Personal Protective Equipment

line of construction workers donning masks, hard hats and earmuffs

New York Codes to Protect Construction Workers

The state of New York offers various codes and provisions to maintain the safety of construction workers. According to code § 23-1.8, employers must provide their employees with proper protective equipment. This equipment should be designed to protect the workers in various positions and working in different situations.

Protective Equipment Necessary

There are numerous pieces of equipment that must be provided to make sure workers are okay to work with hazardous materials, at heights, in areas exposed to chemicals, and anywhere else on the construction site.

The personal protective equipment necessary includes:

  • Eye protection for employees who may be cutting, welding, burning, chipping, grinding, or in any position in which particles may fly or when the eyes are endangered
  • Respirators including the air supply line in which there is a filter to remove noxious vapors, oil mists, water, or pipe scale, a pressure regulating valve to specify air pressure, and air supplied from a contaminant-free source
  • Protective apparel including helmets or hard hats, proper foot protection, waterproof clothing, and apparel necessary for exposure to corrosive chemicals or substances

Necessary Cleanliness

All personal protective equipment must be properly cleaned and in a maintained condition when transition from one worker to the next. This includes disinfecting goggles, glasses, welder’s shields, and respirators. Also, the employee must wash or dry clean safety hats, waterproof clothing, boots, hat liners, or boot liners before transferring equipment from one employee to the next.

The Full Range of Protective Apparel

Because construction workers often work in ever-changing conditions that could range from hot and sunny to cold and rainy, proper equipment must be provided. For instance, a worker should be provided with a foul weather hat, as well as waterproof boots with safety insoles that can withstand water, mud, or wet concrete. An alternative options is pullover boots or rubbers over safety shoes.

Waterproof clothing including a coat, pants, and hat may be provided for someone working in rain, snow, or in another wet condition. The boots and hats may also come with liners if the worker intends to work in temperature lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

female construction worker in hard hat and reflective vest

New York City Construction Accident Lawyers on Your Side

If you or someone you love was injured because they were not provided the proper protection equipment, our New York City construction accident attorneys at The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., can help. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t owe us any money unless you win. Call us today at (212) 577-9325 to retain counsel.