In a dozen plus years in the construction industry, I have witnessed first-hand the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) many times. Minor incidents that could have resulted in catastrophic injury, but for the proper PPE being utilized, and serious injuries that could have been prevented or ameliorated had the proper PPE been used. While protective garments and equipment can be cumbersome and at times uncomfortable, and while jobsite PPE requirements can at times seem onerous or ridiculous, proper use of safety equipment can prevent life-altering, or even life-ending, injuries.
It needs to be pointed out that the two most important aspects to keeping oneself safe and whole are situational awareness and adherence to proper safe operating procedures. No amount of safety equipment can protect one if they are grossly inattentive or if they sacrifice safety for the sake of expediency. ‘Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.’
Statistics from OSHA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlight the importance of PPE, showing that:
- Hard hats were worn by only 16% of those workers who sustained head injuries, although two-fifths were required to wear them for certain tasks at specific locations
- Only 1% of approximately 770 workers suffering face injuries were wearing face protection
- Only 23% of the workers with foot injuries wore safety shoes or boots
- About 40% of the workers with eye injuries wore eye protective equipment
A majority of these workers were injured while performing their normal jobs at regular worksites.
For further information and sources, see the links below. Stay safe out there!
- www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/ppe-factsheet.pdf
- https://www.runyonsurfaceprep.com/product-category/contractor-essentials/
Runyon Surface Prep Rental & Supply is a full-service sales and rental facility uniquely dedicated to the concrete polishing industry. Our uniqueness comes from providing our customers with a diverse equipment, product and supply portfolio. We offer training and support, such as technique workshops on prep, polishing or removal, and maintain a well-stocked inventory of consumables ready for your projects at a moment’s notice. Rather than perform contract work ourselves, we consult on job sites when necessary. With the backing of our vendors, Runyon Surface Prep offers support at any level, to assist in helping you get things done. We can deliver or ship wherever you need, or you can pick up from our facility.