This month marks the 25th anniversary of National Safety Month, an annual observance to help keep each other safe from the workplace to anyplace. This observance is organized by the National Safety Council and recognized every June to raise awareness and improve safety knowledge.

Safety is a major issue for skilled laborers. Every year, accidents happen in the construction industry and often times it is due to the absence of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or failure to wear the provided safety equipment. PPE includes items such as hard hats, eye protection, high-visibility apparel, safety harnesses and more. Below, let’s explore some of the commonly used safety equipment and their benefits:

Head Protection

Hard hats are most commonly used on construction sites and are designed to protect your head and prevent injuries from falling or flying objects. While hard hats don’t have an expiration date, they can become less effective over time. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your hard hat every five years. You should replace your hard hat every 2 years if you work under harsh conditions or you’re frequently exposed to high heat or dangerous chemicals.

Respiratory Protection

Respiratory protection is designed to protect you from dust, fumes, paint spray, pesticides and other dangerous substances. Respirators can range from disposable dust masks to more complex supplied air respirators.

Eye Protection

According to The Department of Labor, thousands of eye injuries occur daily in the workplace. Safety googles and full-face shields can give you the protection needed for the eyes and face. Wearing protective eyewear regularly, especially when the potential hazards are most likely to cause injury, saves hundreds of thousands of dollars both by preventing and lessening the severity of injuries.

High Visibility Clothing

High visibility (hi-vis) clothing refers to garments that make you easier to see in certain lighting conditions. Workers from a variety of fields wear this clothing to make them easier to see since the bright fabric reflects light. Certain conditions, such as working near roadways or at night make wearing this type of apparel a requirement.

Stay Safe with Rio Grande Co.

Using PPE and wearing it properly is vital to avoiding unnecessary workplace injuries. At Rio Grande Co., we understand the importance of staying safe on the job every month of the year. To keep the Denver, CO area free of worksite accidents, we stock a full line of safety equipment and tools. From hard hats and eye protection to safety harnesses and respiratory equipment, we have you covered. For more information, please contact us to speak directly with a representative or visit our blog for more information.

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