We believe that people’s safety is worth investing in. And we go the extra mile to ensure our workers are protected even as they work for the safety of others. But what kind of safety measures do we take? What are the typical precautions at a construction site? Have companies always made employee safety a priority?
In our industry, PPE—or personal protective equipment—became a requirement in the mid 1930’s. The first project to require employee safety measures was the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge, spearheaded by engineer Joseph Straus. At that time, it was expected that for every million dollars spent on a project, at least one fatality would occur. With over 35 million dollars invested in the bridge, the weight of 35 potential deaths was unbearable.
To minimize the risk to their employees, Strauss provided respirator outfits, safety belts, lifelines, and goggles to the workers. In fact, supervisors were authorized to fire any employee on the spot who refused to use the provided PPE.
Today, OSHA requires all employers to protect their workers from any potential injury. Once the likeliest hazards at a site have been identified, employers can then decide what procedures and gear are necessary. OSHA also encourages companies to overcompensate for the expected levels of danger. Companies should do more than necessary to ensure their workers are adequately protected. This would include measures like instructing employees on how to select, maintain, and dispose of the proper PPE.
PPE is an essential component of keeping our construction workers safe. InfraStripe goes above and beyond to ensure the people providing safety are kept safe themselves. Let’s keep more people safe together.