Construction Workwear & PPE
Employment in the construction sector has grown steadily since 2014 and is now above peak levels before the crash in 2007. Today, 9% of workers in Great Britain are employed in the construction industry, with regional variations meaning as high a 15% in the South East, 12% in North West. Roles of those employed in the sector vary greatly with firms of all sizes operating in it, from independent contractors & small specialist firms to huge multi-disciplined main contractors. At Supertouch, regardless of the size and specialist need of the business, we’ve got you covered.
Employment
Construction contractors, big or small require quality products to protect their workforce and ensure they meet an ongoing industry target to improve productivity. The quality of safety equipment can play a big role in achieving productivity targets as LTIs can seriously damage output. With worker PPE compliance contributing to 23% of accidents, workwear must be both comfortable, functional and suitable for British conditions and construction techniques while safety and health equipment needs correct specification and great performance.
Hazards
Construction as an industry also offers up a multitude of hazards. In fact the construction industry reports the highest number of fatal injury accidents each year. One site’s hazards can at any one-time include chemical, mechanical, cut, height….etc. This is where partnering with a supplier that can provide the complete range of products to satisfy a contract can reap rewards. Supertouch supplies head to toe protection for the construction industry. Download our guide here
Head Protection
Every construction site will have different hazards and conditions, but one constant for all is head and eye protection. Safety helmets are required to be worn at all times while on site to comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 and employers must supply all employees with suitable head protection. Beware of fake safety helmets, ensure any PPE provided to employees comes from a reputable supplier and carries the relevant CE mark and conformity information.
Eye Protection
Working on a building site presents multiple eye hazards for construction workers. Safety eyewear must protect the wearer from projectiles but contractors can also be at risk from other elements such as cement dust, liquid chemicals, vapour and UV from the sun. A one style fits all approach to specifying safety eyewear must be avoided and needs to be task appropriate with a correct fit. Click here for our guide on selecting the correct safety eyewear.
Respiratory Protection
Common respiratory hazards in construction include dust, vapours and gas. When selecting respiratory PPE it is important to ensure the right filter is specified for each hazard. It is equally important to ensure a good fit to the face allows an adequate seal to be formed, men with beards or heavy stubble will require full face respirators. Click to view our respiratory protection.
Workwear & High Visibility
Workwear for construction workers has come a long way! While still durable and tough, the advancement of fabric technologies means contractors can be more comfortable than ever before. It is important to be able to supply workwear for all conditions and job tasks. The construction industry also requires some body wear to offer protection too. High Visibility helps protect workers from hazards such as moving plant, but in sites where refurbishment is taking place Asbestos offers substantial risk that builders need protection from. Supertouch offers one of the best ranges for Asbestos clearance on the market.
Hand Protection
Hand protection is important throughout the entirety of any build, right from breaking ground to the final lick of paint. Below is a list of hand hazards that need to be taken into consideration:
- Water – groundworkers need protection from wet conditions as well as those handling building products in bad weather.
- Cold – as outdoor workers in the winter months thermal gloves are essential.
- Cementitious products – builders come in contact with cement at multiple stages of the build, gloves are required to prevent dermatitis.
- Cut hazards – be it dry lining or cutting aircete blocks, high level cut protection is required.
- Chemicals – building contractors must consult product safety data sheets before using various products to ensure they are properly protected.
- Grip – builders need to carry multiple heavy objects and handling accidents can carry serious consequences.
Foot Protection
In construction, which is high-risk and involves walking across varying terrains, footwear needs to offer enhanced grip and stability, slip, penetration and water resistance. To that end, most construction sites insist on a minimum S3 SRC level of protection.
View our range of Safety Footwear.
