Some of the PPE requirements include:
- Employers should keep employees safe when elimination, substitution, engineering controls, and administrative controls can’t completely eradicate hazards.
- Employers must provide PPE that is appropriate for the level of hazard at no cost.
- Most PPE must meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.
- Workers must be trained regarding the proper selection, usage, cleaning, and maintenance of PPE.
- PPEs must not be too loose or too tight. They should fit well and be comfortable for employees to wear.
- Multiple PPEs should not interfere with each other.
Common Construction Site Hazards that Require the USE of PPE
In summary, the common construction site hazards that employers need to protect their employees from include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Falling and moving objects
- Hazardous noise
- Electrical hazards
- Airborne 7 material exposure (e.g. lead, asbestos)
- Stuck-by incidents
- Scaffold-related injury
- Vibration-related injury
- Burns
- Material handling
Also Read:
- 12 Heavy Construction Equipment Safety Tips & Important Safety Precautions to Prevent Workplace Hazards
- Importance of Safety Training in Construction: How Health & Safety Training Can Benefit the Construction Industry
- Ensuring Construction Safety: Types of Safety Training Programs for Construction Workers
Conclusion
There are different types of personal protective equipment for the construction industry that offer different levels of protection. The right type of PPE for the job will depend on the identified hazards in the workplace to ensure maximum protection. They must also comply with OSHA and ANSI standards. Lastly, employees must be trained on how to properly use, clean, and maintain PPE.
RPF Environmental has certified professionals in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and beyond New England to help the construction industry create a safe workplace. We offer various health and safety training programs including PPE requirements training and construction safety. Contact us now!
