Recent data shows that more than 20,000 people were seriously injured while working a construction job in 2020.
Construction workers have fulfilling careers where they can bring designs to life, but there are still risks. Luckily, there are on-site construction essentials for safety and waste that can help you minimize risks. If you supply your team with the right equipment, you can become more efficient and improve your business.
Take a look below to learn about the most effective tools and supplies to invest in!
Table of Contents
1. Steel-Toe Shoes
Did you know that you’re not limited to boots when you buy steel-toe shoes?
Steel-toe shoes come in a variety of styles and many of them are appealing. Different brands have seen a need for more attractive, yet safe footwear, across several industries. Whether your company does small or large construction projects, they must keep themselves safe.
These shoes and boots protect your team’s feet at all times. Accidents can occur at any moment, especially when moving large materials and equipment.
2. Fire Extinguishers
There are five unique fire extinguishers that you should consider investing in.
Water, foam, and dry powder are commonly needed on a job site, but there are others you might need to get. CO2 and wet chemical fire extinguishers should also be somewhere on your job site to get rid of hazards before conditions worsen. To stay on top of your permits and licenses, you must prove that you have these tools accessible at all times.
3. Toeboards
Does your team rely on scaffolds for painting and construction?
Toeboards are an essential piece of safety equipment that you won’t regret investing in. These boards are also called guard rails, they’re a physical barrier that prevents staff from falling. Working with power tools and large materials can increase risks, so you want to implement every safety measure you can.
While you’re improving safety with scaffolds, you should also invest in harnesses. A harness can prevent staff from falling and getting seriously injured.
4. Waste Containers
There are a variety of roll-off containers used in the construction industry and some of them compact the trash.
Waste containers are essential if you want to keep your job site safe and free of obstacles. Whether you’re breaking down wood, buildings, or concrete, you need a secure location for the pieces that won’t put your team at risk. Take the time to organize rubble and recycle materials to prevent unnecessary waste.
If you’re often gutting houses, you should consider investing in a construction chute. Construction chutes are durable safety equipment that can also preserve energy.
5. Hard Hats
Hard hats are one of the most essential safety equipment that will keep your projects progressing.
If your team is working a construction job without protective headgear, they are likely breaking regulations. Your insurance company won’t offer help if your team isn’t taking safety precautions or following procedures. Encourage your team to keep hard hats on them at all times and invest in a few extras for emergencies.
Falling objects, swinging chains, and flying debris are common in construction. Without this basic piece of equipment, your team will encounter injuries and delays.
6. First Aid Kit
Regardless of how much you invest in your company, accidents and injuries will still arise.
You never know what to expect at a construction site, especially if during demolitions. Invest in a first aid kit that includes plenty of bandages, wraps, tape, and ointments. You should also put an emergency CPR and first aid instruction manual to help in emergencies.
People panic when blood and injuries arise. Having guides and first aid materials will help your team get situations under control faster or until medical help comes.
7. OSHA Standards Book
Construction sites typically don’t have internet, but you must always have the answers.
The OSHA regulations and standards book has all the details you need to stay safe and get through a project. Not only will this guide help keep your team safe and following guidelines, but it can also help you determine how to handle waste. OSHA standards typically include details about how to properly report and dispose of waste.
Have your team keep a copy of the book in each of the work trucks so no one is unprepared. Without all the distractions online, you can quickly find answers without having to guess about the next steps.
8. Portable Woodchipper
If your company cuts down trees and clears out construction sites, you’ll want to have a woodchipper.
Woodchippers can clear land and increase your mulch supply, while simultaneously reducing waste. Shredders and compactors can be useful if you’re working with building materials. Although this won’t be a cheap investment, it’s worth talking to a recycling equipment business to keep things safe and clean at job sites.
There are a variety of sizes to consider, but portable options tend to be the most convenient. For larger jobs, you can invest in a bigger machine or go with a rental.
9. Face Shields
Chipping, grinding, cutting, and painting can all put debris and chemicals in the air.
Face shields can protect your body and keep your staff safe, even while working with risky materials. Depending on your project, face shields can be chemical, heat, or liquid resistant. Consider your most common projects and try to get shields that will protect yourselves the best for the materials you’re working with.
The great thing about face shields is that they can also protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Even if your team is stuck on a rooftop all day, exposed to the sun, you won’t have to worry about burns or skin damage.
Purchase Your On-Site Construction Essentials for Safety and Waste
Are you sick of writing injury reports and sending team members to urgent care?
With the right on-site construction essentials for safety and waste, you can finally focus on the bigger picture. Instead of spending all your time cleaning up messes or writing reports, you can get the job done quickly. You can make a few investments that will take your company another step forward.
Check out our page for more content about safety equipment and improving your business!
