What Safety Gear Should Be in Place on Construction Sites?

Construction is a lucrative industry in America, yet it can also be a dangerous one. The most recent statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) indicate that more than 20% of all worker fatalities in the private sector were in the construction industry. More than half of those construction site fatalities are the result of four specific construction site injuries. These fatal injuries, dubbed “The Fatal Four,” include falls, getting struck by an object, electrocution, and being caught-in/between structures.

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What Safety Gear Can Prevent Construction Site Fatalities?

Working on a construction site is a profitable way to make a living, but there are precautions that workers and employers must take to ensure safe working conditions for all. Construction sites should always have safety gear available for workers and forepersons. The most critical pieces of equipment that can make a dramatic impact on the level of safety at a construction site includes the following:

Helmets for Head Protection

OSHA statistics show that many fatal injuries occur from being struck by objects falling. If a heavy object falls on a construction worker’s head, he or she might have a severe concussion, permanent brain damage, or worse. Wearing a hard helmet while on a construction site helps to mitigate the danger of objects falling and, when worn correctly, can save lives.

Goggles for Eye Protection

There are all sorts of small, harmful particles that can fly in the air on a construction site that can cause harm. Sawdust and projectiles from bulldozing and welding activities that get in your eyes can cause severe damage to your vision. Always wear goggles or some form of eye protection when working on a construction site.

Boots to Prevent Fractures

Like objects falling that can cause brain damage, heavy objects can land on your feet that can cause painful foot fractures. Your feet are in even more danger from objects falling from above because you could accidentally drop something onto your foot as a result. Depending on how heavy the object is and how high it falls, striking an unprotected foot can cause severe injuries and limit your mobility for a substantial amount of time.

Earplugs to Prevent Hearing Loss

A construction site is filled with noise that can cause hearing loss if you’re not careful. Sounds of drills and saws for extended periods will slowly, but surely, hinder your hearing abilities. Hearing loss isn’t recovered once it’s gone, and the loss can critically impact your overall quality of life. Wearing proper earplugs and hearing protection is vital on construction sites.

Fall Protection that Saves Lives

OSHA lists falling as one of the “Fatal Four” injuries that can occur on a construction site. A construction site should always have forms of fall protection to prevent workers from deadly falls. Types of fall protection equipment include harnesses, nets, safety belts, and fall arrest gear. Anytime workers are six feet or higher above ground, they should always wear fall arrest gear that can save their lives.

Are Employers Legally Required to Provide Safety Gear?

Construction employers are required under federal law to provide each of the previously mentioned forms of safety gear. With very few exceptions, employers are legally required to offer the following safety gear for workers on construction sites:

• Hard hat helmets
• Non-prescription eye protection
• Face shields, goggles, and respirators
• Earplugs or hearing protection
• Protective gloves for specific tasks
• Steel toe and rubber boots for foot protection

Employers who fail to provide these items risk liability for any injuries or fatalities that can occur on-site. Because severe injuries are so common at construction sites, these safety precautions should never be overlooked.

Help for Workers Injured at Construction Sites

If your employer failed to provide safety gear that’s federally required while working on a construction site, they’re legally responsible for any injuries that occur. The Barnes Firm specializes in helping personal injury victims receive compensation after they’re hurt by someone else’s negligence. We highly recommend that you first seek medical attention for your injuries. After that, contact one of our best construction injury attorneys.

We’ve helped countless victims receive thousands of dollars in settlements for their workplace injuries, and we can help you too. To schedule a free consultation regarding your accident, complete an online contact form or give us a call today.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000

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Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
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