Construction is one of the most dangerous professions, as workers face infinite life-threatening hazards daily. Health and safety should be the topmost concern before any construction project commences. Construction sites are prone to dangerous situations, and accidents are a common occurrence there. Most of the time, construction workers work at a great height, and a careless step can cause a terrible fall. Other than falls, other potential dangers on a construction site include electrocution, fire or explosion, back injuries, skin diseases, loss of hearing or sight, and respiratory illnesses.

Construction workers are more likely to work on sites and are responsible for several on-site tasks. These tasks include removing debris, loading, and unloading of building material, and they often use heavy equipment. They not only work extremely hard but also work in unfavorable conditions. Workers need to follow the precautionary measures because too much is at stake on these sites. Ignorant workers who are not aware of possible hazards or those who ignore safety measures put themselves and others at high risk. A construction worker generally does not go through any training or acquire skills while working on a site.  The wise thing is that before any construction project is underway, workers should be enlightened about the potential hazards and precautionary measures. In an environment where they put themselves in danger day in and day out, updating safety measures should be the significant concern of the employer. 

Employers should provide training to construction workers, and wearing safety gear while working on-site needs to be mandatory. Workers are generally overconfident and imply that they are better off without safety gear. Employers should condemn this practice as this attitude is dangerous not only for workers but for anyone working on a site. 

Construction workers need to understand that Employers are taking these measures for their safety. Employers should ensure that employees are complying with the regulations, and there will be consequences otherwise. 

Here we are listing some of the safety gear that everyone on a construction site should wear:

1. Hard Hat

Hard hats are a type of helmet that protects the head from getting injured by the heavy objects. Laborers need to lift heavy objects and carry them from one place to another, sometimes to different floors. Head injuries caused by falling objects can result in severe brain diseases. Manufacturers design Hard hats to protect to head not only from falling objects but it also works as a shield against ultraviolet rays. A construction site is usually exposed to sunlight all day long. Some construction workers prefer working without a hat because of the hot weather. Workers should avoid this practice, and employers should make it mandatory for workers to cover their heads with a hard hat.

2. Safety Glasses

Many eye injuries occur at the workplace, and even the mild injuries require at least 2 to 3 days off from work. Workers can avoid most of these injuries if workers wear safety glasses. Employees in construction businesses often work in open fields and are prone to significant eye diseases. Safety glasses act as a defense against eye injuries by protecting eyes from dangerous projectiles that can occur as a result of leaks, falls, or explosions, which are standard on construction sites. The construction business involves working with chemicals, dust, debris, and different material, which are harmful to the sight. Therefore, wearing Protective eyewear will prevent getting the dirt or debris in the eyes and act as armor against harmful rays of the sun.  

3. Face Shields

A face shield is transparent and is attached to a helmet. It covers the entire face, and the transparent material makes it possible for workers to see through it. Construction workers spend most of the time with construction material and often inhale debris while breathing. The inhaling of toxins causes lungs and respiratory diseases. The shield works as a barrier against road debris and sparks. Welders are vital for a construction business. They should wear the appropriate eyewear and face protection to guard the face from sparks, radiation, and flying particles.

4. Knee Braces

Knee braces do not only provide support but protect knees from getting hurt. The surface of the construction site is generally uneven, and walking there is far from walking in a park. Falls are inevitable on-site and often result in knee injuries. Some workers feel that knee braces make walking more complicated, and hence they tend to avoid wearing them. Nevertheless, workers’ uniforms should include knee braces, and employers need to make sure that workers do not enter a site without them.

5. Harness

Falls from great heights cause most deaths in the construction industry. Working on towering height is inevitable, and construction workers often need to carry heavy equipment at a great height. Workers think that wearing a harness is merely a suggestion, not a necessity. This perception is wrong on all levels. The laborers need to understand that their safety is of vital importance, and they should not leave it to chance. Even the most experienced workers can slip and get hurt. A worker can still fall while wearing a harness, but the harness will save him or her from significant injuries. 

Conclusion

The construction industry is an important sector and contributes significantly to the economic growth of a country. It represents the infrastructure of a nation and spurs growth for various other industries. The construction industry creates millions of jobs and hires people from different departments. The sector holds vital importance, yet it is one of the most hazardous businesses out there. The average of injuries and death in the construction sector is higher than in other professions. However, wearing personal protective equipment can save workers from a lot of potential accidents. 

Falls have been a leading cause of deaths in the construction business, and wearing a harness could have prevented them. No worker should be allowed to go on a height without a harness. Other safety gear like safety glasses, safety vests, and eyewear should also become an integral part of a construction worker’s uniform.