Site Safety & Access

About Site Safety & Access

Personal protective equipment is a vital segment of construction equipment and supplies. It can be essentially cut into two subcategories, employee-owned and employer-owned. Nevertheless, the employer holds all responsibility for proper usage, hygiene, functionality, and construction safety PPE quality.

Like all the jobs are different, so is the required equipment. Working on heights, for instance, implies a variety of belts, hooks, and harnesses that workers from the ground do not need. Similarly, the types of gloves or boots necessary in stone masonry are different from those that a forklift driver would use. 

Types of Site Safety & Access Equipment 

Eyes and Face Protective Gear

Protective eye gear is required in many professions, from cutting, grinding or welding, to managing chemicals. Most manuals for construction tools and attachments recommend using safety glasses while operating those. That’s logical, especially when considering the number of eye injuries that happen without wearing proper protection. 

Dust and other particles are a common side effect of activities in construction sites, not to mention byproducts of cutting metals or stones. Wearing strong goggles with toughened glass design, along with a variety of face shields, provides high levels of safety and peace of mind for everyone. 

For the same reasons, dust masks are another convenient face protective gear that should be worn at all times. 

Hearing protection

Noise levels on construction sites can severely damage the hearing ability of the workers. Even at levels between 80 and 90 decibels, continual exposure to noise can impair hearing. For that reason, wearing earplugs, earmuffs or similar protective equipment is strongly recommended. 

Properly designed earmuffs will reduce noise levels without compromising communication. It should also be regularly checked and maintained for maximum performance.

Head protection and Hard Hats

Any construction site bears a constant risk of being struck by falling objects. Hard hats prevent that with their reinforced top and a rain gutter around the sides. Wearing protective headgear is required around clearly marked hard hats zones, but often the demand applies to the entire construction site. 

The quality of hard hats should be high. Over time, the plastic material can become fragile, leading to a relatively false sense of safety. Cracked or dented hard hats should be replaced as soon as possible. 

Safety Footwear

Tough work boots enhanced with a steel toe-cap and impenetrable soles are one of the essential protective items in construction sites. Foot injuries are often the result of falling objects hitting from above, or sharp pieces penetrating the sole of the shoes. 

The main types of safety boots are:

• Rubber wellingtons designed for protection against chemicals
• Safety shoes for heavy-duty work
• Light shoes for climbing

To comply with basic safety requirements in construction, safety boots need to be non-slip and puncture-proof, ideally with a safety toe. Boots with composite protection components provide a high level of protection while being significantly lighter than standard designs. However, these models also feature a higher price tag. 

Hand Protection Gear

Construction workers’ hands are exposed to risks of injuries on a daily basis while working on site. The damage range is extensive, comprising everything from abrasions and burns to dislocations and fractures. Adequate hand protection prevents such hazards. 

While working with most chemical substances, pneumatic drills, and around sharp surfaces, wearing safety gloves and gauntlets is a must. This piece of equipment is lightweight and affordable yet comfortable and protective. Different models are available, with specific properties suitable for various tasks that need to be performed. 

Protective Clothing

Waterproof clothing should be provided when employees are spending time in changeable weather conditions. Most of the materials used for this purpose allow moisture to escape, remaining dry and lightweight. Visibility is particularly important for working in a hazardous environment, preventing issues like getting hit by a dumper, loader, or another large vehicle. Reflective jackets also enhance visibility in foggy conditions, minimising the number of different accidents risks.

Bodywarmers are not essential but are an absolutely convenient piece of equipment for working during cold weather. They maintain body temperature and enable workers to perform with maximum efficiency on chilly days, without compromising their freedom of movement.

Harnesses

Working on heights and climbing scaffolds, ladders, or platforms on construction sites is always accompanied by the risk of falling. Wearing a safety harness can be essential for preventing severe injury or even death. Here it’s very important to remember that the safety belt or harness should allow free movement of a worker, withstand its weight and be attached to a stable supporting structure.

Safety Barriers

Construction safety barriers limit the movement of vehicles, people, and equipment according to the specific requirements of the work area. They can be divided into several different types:

• Concrete construction barriers: Mostly used in highway projects as temporary restrictions to protect the workers from traffic, concrete barriers feature anchors that hold them in place while reflective markings increase visibility. They can also keep the equipment and tools safely contained within the construction site. 
• Plastic Construction Barriers: Lightweight and economical, plastic barriers are filled with solid or water that keeps them in place. They are often used to signal the vehicles and/or pedestrians about the construction activity in progress. 
• Guard Rails: These barriers are mostly used along the edges of the raised platforms or temporary openings to prevent workers from falling. They are often enhanced with a warning tape to provide a noticeable alert about the potential hazard.
• Fencing: Plastic mesh or chain links are typically used for fencing around construction sites. Their role is to warn the passersby about the construction activities while keeping the work inside a confined area.
• Safety Nets: Spread around the site, they protect the people and the property from falling items hazards.

Things to Consider Before Buying Site Safety & Access

Wearing appropriate clothing and equipment is beneficial for both the workforce and the business. 

All items need regular checking and maintenance in order to provide an optimal level of protection.