Occupational Safety on Construction Sites: TOP-7 Personal Protective Equipment that Should Be on Every Site.

Work Safety in Construction: TOP-7 Personal Protective Equipment That Must Be on Every Construction Site

Construction is one of the most dangerous fields of work, requiring a special approach to safety. In Ukraine, there are clear labor safety standards that require employers to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers.

In 2025, safety requirements will become even stricter, and the quality of protective equipment will be a crucial factor in reducing injury rates. Let's review the TOP-7 PPE that are essential on every construction site.

Protective Helmet

The helmet protects the worker's head from falling objects, impacts, and electrical injuries.
Modern models are made from impact-resistant polyethylene or composite materials.
According to DSTU EN 397, helmets must meet specific standards for impact resistance and temperature change stability.

Protective Footwear

Construction footwear should have a reinforced sole that protects against punctures and a steel toe cap that prevents injury to the toes.
According to the European standard EN ISO 20345, construction footwear can be:

• S1 — with a closed heel and puncture-resistant sole;
• S3 — additionally waterproof.

Work Gloves

Gloves are necessary to protect against mechanical damage, chemical influences, and extreme temperatures. The most common types include:

• rubberized (protection from chemicals);
• with reinforced inserts (protection from cuts and punctures);
• heat-resistant (protection from hot surfaces).

Protective Glasses and Shields

Construction workers' eyes are often exposed to dust, small particles, and chemicals. Therefore, they use:

• glasses with polycarbonate lenses (scratch and impact resistance);
• protective shields for working with grinders and welding equipment.

Respiratory Protection

Construction dust, chemical vapors, and harmful gases can cause serious health damage. Respirators are used to filter them:

• FFP2 and FFP3 respirators (protection from fine dust);
• gas masks for working in areas with high concentrations of toxic substances.

Height Work Protection Equipment

For work at heights above 1.3 meters, the use of fall protection systems is mandatory in Ukraine. These include:

• safety belts and carabiners;
• fall arrestors;
• anchor lines.

High-Visibility Workwear

It is crucial to be visible on a construction site, especially in low-light conditions.

According to DSTU EN ISO 20471, workwear must be equipped with reflective elements to enhance visibility.

Also, don't forget about winter workwear. In cold temperatures, work clothing must protect workers from cold, wind, and precipitation, as well as ensure comfort throughout the workday.

Proper use of PPE significantly reduces the risk of injury and increases safety on construction sites. In 2025, Ukraine is expected to strengthen the enforcement of labor safety regulations, requiring employers to take even greater responsibility for providing workers with quality protection. Adhering to these requirements will help not only preserve workers' health but also improve productivity on the construction site.