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Avoiding Injury: Reasons for Using the Correct Safety Equipment

By Dennis Kaminski
Last updated: February 20, 2018
Presented by PEC Safety
Key Takeaways

Reasons for using PPE on the job site.

Working in construction, individuals are often responsible for a wide variety of tasks throughout the course of the work day. Based on the worker and the job that they have been hired for, they may be required to perform activities that can cause severe injuries or accidents if they are not handled properly. Tasks might include climbing a tall ladder to reach the third floor of a new building or tearing down a wall with a sledge hammer. One of the most important elements of completing work tasks is wearing the appropriate protective gear for the job being performed.

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That being said, following are 4 reasons why construction workers should wear the proper safety equipment for the job.

1. Protective Gear Protects Employees

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Most people know that construction jobs are inherently dangerous, so it is essential that extra care be taken while performing work-related tasks. Being safe and avoiding unnecessary problems normally entails a number of different essential factors including ensuring that every worker possesses the safety gear that is required. For instance, if the job is exceptionally loud due to the machinery that is being used, the employer should ensure that all of the workers on the job has industrial ear plugs. Industrial ear plugs are designed to block noise so that no damage is caused to the individual's hearing. If these plugs are not worn on a regular basis and the noise continues, workers may experience hearing loss at early ages.

2. Protective Gear Is Required by Law

Another reason for employees having the appropriate safety gear on the job is that it is required by law. The government agency that oversees worker injuries and accidents is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA is dedicated to protecting both the employers and employees on the job. While some states have opted out of, and are adhering to their own set of safety standards and laws, other states rely heavily on OSHA’s guidance to determine how to keep workplaces safe. Therefore, OSHA regulations also specify the types of PPE and safety equipment that is required on construction jobs including items like hard hats, steel toe shoes, industrial ear plugs, and goggles. It is also important to note that if employers are found in violation of these safety regulations, they are considered negligent and can be fined.

3. Protective Gear Protects Employers

Even though OSHA is assisting with regulating the workplace to keep it safe from unnecessary accidents and injuries, their actions are also needed to protect the employer's too. This is due to the fact that worker incident rates for injuries and accidents are traditionally lower when this type of gear is worn. However, when employers are violating guidelines and regulations, they are opening the company up to unnecessary problems and issues in the workplace. When this occurs, the company will not only have to pay out additional money in expenses for replacing workers with other resources, they may also be required to pay for lawsuits and other things related to construction workers not being in full protective gear when while on the job.

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4. Providing Protective Gear Is Ethical

When an employer knows that workers are not properly equipped for a construction job, it is important that the individuals in charge ensure that these incidents are completely eliminated and resolved. This might include sending the worker home for the day because they are not dressed correctly for the job, or ensuring the construction worker gets what they need right away. Something must be done if the construction worker is not wearing the required protective gear. Ignoring these issues is not only a problem for the workers who could potentially be hurt severely, it is also unethical for those who are watching and know that the person can easily be injured to stay silent.

When people work on construction sites, they must wear the appropriate gear. The gear that they wear can vary based on the job that is being performed. However, there are some common items that must be worn including a hard hat and steel toe shoes. It is always best to refer to the employer or site supervisor when unsure about required protective equipment.

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Written by Dennis Kaminski | Owner

Dennis Kaminski
Dennis Kaminski is the owner of Safetymart. SafetyMart helps customers ranging from private businesses to government/municipal agencies, both large and small to address their safety needs and requirements.

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