Construction workers face many workplace hazards, so it’s essential to use the proper protective gear on the job. From steel-toe boots to prescription safety glasses, explore the common gear that can keep you safe at your professional workplace or while performing DIY projects. Don’t let a daily task or unique construction project cause serious injuries, but prepare for common dangers and injuries today.

Gloves

A few cuts and bruises may just be part of the job, but your hands can also be exposed to severe injuries during a construction project. There are many different types of protective gloves to choose from. Depending on your project, you may need rubber gloves to avoid contamination or electrocution, padded gloves to prevent bruises or steel gloves to avoid cuts.

Your employer may provide the necessary style of gloves for your project. If working on a DIY project, look for work gloves that balance protection and freedom of movement to stay safe and keep your project moving forward.

Boots

Foot injuries in the workplace can be serious, so the proper footwear is a key protective piece of clothing. Choose steel-toe boots that are comfortable enough to wear throughout the day. Steel toes protect your toes from crushing injuries to your toes. These durable pieces are built into work boots and are rated to protect your toes from serious impacts, sharp objects and heavy weights.

Check the soles of your work boots to see if they’re appropriate for your worksite. Slip-resistant soles are commonly required for job sites that may have slipped liquids or other issues that can cause a slippery, unsafe walking surface.

Safety Eyeglasses

Keep your eyes safe and your vision clear with safety glasses. Your prescription eyeglasses help you see clearly as you work around your home or head to a construction site, but they aren’t helpful when you encounter flying debris, shrapnel or other dangerous items near your face.

Safety eyewear needs to be approved by ANSI. This organization rates eyeglasses in terms of impact protection. You can be confident that flying sawdust, falling items or other hazards won’t come in contact with your eyes and cause extreme damage.

There are other eye-related hazards that you should consider. UV rays can affect your vision while working outside. Look for polarized glasses with 99% or 100% UVA and UVB protection. If you need prescription eyeglasses, order safety eyeglasses that also have your prescription for a single, convenient pair of eyewear.

Safety Harness

Any work project that requires you to climb a ladder, work on a roof or perform other activities with the risk of falling can be unsafe. A safety harness secures you to a guard rail, the building itself or another safe structure. This helps you avoid the risk of slipping or falling while working in an elevated area.

Hearing Protection

Loud noises are commonplace in a construction workplace. Just like prescription safety glasses for your eyes, proper hearing protection is critical to protect your hearing. Be sure your hearing protection is rated to the decibel levels expected on the job. Not all earplugs are capable of protecting your ears from extreme noises, so look for professional-grade options.

Respiratory Gear

Painting, sanding and other projects create inhalation risks. Wearing a professional-grade respirator can protect your lungs from chemical hazards, asbestos, VOCs, mold and other hazards. Some masks are only rated for minor dust protection, so be sure you compare face coverings and respirators carefully to find the safety gear that gives you acceptable levels of hazard protection.

Job-Related Protective Gear

Every workplace has unique hazards. Your full protective gear arsenal may look different depending on the job you’re taking on. Consider the hazards you may face before you take on any professional or DIY project. You may need to alter your clothing and gear to include additional protection against fumes, gases, flying debris, extreme temperatures or other conditions. Welding is one example of a unique job that requires additional protective gear.

Keep Your Eyes Safe With Safety Gear Pro

Quality eyewear shields your eyes from a number of workplace hazards. Shop for safety goggles for comprehensive eye protection or search for prescription safety glasses to keep your vision clear while you work. Create a safe workplace before updating your home, building a commercial building or taking on any construction project.