New Hires: Mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! This week, we're looking into the things that we must take time to ensure all new hires know and understand. This is the core of any New Hire Orientation.

Today, we focus on the minimum mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required before you even step beyond the access gate.

The "Big Four" Mandatory PPE

PPE is the final layer of defense against injury. These four items must be worn by all workers and visitors at all times on a construction site:

1. Hard Hat (Head Protection): Required to protect against falling objects, impacts from swinging loads, or striking your head on overhead obstructions. Must be worn correctly, secured under the chin, and inspected daily for cracks or damage.

2. Safety Glasses (Eye Protection): Required to protect against flying debris, dust, UV exposure, and chemical splash. Side shields are non-negotiable. Prescription glasses must be worn with approved safety over-glasses or utilize prescription safety lenses.

3. Safety Vest / High-Visibility Clothing: Required to ensure you are seen by equipment operators, drivers, and other workers, especially in low light or high-traffic areas.

4. Work Boots (Foot Protection): Must be heavy-duty, over-the-ankle boots with steel or composite safety toes to protect against crushing injuries and puncture-resistant soles to guard against sharp objects.

The Golden Rule of PPE

If you step onto a job site, you are immediately exposed to hazards. The rule is simple: Don't just carry it, wear it.

• Inspection: Every piece of PPE must be inspected before each use for damage. A cracked hard hat, scratched glasses, or worn-out safety-toes offer compromised protection and must be immediately replaced.

• The Fifth Item: While the "Big Four" are standard, be aware of the task-specific PPE requirements on your JSA (e.g., cut-resistant gloves, hearing protection, or specialized respirators).

Wearing your PPE is the easiest and fastest way to demonstrate your commitment to your own safety.

Tomorrow, we'll cover the non-negotiable site rule for preventing the most common injuries: Housekeeping.

Please share us with your friends for a daily dose of construction safety tips!

-The Safety Man