Construction is among the most rewarding yet challenging careers. Between falling objects, airborne debris, and caustic chemicals, there are many risks on a job site. This is why appropriate protection equipment and practices are essential. Offering building materials and other products for construction projects, Jaeger Lumber provides an overview of construction safety to help your team avoid injury while on the job.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a crucial part of job safety. These tools and apparel items are designed to protect vulnerable areas against the dangers of impact, pinching, sharp edges, and other common construction hazards. Some roles may require specialized equipment. In general, however, every construction worker’s PPE kit should include protection for the following:

  • Head: Hard hats protect against head injuries caused by falling objects. It’s important to find a hat that fits properly and comes with adequate suspension for impact absorption.
  • Ears: Hearing protection is vital against the high noise levels of hammering and power tools. Look for noise-cancelling earplugs or muffs that still enable communication.
  • Face: Construction sites produce potentially hazardous airborne particles, debris, and chemical splashes. Safety glasses help prevent a vision-impairing accident.
  • Hands: Your hands are essential to your work, and it’s important to keep them safe. A variety of safety gloves are available to resist impact, heat, chemicals, and cuts.
  • Feet: Appropriate footwear is a must. Safety shoes offer protection against impact and provide grip on slippery surfaces. Since you’ll spend significant time on your feet, look for plenty of cushioning.
  • Clothes: When working amidst extreme weather conditions, appropriate apparel is a must. Clothes should promote high visibility and be made with breathable fabrics to prevent overheating.

Construction Safety Practices

Of course, even the best equipment can’t protect you from unsafe actions on the job site. Protective equipment must be paired with protective practices. Here are some tips for staying safe around a construction site:

Keep Sites Tidy

Job sites are messy on a good day. Maintaining a level of tidiness, however, is essential to safety. Ensure that dust, debris, and loose nails are properly disposed of, and eliminate standing water and other slipping hazards. Clean the site daily at a minimum to reduce clutter.

Store Tools Properly

Site maintenance extends to your tools. Make sure unused tools are returned to their proper places. Don’t leave lights and power tools plugged in. Not only will these practices help prevent injury, but they’ll also keep your tools in top condition and accessible for easy retrieval.

Use Tools Responsibly

Many construction accidents occur as a result of equipment misuse. Avoid using makeshift tools, and never use a tool outside of its designated purpose. Using the correct tool in the recommended manner is the best way to get jobs done safely and efficiently.

Plan Ahead

Despite all your precautions, emergencies may arise – often unexpectedly. When they do, make sure you have a response plan. Your plan should direct workers on what to do in the case of chemical spills, fires, natural disasters, and other unexpected incidents.

Communicate with Your Team

Whether you’re working with friends, family members, or contracting coworkers, communication is key to safety. Establish job site protocols and make sure they’re shared and followed. If any safety concerns arise, report them immediately so the whole team can respond accordingly.

Prioritize Safety with Jaeger Lumber

With careful construction practices and the proper PPE, you can keep both yourself and your team members safe on the job site. Jaeger Lumber supplies construction goods and materials, including safety equipment, to homeowners and contractors throughout the state of New Jersey. Contact us to explore our offerings or to discover more remodeling resources and construction safety advice.