Hazards exist in every workplace. This is especially true in construction zones. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends the use of engineering or work practice controls to manage or eliminate hazards. When this is not feasible or does not provide sufficient protection, OSHA recommends Personal Protection Equipment, commonly referred to as PPE, including as gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs) hard hats, respirators and full body suits.
Safety 101 – Why Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Matters
- Hazard Assessment: Step one in any safety plan is the hazard assessment, identifying physical hazards (moving objects, fluctuating temperatures, high intensity lighting, rolling or pinching objects, electrical connections and sharp edges) and health hazards (overexposure to harmful dusts, chemicals or radiation) in the workplace.
- Selecting PPE: OSHA requires PPE to meet the following American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards: Eye and Face Protection: ANSI Z87.1-1989 (USA Standard for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection), Head Protection: ANSI Z89.1-1986, and Foot Protection: ANSI Z41.1-1991. There is currently no ANSI standard for gloves, but OSHA recommends selecting gloves “based upon the tasks to be performed and the performance and construction characteristics of the glove material.”
- Training: Finally, employees should be trained on the proper uses of PPE, including when PPE is necessary, what PPE is necessary, how to properly put on, take off, adjust and wear the PPE, the limitations of PPE, and proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of PPE.
Reliable Contracting, Where Safety Comes First
When you choose Reliable Contracting, you not only choose Anne Arundel County’s largest site-work contractor, but also a company that prides itself on quality, customer service, and safety. For more than 80 years, Reliable’s name has said it all, and our family business has earned its reputation as a leading commercial and residential contractor by providing service and quality that is second to none.
Personal protection equipment (PPE) is good for our workers and for your future jobsites when you use our services!
If you have any questions about our blog, “Safety 101 – Why Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Matters,” please contact Reliable Contracting today by calling 410-987-0313 or visit our website. You can also follow Reliable Contracting on Facebook and Twitter!
Reliable Contracting serves Central-Southern Maryland.
Sources:
Personal Protective Equipment OSHA.gov