Remember, PPE protects you from the hazard, but the hazard is still there!

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1 Brought to you by Fatalities and injuries among construction workers are substantially reduced with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and related technologies. PPE is used by workers on a regular basis to protect from job related hazards that can cause disabling injuries and illnesses and even death. The most effective way to deal with a hazard is to eliminate it altogether, unfortunately, that s not often possible. While PPE use can help to prevent injuries and illnesses, engineering and other control methods should be considered first to eliminate or minimize exposure to existing and potential hazards. When controls are not practical, personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used to reduce or eliminate exposure to identified hazards. Remember, PPE protects you from the hazard, but the hazard is still there! Examples of personal protective equipment are: Hardhats. Eye protection and face shields. Respirators. Hearing protection. Protective gloves. High-visibility clothing. Welding protection. Steel-toe boots. Personal fall protection systems. Fire-resistant clothing Chemical/splash protection. It is very important that all personal protective equipment be worn or used according to the manufacturer s recommendations and that company policies, requirements and procedures for the use of PPE are known and followed. Hardhats are required at all times on most construction sites and worn to protect your head from low hanging or falling objects. Revision Page 1 of 5

2 Eye protection should be worn when operating tools and machinery. Safety glasses protect eyes from flying particles, debris and other eye hazards. Goggles provide eye protection from chemical splashes and face shields are worn over other protective eyewear, such as goggles, to provide face protection. Hearing protection should also be worn when operating tools and machinery, especially if you work in an area where tools are in operation frequently. Muffs provide the best protection and should fit comfortably. Gloves protect your hands when handling materials with rough or sharp edges and a wide range of other hand protection applications. Understand that there are many different types of gloves, each designed for a specific purpose. Make sure to use the appropriate glove for the job. Respirators provide protection against a wide variety dusts, fumes, gases, vapors and other respiratory hazards. Use of a respirator is unique in that federal regulations require medical approval, training, and fit-testing before employee use. Dust masks are frequently misused in exposures where a respirator is actually needed. Sturdy leather Work Boots that cover the ankle should be worn on construction sites to provide a degree of protection from chemical splashes, petroleum products and small cuts, bruises and abrasions. The soles should be slip resistant with a steel-shank to provide protection from penetration of sharp objects through the sole. Keep your footwear in good condition and always clean off your shoes before climbing ladders or other activity. Basic PPE is required on most construction projects. Hardhat, safety glasses, and sturdy leather work boots should be part of your daily jobsite wardrobe. In order to determine what personal protective equipment is required on a particular site or needed to perform a specific task or operation, a hazard assessment or Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) should be performed to identify all existing and potential hazards and then develop a plan to address them. Some hazards may be eliminated, but others will require PPE. A hazard assessment should be performed for each task or operation and whenever changes in procedure, exposure to hazard, weather, etc. occur. Revision Page 2 of 5

3 Management responsibilities: Ensure that company policies and procedures are in place, known and followed by all employees. Ensure that hazard assessment is performed by a competent person to determine what PPE is necessary before any work begins. Ensure that employees are fitted and trained in the proper use, maintenance, storage or disposal, and limitations of all types of personal protective equipment they use. Ensure that required PPE is available when and where required. Periodically review effectiveness of hazard assessment procedures and performance of personnel responsible for hazard assessment and employee training. Employee responsibilities: Know and follow outlined precautions and procedures. Complete the training required to perform the job. Know and follow manufacturer s recommendations for use, care and storage of all personal protective equipment used. Wear and/or use the required PPE. Periodically monitor the current state of all hazard exposures. Does the PPE in use still adequately protect from exposure. Periodically inspect PPE and perform maintenance or replace as required. Report unsafe acts and unsafe conditions to your supervisor immediately. There are always hazards on a construction site that cannot be eliminated or reduced to acceptable levels by engineering or other control methods that require personal protective equipment. It is your responsibility to use personal protective equipment properly and as required. If you choose not to, your attitude may be the biggest hazard of all. Personal Protective equipment is the last defense against a hazard and can be critical to your personal health and safety. Together we can make work safe. Revision Page 3 of 5

4 Company: Topic: Location: Date: WEEKLY SAFETY PROGRAM REVIEW AND PRESENTATION 1. Remind all employees that it is their right to a safe work place. Each employee is responsible to report and respond to unsafe work practices and conditions. 2. Review of recent incidents, injuries, and reported near misses. 3. Recent observations, safety violations, and demonstrated lack of knowledge or skills. 4. Employee suggested corrective actions for avoiding future reoccurrences. 5. Existing and upcoming work activities and potential hazards. Include review of supporting materials or documents and demonstrate safe work procedures. 6. Employee workplace safety concerns and recommendations. 7. Safety topic presentation. Include review of company policies, procedures, and location specific expectations. Encourage questions and clarifications. 8. Additional meeting notes. Revision Page 4 of 5

5 Company: Topic: Location: Date: Printed Full Legal Name Department/Division Signature Instructor 1: Instructor 2: Translator: Printed Full Legal Name Signature Revision Page 5 of 5