PPE can help prevent serious injuries and even save lives. It is imperative for all construction workers to wear suitable PPE for the task they are completing. 

Common types of PPE used in construction: 

• Hard hats: Hard hats protect the head from impact and from falling objects. They are a critical piece of PPE for all construction workers, regardless of the task. 

• Hearing protection: Hearing protection protects the ears from noise-induced hearing loss. It is essential for all construction workers who are working in noisy environments.  
• Safety glasses: Safety glasses protect the eyes from impact, flying objects, and harmful chemicals. They are required for all construction workers who are working with power tools or who are exposed to dust or chemicals. 
• Gloves: Gloves protect the hands from cuts, abrasions, and exposure to chemicals. They are essential for all construction workers who are working with sharp objects or who are exposed to chemicals. 
• Fall protection: Fall protection equipment, such as harnesses and lanyards, can help to prevent serious injuries or death from falls when working at heights. 
• Respiratory protection: Respiratory protection equipment, such as masks and respirators, can protect the lungs from exposure to harmful dust and fumes. It is essential for all construction workers who are exposed to these hazards. 

In addition to the above, there are several other types of PPE that may be necessary for specific construction tasks. For example, workers who are welding may need to wear welding helmets and goggles, and workers who are working with electrical equipment may need to wear rubber gloves and boots. 

It is important to choose the right PPE for the specific job you are doing. The PPE should be properly fitted and worn, and it should be inspected regularly for damage. 

Additional tips for using PPE on construction sites: 

• Ensure that the PPE is properly sized for the worker. 
• Check the PPE for damage before use. 

• Do not use damaged PPE. 
• Wear the PPE properly. 
• Replace PPE when it is damaged or expired. 
• Train workers on how to use the PPE properly. 

By following these guidelines, employers can help to ensure that PPE is used safely and effectively on construction sites. This can help to prevent serious injuries and even save lives. In addition to the physical safety benefits of PPE, there are also financial benefits. By wearing PPE, construction workers can help to reduce the number of accidents and injuries on the jobsite. This can lead to lower insurance premiums and increased productivity. By investing in PPE, construction companies can help to protect their workers and their bottom line. 

The iProtectU health and safety software provides: 

• An inspection and Audit App which allows for safety inspection of the workplace and associated report 
• eLearning on PPE 
• Scheduling functionality for managers to send eLearning, risk assessments and documents out to all staff via the software with tracks completion and compliance 
• Risk assessment templates covering PPE needs in construction 

• Management system to document control the policy on PPE 
• Method Statement module for the creation of work activity working instructions 
• Legal register that provides legislation guidance on PPE 
• Incident investigation module that tracks incidents involving construction activities both with an app and via desktop 
• Hazard observation app where staff can report and record any concerns regarding construction projects to the organisation 

• Asset management App ensuring assets are recorded in the software