When loud machinery is operating, earplugs are necessary to protect the workers’ hearing. Brightly colored reflective safety vests also help workers remain visible in dark settings. All workers should avoid wearing jewelry, and they should tie back long hair to prevent it from getting in the way or becoming stuck in machinery.
At Work-n-Wear, we offer a wide variety of personal protective equipment for construction workers, from t-shirts and work pants to hard hats and gloves to slip-resistant steel toe boots. Our selection is affordable, high-quality and made to last! Browse our products online or visit our Salem, Oregon store to ask questions and make your selection. For more information, please contact us online or call (503) 364-3064 today.
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