It’s critical that anyone that steps foot onto a construction site wears the proper gear to ensure their safety, especially since there’s a number of dangers to avoid, from large equipment to falling objects. On the job, you’re exposed to a multitude of hazards as a construction worker and gear is essential to safety.
If you’re hurt at work, you could have to deal with a worker’s compensation, the potential of missing work, and maybe even more serious implications. It’s critical to keep yourself mentally and physically fit at work if you want to prevent injury and hi vis jacket.
The gear you wear every day helps protect you, no matter what sort of construction site you are on. Equipment and gear comes in a variety of options, whether you’re a general contractor or a hired worker. The quality of your gear and how much protection it offers is determined by its material and manufacturing.
Without gear, you could be injured or cause an accident, prompting you to call an attorney. A construction accident lawyer in Cherry Hill, New Jersey will tell you that protective gear should be worn at all times. If you are not wearing the correct gear, you may not even have a case.
The Hard Hat
Every worker on a construction site is almost always required to wear a hard hat. OSHA recommends this for any workplace where there is the danger of a head injury from various situations, from falling objects to head impact.
Required hard hats by workers at a job site should have gear approved by the American National Standards Institute, according to OSHA. When purchasing a hard hat, color is also something important to consider, as the color can help distinguish workers from guests.
To decide on color, you should speak to a site supervisor to ensure the color and type of hard hat that is needed.
Boots
Heavy equipment may be used on a job site and you run the risk of it dropping onto you feet. Or, you may be required to walk on materials like composite roofing that can rapidly destroy your shoes. In cases like these, you may need safety-toe boots to protect your feet and be durable enough to withstand conditions that will wear your shoes quickly.
On a work site, quality boots will keep your feet safe and handle most surfaces. You should always try on a pair of new steel-toed boots before you choose a pair you want to wear daily to see if they are both comfortable and durable.
Aside from steel, there are also boots on the market that offer plastic or rubber protection. If you choose a leather boot,make sure to treat the boot with leather protector. This will ensure that they will last as long as possible.
Work Shirts
On a site, there are a number of tools and machinery that may have sharp, pointy edges. To help prevent cuts or burns, you should wear thick work shirts. There are shirts that are made of moisture-wicking that should be considered during hot summer days.
If you are working during the winter, a thermal undershirt may help you stay warm and comfortable. You don’t want anything too big, as a larger-sized shirt can catch on equipment and you could suffer an avoidable injury.
The color is something to consider as well. A brightly-colored shirt or one that is reflective will make you more visible to others on the site or if you work at night.
Work Pants
In addition to a work shirt, you should pair this with quality work pants. As always, you should speak to your boss as there may be requirements in the type of pants you wear to work. Two things to look for in new pants are that they should be thick and fit snuggly. If you work in a cold environment, a thermal layer may suit you as well.
If you are on your knees for extended periods, knee pads should be another item to purchase. You do not want baggy pants, as this may restrict your motion or catch on things as well.
