MUST-HAVE CONSTRUCTION PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE) THAT LOOKS COOL, TOO.
“Safety First”. A Quote We’ve All Heard A Million Times. While It’s Completely Cliche, This Expression Applies In The World Of Construction More Than Almost Any Other Industry. It Makes Sense. When You Consider That Nearly Three (3) Construction-Related Deaths Occur Per Day In The United States Alone (Source), It’s No Wonder Why Safety In Construction Is So Important. In Turn, We Must Make Sure That We Practice What We Preach & Follow The “Safety First” Rule At All Times On The Job Site. To Do This, We Largely Rely On Construction Personal Protective Equipment, Otherwise Known As P.P.E.
Let’s Get Real, Though. A Lot Of Safety Gear Is Cheaply Made, Ill-Fitting & Looks Awful. When Construction P.P.E. Doesn’t Fit Right Or Is Poorly Made, People Are Less Likely To Want To Use It, Which Will Obviously Lead To An Increase In Safety-Related Injuries, Or Worse! On The Flip Side, People Working In Construction Will Actually Want To Wear Their P.P.E. When It Works Well & Looks Good.
That’s What This Page Is Dedicated To: Construction Safety Gear That’s High Quality (4+ Star Rating Only) & Looks Great, Too. We’ve Included Some Other Products That Aren’t Necessarily P.P.E. But Are Complementary To The Day-To-Day Experience On A Job Site.
P.S. Remember To Keep Your Receipts If You’re Expensing These Items!
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P.P.E. FOR FACE & HEAD
LIGHTWEIGHT HARD HATS
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Not only are cheap hard hats cumbersome, but they can also put uncomfortable pressure on our head and ears. Or they refuse to sit right and fall off! As the hours and days go on, these ill-fitting hard hats become a nuisance. Hard hats are the most-worn piece of safety equipment on the job site – it pays to invest in a high-quality hard hat from the get-go. The ideal hard hat should feel not unlike a well-fitting bicycle helmet – like it’s not even there. Lightweight hard hats (often carbon fiber) with a decent impact / suspension liner will make a day on the job site a lot more comfortable.
BADASS HARD HATS
WHY IT'S GOOD:
A badass hard hat is to a seasoned construction veteran as a well-worn leather jacket is to a motorcycle die-hard – they just go together. As such, it makes sense that some want to kick their hardhat game up a notch. if you’re looking to make a statement on your next project, this is a good place to begin…
CLEAR CONSTRUCTION SAFETY GLASSES
WHY IT'S GOOD:
One of the most common causes of injuries on a job site are ones caused by debris getting in eyes. In turn, a pair of safety glasses is an absolute necessary piece of job site P.P.E. for workers and anyone else who steps foot on the job. Cheap safety glasses can cause headaches, scratch easily, fog up and break – all potential deterrents for wearing them in the first place. A high quality pair or two of clear safety glasses is essential for all.
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY SUNGLASSES (AKA 'SAFETY SHADES')
WHY IT'S GOOD:
As stated above, safety glasses are an absolutely essential piece of P.P.E. for the job site. If you’ve spent any time on a construction site, you’ve probably noticed that one of the hottest ‘commodities’ amongst the staff are the coveted ‘safety shades’. A solid pair of safety sunglasses does way more than just protect the eyes – they look sweet both on and off the job site. Many models look quite similar to popular sunglasses you see from the big brands. Who knows, the right pair might just stick with you all the way into the evening. Ideally, safety sunglasses will offer UV-protection (polarized) as well.
SAFETY GEAR FOR HANDS & FEET
ALL-PURPOSE WORK GLOVES - TOUCH SCREEN COMPATIBLE
WHY IT'S GOOD:
A job site presents a plethora of unique conditions. Dirt, dust and soot are commonplace, as are ladders, railings, sharp edges and a million other things to grab onto. A solid pair of all-purpose work gloves are vital for staying safe and relatively clean on any construction site. While they have their place, generic, cheaper gloves are often, well…generic and cheap. With that comes a poor fit and little longevity. Buying a high quality pair of all-purpose work gloves should mean you don’t need another for a while. Plus, you don’t need to take them on and off to use the touch-screen phone or tablet we usually have clutched in one hand.
CUT-RESISTANT GLOVES (ANSI LEVEL A4 MIN.)
WHY IT'S GOOD:
While cut-resistant gloves are useful for anyone working in construction, they’re particularly valuable for those working around steel, sheet metal and other materials with sharp edges. Sheet metal flashings and facade finishes look great, but they’re ridiculously sharp. It doesn’t take more than making brief contact with one of these to open up a nasty cut that might require stitches. Not to mention, anyone working with blades, knives, shears or other sharp tools can absolutely keep themselves safe while wearing cut-resistant gloves on the job! For jobs like these, most safety programs recommend ‘level 4’ cut-resistant gloves at a minimum (learn about cut-resistance levels).
LEATHER WORK BOOTS WITH SAFETY TOE
WHY IT'S GOOD:
While steel-toe boots still exist, technology is evolving. Many construction boots are referred to as having a ‘safety toe’ due to the introduction of plastic, fiber and other materials into the toe section of their boots. As we all know, job sites are full of hazards. This includes crushing hazards which usually occur at ground level. Foot-crushing accidents can be as simple as your foot getting run over by a small piece of equipment in tight quarters. Wearing boots with a safety toe is required on many sites, but they’re a good idea for anyone who’s working around even moderate construction. Boots made with genuine leather hold up a lot longer to the regular damage that construction causes, as do stitched/welted soles. Some good additional features include slip-resistance, waterproofing & shock-resistance.
WORK / HIKING BOOTS FOR CONSTRUCTION
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Do you need a boot that’s a bit more comfortable? Are you looking to hit the trail in the same boots you wear to the site? Need to walk on dirt, grass and similar surfaces frequently? A pair of hiking boots could be your ideal solution. Hiking boots already have many features that are great for the job site: a higher ankle for stability on uneven surfaces, a thick sole that’s resistant to nails and other punctures, typically waterproof or at least water-resistance, and durable outer materials i.e. leather, nubuck, etc. Make sure to note whether you’ll need a safety toe or not – only some hiking boots come with this!
P.P.E. FOR HEAT & HUMIDITY
COOLING SKULL CAP - UNDER HARD HATS, ETC.
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Anyone who’s worked on a construction site in the summer knows the feeling: the sweaty-hard-hat-liner-on-forehead feeling, that is! In short bursts, a hard hat isn’t all that uncomfortable on even the hottest day. When you’re wearing a hard hat for hours at a time, though, a sweaty hard hat gets gross. It only makes sense that we throw on a cooling skull cap under our hard hat to save ourselves a lot of trouble. Plus, items like these are a commodity on the job site!
SUN PROTECTION / SUN BLOCKING P.P.E.
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Prolonged periods of unprotected exposure does more than just leave a sunburn – it can greatly increase the likelihood of getting skin cancer or other serious conditions. For many reasons, it’s a good idea to protect your skin when you spend eight hours a day on a construction site. Here are a few pieces of sun protection P.P.E. that’ll keep you in the shade.
MOISTURE WICKING TALL BOOT SOCKS
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Everyone can agree on this – wearing construction boots for 10 hours a day in the summer heat is a recipe for many gross things. This includes discomfort along with many other nasty experiences we don’t need to mention. When wearing construction boots in the summer, you can experience a huge relief in the form of tall moisture-wicking boot socks.
P.P.E. FOR COLD & RAIN
winter hard hat liners & neck warmth
WHY IT'S GOOD:
In cold weather, we lose a tremendous amount of heat through our heads. This includes our ears and neck. If you plan to be on the job site all day throughout the winter months, a warm, winter hard hat liner is a must. When your head and neck are warm, your time onsite will be spent on the work, not trying to stay warm!
LINED WORK GLOVES FOR WINTER
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Will a nice pair of winter gloves keep you warm on the job site? Sure. Will a nice pair of winter gloves actually hold up to job site conditions over a prolonged period? Big nope. That’s where the value of lined work gloves for winter come into play. These gloves usually feature a fleece liner and a leather upper, but also come in canvas and other synthetic materials. Regardless of which you choose, winter work gloves will hold up on a construction site a lot better than a nice fashionable pair.
HEAVY DUTY WINTER WORK JACKET (THE 'CARHARTT')
WHY IT'S GOOD:
‘Carhartt’ has become the Q-tip of the construction industry. Just like how nobody uses the term ‘cotton swab’ anymore, nearly all heavy-duty winter work jackets are referred to as Carhartts. While there are several reputable makers that sell winter work jackets, Carhartt is the most powerful player in the niche and for good reason – the majority of their reviews are positive. Regardless of which brand you choose, heavy duty winter work jackets give you all the warmth of your normal winter coat (maybe more), but can take some serious roughing-up over a prolonged period. Perfect for the job site. This is why we hear the name Carhartt everywhere in this business!
BASE LAYERS FOR WINTER CONSTRUCTION
WHY IT'S GOOD:
When it’s freezing cold, minutes go by like hours on a winter construction site. Not only does this suck, but it’s harder to focus on the job at hand. Wearing some solid base layers for winter will be a huge help when out on the site for hours. Most of what’s out there now fits easily under regular clothing.
LINED HOODIES & FLANNEL SHIRTS
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Everyone knows why hoodies and flannel shirts are great. What makes these particularly good for winter construction is their inner lining. A lined hoodie or winter flannel work shirt are easy and comfortable for the job site all day long, plus they usually look good as well.
LIGHTWEIGHT HOODED RAIN COAT
WHY IT'S GOOD:
There’s no substitute for good ol’ fashion rubber rain gear. A bright yellow rain coat and matching pants are synonymous with fishermen and construction workers alike. There’s a catch, though. Anyone who’s ever warn these will tell you – you can get HOT inside of them. The level of watertightness achieved is at the sacrifice of breathability. Plus, they’re really only for the job site, too soaked for indoors and not great for other outside occasions. A lightweight zip up hooded rain coat is a much better choice from Project Managers, Superintendents or any other ‘hands-off’ onsite staff. These jackets are breathable, easy to carry/store, waterproof (or resistant) enough and actually look decent off the job site as well.
P.P.E. FOR NIGHT WORK (HI-VIS)
HI-VIS REFLECTIVE SHIRTS
WHY IT'S GOOD:
When working on construction sites at night, it’s best to not take any chances – forgetting to put on a reflective vest before stepping foot on a roadway or site is a potentially fatal error. Plus, some people just aren’t fans of wearing a reflective vest. Instead, they find it easier and more comfortable to just wear a high-visibility reflective shirt. They’re even available in collared polo/golf shirt styles if that suits you. One thing’s for sure – no one won’t see you!
HI-VIS REFLECTIVE CONSTRUCTION JACKET
WHY IT'S GOOD:
When it comes to working at night, there’s no such thing as being ‘too visible’ from a safety standpoint. Many winter construction jackets come in dark or earth-toned colors. While this is inconsequential on a daytime project, these colors can be hard to distinguish at night. When working on roadways, close to railroad tracks or in other dark places, it makes sense to have as much visibility as possible. If you need to be visible and warm at the same time, a hi-vis reflective winter jacket makes sense for construction.
HI-VIS REFLECTIVE GLOVES & ACCESSORIES
WHY IT'S GOOD:
On a night/dark project, we might as well just go all-in on the safety and wear reflective/hi-vis everything. Ok not everything, but it does make finding that dropped glove or misplaced tool a whole lot easier on a large night-time project. Here are some useful hi-vis gloves and accessories.
HARD HAT HEADLAMPS & SIMILAR
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Construction is a two-hands business, even if those two hands are just holding on! Hard hat headlamps make seeing what we’re doing at night so much easier. They also aid in staying visible and minimizing accidents caused by poor visibility. Choose from battery-powered and rechargeable styles.
P.P.E. FOR SPECIALITY TRADES
TOOL TETHERS FOR WORKING AT HEIGHT
WHY IT'S GOOD:
A hand tool falling a couple of feet is not going to be a big deal in 99.99% of cases (I’m guessing!). When this same tool falls from even 10-20ft, it has enough speed upon impact to seriously harm a person or break things below. This is amplified by multiple orders of magnitude when working at significants heights – a small tool is lethal to those below from even a moderate working height, let alone the chance it’ll carry. A tool somehow falling while working on a high rise in NYC can fly outside of the job site where there are hundreds of pedestrians and cars passing below. For this purpose, tool tethers exist!
RUBBER WORK BOOTS FOR MUCK, WATER, CONCRETE, ETC.
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Typical construction boots are great for many applications. Some models are even ‘waterproof’. One thing that almost NO construction boot promises, though, is to stay dry when completely submerged. If you work in plumbing, on muddy sites, in trenches/basements or around wet concrete, a solid pair of rubber work boots will keep you dry and happy. Got concrete all over them? Just blast ’em with a hose! Some models feature a steel toe as well if you require it.
PVC / RUBBER CLOTHING FOR MARINE & CONCRETE WORK
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Similar to rubber work boots, PVC & rubber clothing for construction is essential in wet working environments, including concrete work. These clothes will take the punishment dished out in these trades that normal clothes cannot…or they’ll at least keep you dry in the process.
KNEE PADS FOR CONSTRUCTION
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Many specialties within the construction industry require us to spend time on our knees. In absolutely no way am I implying anything other than a face-value statement here! These trades include roofing, carpentry, concrete finishing, working in confined space and many others. A solid pair of kneepads makes working on the ground a lot more reasonable, particularly in the long term – your knees will thank you!
P.P.E. FOR COMFORT & ERGONOMICS
gel inserts for work boots
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Those who stand all day at work know the feeling – that achy, heaviness in our legs that makes us want to elevate them the second we get home. Now imagine doing that all day, every day over months or even years – that’s a lot of time our lower legs and feet are in compression. Combine that with the stiffness of many work boots and the hardness of concrete, etc. and we quickly find our feet killing us all the time. A pair of gel inserts for work boots will reduce that fatigued feeling and keep our bodies in good condition over the long run.
COMPRESSION SOCKS
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Speaking of achy legs, standing for long hours at work can create a host of other issues to our lower extremities over time, too. Common issues include the pooling of blood in our legs, circulation hindrances, spider veins and more. To stave off these uncomfortable and harmful symptoms, compression stockings are an easy solution. These stockings provide compression by fitting snugly while applying a fixed amount of pressure when worn and easily fit under normal pants.
BACK BRACE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Every type of work in construction varies, but one thing stays constant for the most part – working in construction can strain the lower back. This of course holds true for those working with their hands and bodies, but it even holds true for P.M.s, Supers, etc. Standing long hours and walking the site is quite difficult when one is feeling lower back pain. Whether it be caused by construction or any other reason, an adjustable back brace provides lumbar support throughout the day and is hardly noticeable under most clothes.
KNEE PADS FOR CONSTRUCTION
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Many specialties within the construction industry require us to spend time on our knees. In absolutely no way am I implying anything other than a face-value statement here! These trades include roofing, carpentry, concrete finishing, working in confined space and many others. A solid pair of kneepads makes working on the ground a lot more reasonable, particularly in the long term – your knees will thank you!
BRACES & BANDS FOR JOINT SUPPORT
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Overuse injuries are common in most physical activities, from tennis to construction. One of the areas our bodies feel it the most is in our joints. This includes our wrists, elbows, knees and more. These areas get sore over time and never really recover fully when they’re, well, overused. Construction may demand constant physical activity, but having some joint support via braces and bands will take the edge off. Your body will thank you later!
BASIC CONSTRUCTION SAFETY / SITE CLOTHING
'The Golf Polo'
WHY IT'S GOOD:
What makes a golf polo shirt good for construction sites? If your employer expects you to wear a collar, you’ve got one. More importantly, if you expect not to sweat all day long into your regular clothes and wear them like that for hours, you win too. These polos are made with moisture-wicking, breathable synthetic materials which are a lot more comfortable at the job site on a summer day.
Durable Work Pants For Construction
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Yes, ‘regular’ pants and jeans will be fine when worn to a job site on occasion. Once you begin working on a job site every day, you may find your normal clothes wearing out a lot faster than you expected. For one, construction sites require that we move more than we normally would in our regular clothes. We also need to climb ladders, scale stairs and navigate all sorts of other fun conditions onsite. Plus, it only takes one brief snag on something sharp to mess up our clothes for good. Work pants are made using a lot thicker material than normal pants with stronger stitching as well. They also feature more pockets for the many devices you may find yourself carrying around.
Durable Work Shirts For Construction
WHY IT'S GOOD:
Much like the work pants discussed above, this one’s really up to you. Work shirts for construction are also made using heavier materials than a typical shirt. What they lack in modern fit and softness, they make up for in durability. If you’ve lost a few shirts to the job site already, it’s not a bad idea to have a couple of work shirts for the site instead – this will keep your other clothes in better shape in the long run.
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