Selecting appropriate safety equipment is necessary for managing risks on a construction site. The hazards present can vary depending on the nature of the work, but common risks include falls, exposure to hazardous substances and contact with moving machinery. Employers are required to provide workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety measures to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and related UK regulations for workplace safety.
To choose the right safety equipment and maintain it to the required standard, those in charge must know the risks present on site. This guide outlines what you should consider when selecting safety equipment and how to make choices that align with legal requirements and best practice.
Assessing workplace risks
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to conduct risk assessments to identify hazards and put suitable control measures in place. In turn, these will help you to find the right safety equipment.
Key factors to consider when carrying out a risk assessment include:
- The tasks being carried out and the hazards involved
- The work environment, including temperature, noise levels and airborne contaminants
- The number of workers exposed to each risk
- The likelihood and severity of potential injuries
Once the risks have been identified, control measures should be introduced. Where hazards cannot be eliminated, safety equipment should be used as a last line of defence.
Choosing the right PPE
PPE is designed to protect workers from site hazards, but it should only be used when risks cannot be controlled in other ways. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 set out requirements for selecting and providing PPE.
Head protection
Construction sites present a high risk of head injuries due to falling objects, moving equipment and slips or falls. Safety helmets are required in most cases and should meet the BS EN 397 standard. Features to consider when selecting helmets include:
- Resistance to impact and penetration
- Adjustable fittings for a secure fit
- Additional protection against electrical hazards where required
Eye and face protection
Activities such as cutting, grinding and welding can create flying debris and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Safety goggles or face shields should comply with BS EN 166 (the minimum standards applicable to protective eyewear) and provide adequate coverage for the tasks being carried out. The level of protection required depends on the nature of the work, with some tasks requiring full-face shields in addition to goggles.
Hearing protection
Exposure to high noise levels over time can cause hearing damage. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 requires employers to provide hearing protection where noise levels exceed 85 decibels (dB). Ear defenders or earplugs should be chosen based on the level of noise reduction required, which is measured using the Single Number Rating. The right protection will depend on site conditions and the specific tasks being carried out.
Respiratory protection
Construction sites can expose workers to dust, fumes, and other airborne contaminants. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations require employers to provide respiratory protective equipment (RPE) where necessary. When selecting RPE, consider:
- The type of contaminants present (e.g., dust, gases or vapours)
- Whether a disposable, half-mask or full-face respirator is needed
- The level of filtration required, based on exposure levels
Proper fit testing is needed to ensure that respiratory protection provides adequate coverage. Workers should also be trained on how to use and maintain their equipment.
Hand protection
Hand injuries are common in construction due to contact with sharp objects, chemicals or heavy materials. Protective gloves should be selected based on the risks involved. Examples include:
- Cut-resistant gloves for handling sharp materials
- Chemical-resistant gloves for exposure to hazardous substances
- Impact-resistant gloves for working with heavy objects
Gloves should meet the relevant British and European standards (e.g., BS EN 388 for mechanical risks relating to tear, abrasion and cut resistance and BS EN 374 for resistance against certain chemicals).
Foot protection
Foot injuries can result from dropped objects, slips or exposure to hazardous substances. Safety boots must meet the BS EN ISO 20345 standard and provide:
- Steel or composite toe caps for impact protection
- Slip-resistant soles to reduce the risk of falls
- Additional protection against punctures, chemicals, or electrical hazards where required
High-visibility clothing
Construction workers often operate in areas with moving vehicles and machinery. High-visibility clothing should meet BS EN ISO 20471 which is a standard for minimum visibility of clothing and provide adequate coverage based on site conditions. Different classes of high-visibility clothing are available, with Class 3 offering the highest level of visibility.
Selecting the right equipment for working at height
Falls from height are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries in construction. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to take steps to prevent falls and provide suitable equipment where necessary.
Guardrails and barriers
Where possible, fixed guardrails or barriers should be installed to prevent falls. These should be checked regularly to confirm they remain secure.
Scaffolding and mobile access towers
For tasks requiring access to higher levels, scaffolding or mobile access towers should be used. These must be assembled by trained workers and inspected regularly.
Ladders and step platforms
Ladders should only be used for short-duration tasks and must meet BS EN 131 standards which specify that ladders should have certain characteristics such as a minimum width and strength which make them safer for users. They should be secured properly and checked before each use.
Harnesses and fall arrest systems
Where other control measures cannot be used, workers may need to wear fall arrest systems such as harnesses and lanyards. These should meet BS EN 361 standards which are specific characteristics a harness should meet in order to safely spread the load of weight should a fall at height happen and that they should be appropriately packaged and inspected before each use. Training is required to make sure they are used correctly.
Storage and maintenance of safety equipment
Providing the right equipment is not enough on its own. Regular maintenance and proper storage are needed to keep it in working condition.
Inspection schedules
All safety equipment should be checked before use and at regular intervals. Employers should set up inspection schedules for helmets, gloves, harnesses and other equipment to confirm they remain fit for purpose.
Proper storage
Equipment should be stored in a dry, clean area away from contaminants. For example, respirators should be kept in sealed containers to prevent exposure to dust and moisture.
Replacement of worn equipment
Safety equipment must be replaced when it shows signs of wear or damage. Employers should provide replacements as soon as issues are identified.
Training workers on correct usage
Providing safety equipment is only effective if workers know how to use it properly. Employers are required to train workers on how to wear, adjust and maintain their protective equipment. Training should include:
- When and where to use each type of equipment
- How to fit and adjust items such as respirators and harnesses
- Proper storage and maintenance to extend the lifespan of equipment
Training should be refreshed regularly to reinforce safe working practices.
Selecting safety equipment goes beyond compliance with regulations – it reflects a broader commitment to workplace standards and workforce wellbeing. The choices made influence not only day-to-day operations but also long-term safety culture on-site. Providing the right protective measures, alongside clear guidance and training, helps to reinforce awareness of workplace risks and encourages responsible practices.
