Working in any Construction, Civil or Mining roles can be rewarding, but these jobs can also comes with their share of hazards.
As a construction worker, you're daily tasks will expose you to risks such as falling objects, noise & chemical exposure, sharp items and even electrical hazards.
These risks can cause serious injuries, illnesses, and even fatalities if you're not properly protected. That's why it's important to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while working in Heavy industry roles in Australia.
PPE is any clothing or equipment that's designed to protect you from potential hazards in the workplace. Here are some reasons why wearing PPE is so important:
1. Protects you from physical hazards: Working in construction involves a lot of heavy machinery, sharp objects, and tools that can cause serious injuries. PPE such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots can provide protection against these physical hazards.
2. Prevents respiratory problems: Construction workers are often exposed to dust, fumes, and other harmful airborne particles that can cause respiratory problems they usually creep up later in life. Respirators and face masks are examples of PPE that can provide respiratory protection.
3. Prevents chemical exposure: Construction workers often work with chemicals such as paints, solvents, and cleaning agents. Workers who use substances daily are put at high risk of skin conditions such as dermatitis. PPE such as gloves and goggles can protect you from chemical exposure to the skin and eyes.
4. Reduced noise exposure: many tools, machines and plant used in the industry exceed the recommend safe Decibel (dB) exposure. Using noise cancelling ear plugs, in high risk areas will help prevent incurable damage such as tinnitus.
5. Protects from exposure to UV: Tanning with your shirt off whilst working might sound like multitasking to some. But protection from UV is a major concern to industry workers. With 2 of 3 Australians having some form of skin cancer throughout their lives. Wear sun screen!
6. Compliance with regulations: In Australia, it's mandatory for construction workers to wear PPE to comply with workplace safety regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and legal consequences.
7. Prevents long-term health problems: Prolonged exposure to hazards in the workplace can cause long-term health problems such as hearing loss, skin diseases, and cancer. Wearing PPE can help prevent these problems.
In addition to wearing PPE, it's also important to make sure your PPE is well-maintained and fits properly. Ill-fitting PPE can be just as dangerous as not wearing PPE at all. It's also important to undergo training on how to use PPE correctly to ensure maximum protection.
Wearing PPE is an essential part of staying safe while working in Construction, Civil or Mining in Australia.
Kidding yourself that is more ‘trendy’ to be seen without your safety glasses and your sleeves rolled up could lead to you being caught short at suffering lifelong consequences.
It's important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself from potential hazards in the workplace use your common sense, wear the appropriate PPE when required. It is for your own benefit. It will reduce your risk of injury, illness, and long-term health problems.
Remember, your safety before production...
Everyone on site has a common goal: Go home in one piece.
Safety should always come first.
