Personal safety should be the number one priority when working, no matter the circumstances. Serious injuries can occur in both commercial and residential environments. To reduce such occurrences, it is important to always wear Personal protective equipment (PPE).
What’s personal protective equipment?
‘Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as “PPE”, is equipment is worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.’, osha.gov/SLTC/personalprotectiveequipment/.
Protecting all parts of your body
- You should wear a hard hat in any situation where your head is likely to get damaged.
- Stones and other debris can injure eyes; therefore, you should always wear safety when working with machinery.
- Face masks are useful for reducing the inhalation of dust and other airborne particles.
- Suitable clothing that covers the entire arms and legs can prevent an object from hitting or piercing the skin.
- Wearing a strong pair of boots can protect your feet and give a proper grip. Casual footwear such as slippers can expose your toes and make you fall.
- Always wear a sturdy pair of gloves to protect your hands when working.
- When dealing with loud machinery you should wear hearing protection. Long-term exposure to constant noise can cause permanent hearing loss.
High visibility
High visibility PPE increases visibility by incorporating reflective, and bright-colored materials into designs. These types of equipment are a requirement for most job sites, but you can use them at home. When working in any busy area or near a street you should be visible to moving vehicles. You can buy High-visibility clothing at many retail stores and online.
PPE makes me look silly and over-prepared
It is always better for you to be overprepared and safe! The risk of permanent injuries or high medical bills should be enough incentive. Remember to always buy gear specific to the task at hand. A construction helmet is different from a helmet used by an Arborist.
When using any type of tool always read the manufacturers’ recommendation on what type of PPE is best. If you find yourself in a situation where no PPE is available, consider postponing the task. For low-risk jobs such as mowing the lawn, they are many substitute PPE around the house, e.g. that ugly shirt you got for Christmas or that big funky sunglasses.