In the construction industry, workers need durable, protective construction apparel to keep them safe on the job site. When compared with other industries, construction saw the highest number of work-related deaths in 2022. The construction space made up 25% of all work-related fatalities — twice the number found in manufacturing or transportation.
To protect them from falling objects, sharp tools, and exposure to chemicals, workers need reliable construction clothing. By wearing the appropriate safety apparel, your crew can stay safe on the job, feel comfortable, and deliver better results.
Reliable Construction Apparel Built for the Job Site
According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction employers are required to provide their workers with a safe workplace. This means ensuring the site is free from recognized hazards, and that employees use safety tools and equipment — including protective construction gear.
Investing in custom-branded safety gear is a win-win for your workers, and for your organization. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety apparel helps prevent serious workplace accidents caused by physical, mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards. At the same time, providing your team with logo-branded safety apparel builds brand recognition for your business. This blog dives into the critical safety gear your crew should be using and how they can promote your company while doing it.
Construction Face Shields
Construction employees are required to use appropriate face protection when exposed to molten metals, flying particles, chemicals, acids, gasses, and other hazards. Face shields should extend from the eyebrows to below the chin and cover the width of an employee’s head. Depending on the circumstances, employees may need specific face shields, such as fluid-resistant ones that offer splash protection.
Protective Goggles and Glasses
OSHA requires eye protection for jobs where workers are exposed to debris and other hazards. Construction executives should consider investing in custom-branded glasses or goggles — but the job at hand will determine which option is required. Workers who wear prescription eyeglasses need to wear larger safety glasses over them or wear prescription safety glasses that meet ANSI standards.
Safety glasses also need to have safety frames made of metal or plastic, impact-resistant lenses, and side shields. To add, eye protection shouldn’t limit an employee’s vision, should fit comfortably, and be easy to clean and disinfect.
Construction Hardhats
According to OSHA, employees need to wear protective helmets when working in areas where there is risk of head injury. The risk can be related to impact, falling or flying objects, electric shocks, and burns. To keep up with best safety practices, head protection must:
- Be replaced every two years if worn daily
- Have suspensions replaced yearly
- Be inspected before use
- Be replaced if damaged
- Fit properly
- Be worn correctly
Vests & High-Visibility Construction Apparel
In the U.S., struck-by injuries are the leading cause of nonfatal accidents and the second most common cause of fatalities among construction workers. It’s no wonder why crews are required to wear high-visibility clothing on the job. Hi-vis gear allows drivers and pedestrians to easily see construction workers, which can be tricky in low light and in foggy conditions. Below are some tips to ensure your next high-visibility clothing order meets safety requirements. It must:
- Be visible from 1,000 feet away during the day and at night.
- Comply with the ANSI 107 Standard.
- Feature high-luminosity, fluorescent colors.
- Have horizontal retroreflective material at least 50 mm above the bottom of the hem.
- Be visible from all angles so that the wearer has 360° visibility.
- Contrast work environments; popular options include yellow, yellow-green, and orange-red.
- Have no retroreflective material gaps that exceed 50 mm horizontally
Safety Boots for Your Construction Crew
When we think about foot protection on the construction site, we typically think of steel-toed or composite-toed boots. These boots protect workers from falling tools, equipment, or materials that can cause foot injuries.
Composite-toe boots are lighter and conduct less heat — making them a better option for those working in the heat. They also don’t conduct electricity, a useful feature for construction workers doing electrical work. On the other hand, steel-toed footwear offers a higher level of impact protection. No matter which option you choose, ensure you invest in slip-resistant and puncture-resistant footwear for greater protection against injuries.
Construction Gloves
Selecting the right gloves is vital, as the hands are the most frequently injured body part on the job site. Construction gloves are remarkably effective at protecting workers’ hands from cuts and other dangerous injuries. They should fit snugly while allowing for full dexterity of the wearer’s fingers. The goal is to prevent workers from removing their gloves because they don’t fit well. Furthermore, the right material should be selected based on the substances and conditions at hand. Some popular construction gloves options include:
Coated-Fabric & Fabric Gloves: made of cotton, protect against chafing, dirt, and abrasions.
Mesh Gloves: protect against burns, cuts, and punctures.
Liquid- & Chemical-Resistant Gloves: prevent toxic and corrosive materials from touching the hands.
Insulating Rubber Gloves: defend against electric shocks, burns, and other electrical hazards.
Hearing Protection for the Worksite
When workplace noise levels exceed OSHA limits — or are too loud to have a conversation — construction workers are required to use hearing protection. The three main types of hearing protection include earmuffs, pre-molded ear plugs, and foam ear plugs:
Earmuffs
fit against the head and cover the perimeter of the external ear. The muff cup is lined with acoustic foam, which reduces noise. Their efficacy depends on how tight the seal between the cushion and the wearer’s head is.
Pre-Molded Ear Plugs
come in various shapes and sizes to fit different types of ears. These offer little expansion or contraction, so adequately sealing the ear canal can be a challenge.
Foam Ear Plugs
when placed correctly, these will mold to fill a variety of different ear canals, making them a great choice.
Quality Logo-Branded Construction Apparel
Investing in quality construction clothing and safety gear is essential to ensuring the safety of your crew. At Effortless Branding, we build quality gear construction executives can be proud to stand behind. Our construction customers have enjoyed increased brand recognition within their communities — as our apparel functions as a billboard for your organization.
While safety gear is a legal requirement for construction sites, ensuring that your logo is displayed through embroidery, screen printing, or vinyl decals gives your crew a professional touch. Investing in logo-branded construction vests, construction gloves, hardhats, and face shields isn’t just about the products. It’s an investment in your people and in your business.
Get in touch with us today to learn how we can assist you with protecting your crew and building brand awareness!