Scaffolding safety requirements call for work specific personal protective equipment (construction PPE) to be mandatory on all construction sites. But which ones are your scaffold company utilising?

For scaffolders, working at height is a regular part of day to day life. This brings with it serious hazards and risk; it’s what makes it so vital for all staff to be fully trained, qualified and competent to carry out the job at hand.

A safe working system not only protects the construction workers, but it also protects their teammates and the general public. There really is no underestimating its importance.

One of the key ways to ensure your scaffolding staff are adhering to their work in a safe, watchful environment is by providing them with sufficient PPE.

Construction PPE is a legal necessity in certain situations. It is vital as it mitigates the impact of accidents or can even stop them entirely.

At Skill Scaffolding, our Health and Safety department is always on hand to double, triple and quadruple check construction sites for any potential risks. This includes checking that all “on the ground” staff are equipped with the right safety protection to protect themselves – and others – from injury.

That’s why we’ve gathered together five of the most common (and important) items of PPE for scaffolding workers to wear on-site.

Construction PPE item 1: Hard hat.

Before you consider moving a muscle on your construction site, you sure as hell best be wearing a hard hat.

Falling debris, material and objects can seriously injure the worker; a hard hat can specifically, therefore, protect the head, eyes and neck. They need to be in line with all UK safety regulations and be fitted to the worker. It’s also paramount that visitors wear hard hats as well, especially when site workers are at height.  

Construction PPE item 2: Steel toe boots.

Non-slip, steel toe cap boots are a “must” for all workers and tradesmen on construction sites. They provide protection against heavy objects (of which there are PLENTY in these environments) and help to avoid any slips on the scaffold surface.

Construction PPE item 3: High-visibility clothing.

Hi Vis clothing reduces the risk of accidents – and even fatalities – in busy settings with a high amount of vehicle traffic. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this includes construction areas and yards.

Hi Vis clothing makes the wearer easier to spot, especially in darker light or difficult weather conditions. It is a vital requirement, and one all staff and visitors must comply with.

Construction PPE item 4: Eye, hand and ear protection.

Although this won’t apply to all jobs, there are many instances where eye, hand and ear protection can considerably improve the safety of scaffolding workers.

This could include goggles, safety glasses, gloves, ear plugs and ear muffs. These items can stop hazardous, sharp items from damaging vulnerable areas of the body. There will be various options for the different types of tasks.

Construction PPE item 5: Fall protection systems.

You should put in place fall protection systems any time a worker is exposed to a fall of 6 feet or more. This is crucial for one simple reason: falls can kill.

Fall protection systems include safety harnesses, safety nets, guardrails and fall restraint systems. Whatever you opt for, be sure to have a dedicated person on site that checks them before any work commences.

Want to find out more? Contact Skill Scaffolding. We love talking about site safety and would welcome a chat.