How to Have a Safer Road Construction Environment
Construction work sites are full of hazards for workers that have to be accounted for with good engineering controls, safe working practices, and an effective personal protective equipment (PPE) program. On active roadways, road construction crews face additional challenges and hazards. One of the biggest dangers is low light and nighttime conditions that many crews will face. High visibility clothing is just one necessary component for a safe work environment.
There are a wide variety of industrial supplies available that are effective as personal protective equipment and will keep workers safe. It is important that every person is trained and properly uses their PPE at all times so that everyone can finish their shift and go home safe to their families.
Dealing With Low Light And Night Working Conditions
Everything becomes more hazardous at night; even a simple hose lying on the ground becomes a fall hazard. On an active roadway, each passing motorist represents a potential hazard as well. Even with flood lighting, workers need to be wearing high visibility clothing that meets ANSI standards. Regular clothing will allow a motorist to see a worker at around 300 feet, but high visibility clothing extends that range to 1280 feet. This is a key difference, as a vehicle traveling at highway speeds needs about 1200 feet of stopping distance.
For high risk job environments, such as those on an active highway, ANSI class three high visibility clothing is required. This consists of a reflective vest, sleeves, and trousers that outline the human form. For low risk job sites, such as ones that are physically separated from high speed traffic, usually only a reflective vest is required.
High visibility clothing is a requirement for all safe working sites, and it is only a matter of time before it is federally mandated as well.
Industrial Supplies To Protect The Head
Head injuries would classify as another primary concern for construction crews. Anything from a dropped tool to a low hanging beam can cause serious injury to an unprotected head. That is why hard hats should be like a second skin for workers and should be worn at all times when on the job.
Other head protection includes safety glasses and face shields to protect the face and eyes, and ear plugs or ear muffs for hearing conversation. Even a short project can leave a person with hearing damage without noise suppression industrial supplies. Best of all, a hardhat can be outfitted with an attached face shield and ear muffs for all-around protection with just one item of PPE.
Head To Toes
Comfortable, protective industrial footwear is the foundation of a safe worker, literally and figuratively. Steel toe boots can provide complete protection and support for daily activities on the job. The steel plating protects against crushing injuries, non-slip tread helps to eliminate slips, trips, and falls, and a high ankle will cushion against heavy equipment list sprains. For wet environments, including water and chemicals, slip-over latex boots are ideal for adding an …
When most people think of motorcycle safety equipment, the first thing that comes to mind is a helmet. But, as important as helmets are, they’re not the only safety equipment you need when you ride. Motorcycle gloves have important safety functions too, beyond just keeping your hands warm. Select your motorcycle gloves with care, and they’ll take care of you in the event of an accident.