How to Have a Safer Road Construction Environment

Construction work sites are full of hazards for workers that have to be accounted for with good engineering controls, safe working practices, and an effective personal protective equipment (PPE) program. On active roadways, road construction crews face additional challenges and hazards. One of the biggest dangers is low light and nighttime conditions that many crews will face. High visibility clothing is just one necessary component for a safe work environment.
There are a wide variety of industrial supplies available that are effective as personal protective equipment and will keep workers safe. It is important that every person is trained and properly uses their PPE at all times so that everyone can finish their shift and go home safe to their families.
Dealing With Low Light And Night Working Conditions
Everything becomes more hazardous at night; even a simple hose lying on the ground becomes a fall hazard. On an active roadway, each passing motorist represents a potential hazard as well. Even with flood lighting, workers need to be wearing high visibility clothing that meets ANSI standards. Regular clothing will allow a motorist to see a worker at around 300 feet, but high visibility clothing extends that range to 1280 feet. This is a key difference, as a vehicle traveling at highway speeds needs about 1200 feet of stopping distance.
For high risk job environments, such as those on an active highway, ANSI class three high visibility clothing is required. This consists of a reflective vest, sleeves, and trousers that outline the human form. For low risk job sites, such as ones that are physically separated from high speed traffic, usually only a reflective vest is required.
High visibility clothing is a requirement for all safe working sites, and it is only a matter of time before it is federally mandated as well.
Industrial Supplies To Protect The Head
Head injuries would classify as another primary concern for construction crews. Anything from a dropped tool to a low hanging beam can cause serious injury to an unprotected head. That is why hard hats should be like a second skin for workers and should be worn at all times when on the job.
Other head protection includes safety glasses and face shields to protect the face and eyes, and ear plugs or ear muffs for hearing conversation. Even a short project can leave a person with hearing Heavy Industry Definition Example damage without noise suppression industrial supplies. Best of all, a hardhat can be outfitted with an attached face shield and ear muffs for all-around protection with just one item of PPE.
Head To Toes
Comfortable, protective industrial footwear is the foundation of a safe worker, literally and figuratively. Steel toe boots can provide complete protection and support for daily activities on the job. The steel plating protects against crushing injuries, non-slip tread helps to eliminate slips, trips, and falls, and a high ankle will cushion against sprains. For wet environments, including water and chemicals, slip-over latex boots are ideal for adding an additional layer of protection. After being on one’s feet for an entire shift, it pays to have a good set of industrial footwear that is comfortable and fits right. Make sure to shop around for the right brand, style, and fit for each person.
Matching Industrial Supplies To Hazards
As a part of a safety review, potential work site hazards should be identified so that every person on site can utilize the right equipment to keep them safe. This includes the right apparel for protection against temperature, chemical splashes, flash fires, and arc fires. Fall suppression systems and lanyards are a must for any elevated work. Nearly every job site should have a wide range of gloves available for protection against injury and chemicals, if applicable.
Other industrial supplies that are not worn on the body are important as well. Signage near road work is a vital tool for communicating between workers and passing motorists. Caution cones, barrels, and other Medium Scale Industry barriers should be used to direct the flow of traffic and offer a degree of separation between the crew and motorists. Fire extinguishers and first aid kits are indispensable for small fires or injuries.
In the end, construction management should utilize a safety review to determine what types of industrial supplies and high visibility clothing are required for each project. Utilizing an industrial supplier that carries a full line of products allows for a good discount and superior service while maintaining a safe work environment.