Worksite PPE: Is Your Safety Equipment Right for the Job?

Building sites: if you’ve ever worked on one yourself, you’ll know just how dangerous these environments can be. When it comes to protecting yourself and your team against these dangers, PPE is one of your most important lines of defence. In this comprehensive safety learning resource, we walk you through some of the most common hazards to look out for on your worksite, with expert PPE recommendations to match. 

When it comes to understanding your legal obligations, making sense of all of the requirements out there can be a mind-boggling experience. To make this process a little bit easier, we’re going to take a closer look at the key regulations you should be aware of, before delving into some tips you can use to ensure you’re meeting them.

As a building manager or construction site leader, the responsibility of protecting everyone on your worksite lies with you. Specifying the right PPE to safeguard visitors to your site isn’t just a safety bonus - it’s legally mandated by the Health and Safety Executive.

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992  outlines the measures you must take to stay both safe and on the right side of the law.

However, it’s important to remember that PPE should always be a last line of defence after all other risk mitigation measures have been taken. The hierarchy of controls prioritises eliminating hazards through engineering controls, safe work procedures, and training before relying on PPE. When PPE is necessary, it's vital to choose the right gear for the job.

Where Do I Need PPE at Work?

No two work sites are the same in terms of the dangers they present. However, there are many high-risk zones that are common across the UK. Let’s take a look at some of these scenarios in the section below.

Working at Height

This is a big one, with the 2023/24 figure for fatal falls from height now sitting at 35 per cent above the five-year average, according to a statement by the Access Industry Forum (AIF) published in Construction News. Falls from height are one of the leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry, and can happen when using ladders, scaffolding or elevated platforms. 

Fall arrest systems such as harnesses, lanyards and strong anchor points are essential when it comes to protecting workers from the worst impact of a fall. When selecting a harness, be sure to choose them for the comfort, adjustability and durability they offer. Hard Hats are another essential, mitigating some of the injury risks associated with falls and falling equipment. 

For an all-in-one solution, check out the JSP Spartan™ Restraint Kit. Including a harness and 1.8m fixed length lanyard, this product conforms to EN 361:2002 and EN 354:2010 standard. 

Handling Hazardous Materials

For many builders, their daily work involves working with dangerous chemicals and air pollutants, ranging from sawdust and smoke to lead and asbestos. To keep your worksite safe and compliant, you should think carefully about your choice of PPE.

 To start, you should be thinking about respiratory protection. When working with airborne hazards like dust, fumes, or vapours, products like Half Face Masks and Full Face Masks are the perfect alternative in environments where simple dust masks and mask respirators aren’t enough. A bonus is that these products also provide eye protection, eliminating the need for products like safety goggles. Always be sure to keep your worksite stocked with those essential PPE consumables like particulate filters and air respirator filters.

Respiratory illness isn’t the only potential consequence of working with hazardous chemicals unprotected. Depending on the chemicals you’re working with, you can also suffer serious burns. The solution? Gloves and protective clothing. As a bare minimum, staff working with corrosive chemicals should wear chemical-resistant gloves and overalls that prevent their skin from making contact.

Exposure to Loud Noises

All construction sites are loud. However, it’s important to remember that the generation of high noise levels by machinery and power tools can cause permanent hearing loss. That’s why the HSE mandates that hearing protection is worn on your site in environments where noise exceeds 85 decibels.

Regardless of how long you or your team is exposed to noise above 85 decibels, you should ensure that PPE such as earplugs or earmuffs are worn. These products should both fit well and provide adequate attenuation to block harmful noise while allowing your team to communicate with each other. There are a number of options to choose from here, from standard Ear Defenders to highly advanced headsets with built-in communications devices (3M™ PELTOR™ LiteCom Headsets feature built-in analogue two-way communication radio and noise cancelling dynamic microphone).

Poor Weather Conditions & Light Visibility

Construction sites, particularly those located near roadways or in high-traffic areas, often involve large vehicles and moving machinery. Workers need to be clearly visible to machine operators and other workers to prevent accidents. This is especially true in dark, wet weather conditions, which in-turn comes with its own risks, including hypothermia and slips on wet surfaces.

Whether it’s summer or winter, all visitors to your worksite should be wearing high-visibility clothing, including high-vis jackets, vests and trousers. For colder, wetter conditions, your high-visibility gear should include waterproof & insulated clothing as well as non-slip footwear with good traction. 

Essential PPEs: Other Scenarios to Look Out For

While the list we’ve created above provides a brief overview, it is by no means exhaustive. Before sending your team to work, you should consult with a qualified safety professional to ensure compliance and the highest levels of safety on your worksite. Here’s just a few examples of other areas that require the proper use of PPE:

• Welding, cutting & grinding:  Welding and metal cutting are common on construction sites, and these tasks expose your workers to sparks, molten metal, and ultraviolet (UV) light. This makes face shields and flame resistant clothing bare essentials.
• Electrical work:  Electricians and construction workers who work near live electrical circuits are at significant risk of electric shock. It’s essential that these workers have the proper PPE to reduce the risk of injury, including insulating gloves, footwear and eye & face protection.
• Excavation & confined space work:  Confined spaces may lack adequate ventilation, increasing the risk of exposure to harmful gases. Respirators with appropriate filters are essential. Meanwhile, workers operating at different levels within the excavation area may require  fall arrest  systems, especially when working in deep trenches.
• Manual handling & heavy lifting:  Construction often involves the manual lifting and handling of heavy loads, which can lead to back injuries and muscle strains if not managed properly. In these situations, proper body support is crucial. Check out our back support belts, as well as safety footwear to protect against accidental drops.

Bryson offers a wide range of PPE tailored to meet the demands of various construction environments, ensuring workers stay protected and compliant with safety regulations. For expert recommendations built around your worksite, reach out today.