On site, personal protective equipment (PPE) isn't optional: it's the first line of defense for every worker to return home safely. However, it is still common to see incorrectly worn helmets, forgotten harnesses or lenses stored in the backpack “because they get in the way”.
The reality is that PPE saves lives, provided it is used correctly and is part of a culture of safety.
Here we share with you what Basic thing that every project must guarantee in terms of EPP, and how to make it really be used on a daily basis.
1. Safety helmets: the basic shield
The helmet protects against shocks, falls from objects and electrical hazards.
- It must always be used inside the work, without exception.
- It is recommended to differentiate them by color (supervisors, contractors, visitors) for greater control.
- Check periodically for cracks or damage.
A blow to the head, even with a small object, can be fatal without a helmet.
2. Reflective vests: visibility first and foremost
In an environment with heavy machinery, trucks and crews working, being visible is key.
- Vests with high visibility reflective bands (yellow, orange or phosphorescent green).
- In night or highway projects, they are even more critical.
- They must be clean and in good condition to fulfill their function.
3. Eye and hearing protection
- Safety glasses: prevent injuries due to dust, sparks, concrete or metal fragments.
- Hearing protectors: earmuffs or earplugs in areas with pneumatic hammers, drills or high-noise machinery.
An eye injury or hearing loss is irreversible; prevention costs next to nothing.
4. Gloves: safe hands, safe work
Each task requires a different type of glove:
- Welding shell.
- Anti-cut for steel or glass.
- Dielectrics for electricity.
- Latex or nitrile for chemicals.
The most common mistake is to use only one type of glove for everything. The good subcontractor knows that they must assign the right one according to the risk.
5. Harnesses and life lines
To work at height without a harness is to play Russian roulette.
- All work above 1.80 m must be protected against falls.
- The harness must be certified, in good condition and well-adjusted.
- Always connected to a reliable life line or anchor point.
In Mexico, most serious construction accidents are due to falls. The harness is non-negotiable.
6. Safety footwear: firmness from below
The boots must have:
- Steel or composite helmet.
- Non-slip sole.
- Puncture resistance.
Good footwear not only prevents injuries, it also gives the worker stability on uneven surfaces.
The culture of fair use
The EPP only works if it is used always and in an appropriate way. To achieve this:
- Ongoing training: Explain why, not just what.
- Oversight: Residents and leaders must lead by example.
- Availability: The company must deliver equipment in good condition and replace it when necessary.
It's no use having new harnesses stored in the cellar.
EPP isn't a cost, it's an investment. Every helmet, every harness and every vest represents the difference between a normal workday and a tragedy.
A successful project is not only measured in time and costs, but also in the safety of its people. Because in the end, the best result of a day is that Everyone return home safe and sound.
