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Construction sites are rife with accidents waiting to happen. Personal
Protective Equipment, or PPE, is a worker’s main defense against dangerous onsite
injuries. Know the six basic areas you need to protect:

Head Protection

Hard hats are a must on any construction site. Falling materials, striking
against an object, or contact with electrical hazards are just a few head-injury
risks on the job site. Be sure to have the right class of hard hat for the job
– there are three: Class G (general), Class E (electrical), and Class C
(conductive). Also, ensure that it is fitted correctly and always check hard
hats for any cracks or dents before using.   

Eye Protection

Flying debris, hot sparks, and hazardous liquids can seriously harm
workers’ vision. Basic safety glasses are a great starting point, but workers
should also wear face shields, chemical splash goggles, and protective dust
goggles when applicable.   

Hearing Protection

Loud noises on the job site can cause permanent hearing damage. Thick,
formable earplugs made from foam, waxed cotton, or fiberglass wool are a good
option to protect workers’ ears. Foam-lined earmuffs that fit tightly against
the head can also do the trick.

Hand Protection

Different jobs require different types of gloves for adequate hand
protection. For example, insulated gloves are required for electrical work, while
thick rubber gloves are needed for concrete work. Don’t get lazy – make sure to
use the right gloves for the job.    

Foot Protection

Steel-toed boots are necessary to protect against falling
materials or heavy equipment that can crush workers’ feet. Soles should be
nonslip and puncture-resistant to further protect from falls, slips, or sharp
objects.

Respiratory Protection

Inhaling toxic or contaminated substances can cause long-lasting
health problems. When working with dangerous chemicals or fumes, respirators that
cover the nose, mouth, and face should always be worn. Remember that a proper
fit is necessary for respirators to be effective.  

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