The Role of Protective Equipment on Construction Sites
Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is equipment designed to help protect workers from injury on construction sites. Much effort is put into choosing the right PPE for a job and lessening the risk of a construction accident as a result. The equipment an employer requires could mean the difference between going home to your loved ones after a day’s work or being admitted to the hospital.
EHS Today reports that OSHA requires employers to furnish a safe work environment to their workers, including PPE. PPE is considered the “last line of defense” against injuries, when things like administrative and engineering controls (such as scheduling and safe job site design, for instance) “have been exhausted and hazards remain.” EHS Today explains:
The basic element of any PPE management program should be an in-depth evaluation of the equipment needed to protect against the hazards at the jobsite. What hazards are your employees exposed to or potentially could be exposed to? A hazard analysis is required to provide you with the knowledge of those hazards.
OSHA requires that the employer is responsible for providing and requiring the wearing of appropriate PPE in all operations where employees are exposed to hazardous conditions. In addition, if a hazard-specific regulation requires that you provide PPE, then you must do so.
The use of PPE sometimes can create or contribute to hazards for the worker, such as heat stress; physical and psychological stress; and impaired vision, mobility and communication. These issues must be addressed as part of the training.
In general, the greater the level of PPE protection, the greater the associated risks. For any given situation, equipment and clothing should be selected to provide an adequate level of protection, but should not over protect the worker. Over-protection, just like under-protection, often can be hazardous and should be avoided.
PPE includes eye protection, foot protection, hand protection, and high visibility clothing. Which of these your employer furnishes for you will depend on the particular type of work you are doing and the hazards that surround you while on the construction site. It is your safety manager’s job to ensure the hazards are recognized and prepared for.
Construction Accident Attorneys
Even with proper PPE, accidents can happen and can cause injury. When this occurs or if an employer fails to provide adequate safety protection, you can suffer. Fortunately, the New Jersey and New York construction accident attorneys of Ginarte may be able to help.
Contact our offices today to learn about your options after having been hurt in a construction accident. You have rights and we can help protect them. Call 888-GINARTE now.
