Personal Protective Equipment Case Study

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2.4.6 Personal protective equipment (PPE)
According to Hughes and Ferret (2008:332), PPE is common in the construction industry and refers to protective clothing or other gear designed to protect the wearer’s body, for job-related OHS purposes.
Alaqqad (2009:29); Olson et al. (2009:384); Kheni, Gibb and Dainty (2006); Rajendran and Gambatese (2009) indicated that, construction organisations should provide appropriate equipment to avoid the probabilities of accidents to workers. Kenrick (2012) supported this by saying increased injuries and illness may arise due to improper use of PPE. According to Othman et al. (2008:49) the successful use of PPE requires good user training, good supervision, enforcement and the availability of the correct equipment. They further identified several types of PPE that will assist the wearer with maximum health risk if this equipment fails. The types of PPE includes: safety shoes, hearing protection, eye protection, hard hats, hand protection, protective clothing, safety harnesses and belts etcetera.
2.4.7 Evacuation plan
Before and during the commencement of any project, construction organisations should take into consideration the possible risks and hazards that may take place. Zekri (2013:16) indicates, the fire drill is a widely used …show more content…

(2015:291); Zekri (2013:12) opined that the temperature of the working environment affects the H&S performance of the workers in physical and psychological ways, especially in the construction industry with sites located at uncovered areas exposed to the severe climatic conditions and so the workers are relatively more prone to the thermal stress. Weather conditions can cause thermal stress which influences labour productivity of the workers and can lead to accidents as depicted in Figure 2.6. Yildizel et al. (2015:291). Zekri (2013:13) further specified the signs from heat stress: headache, fatigue, excessive thirst, nausea, profuse sweating, confusion and painful muscle

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