PPE in UAE Construction Sector: 4 Reasons to Use

It is estimated that the construction industry in India experiences on average about 39 fatal accidents each day. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is often the last in the hierarchy of controls to prevent such accidents. 

PPE is of extreme importance in the construction industry considering it is used when other measures to control accidents prove to be insufficient. In this blog, you will learn the different types of PPE for diverse fields, and some major reasons to use PPE in UAE construction industry.  

What is PPE in UAE? 

PPE, or personal protective equipment in UAE, is equipment that workers wear to minimize exposure to hazards in the workplace. These hazards include physical hazards, chemical hazards, mechanical hazards, and more. PPE protects workers from injuries and minimizes the severity of injuries in case of accidents. This equipment from PPE suppliers in UAE also protects workers from situations that could lead to fatalities or severe health issues. 

 

Also read: Safety Equipment in UAE: A Guide to Choose the Best

Rules and Regulations Mandating the Use of PPE in UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) follows the regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). As per these regulations, employers should provide appropriate PPE to their workers and ensure that the workers use this equipment properly to maintain safety at the work site. 

Further, as per the UAE labor law, employers in the private sector should provide an appropriate and safe work environment to employees. Particular sections of the law state the obligations of the employers and the workers to prevent occupational hazards and injuries. 

Types of PPE in UAE Construciton Sector

Head Protection

Head protection in PPE in UAE includes hard hats and safety helmets designed to reduce the risk of head injuries. These PPE in UAE protect the head from impacts of collisions, accidental bumps, and falling objects. Durable materials like fiberglass or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are used to make this equipment. Such materials distribute or absorb the force from any impact. Hence robust, penetration-resistant, and shock-absorbent headgear is a significant part of PPE in UAE.

Eye and Face Protection 

Eye and face protection in PPE in UAE is the most important to prevent injuries that could impair vision. Safety glasses and goggles from PPE suppliers in UAE shield eyes from UV radiation, dust, debris, and chemicals. Face shields act as additional protection gear for the face when the work environment includes chemicals or high-speed machinery. 

Hearing Protection

Construction environments often involve loud machinery and equipment that could result in noise-induced hearing loss. Hence, PPE suppliers in UAE provide ear safety products like earplugs and earmuffs to prevent direct exposure of workers to high noise levels.

Respiratory Protection  

The main aim of respiratory PPE from PPE suppliers in UAE  is to protect workers from breathing hazardous gases or substances. Major products under respiratory protection are dust masks and respirators. Different types of respirators with varying levels of protection include chemical cartridge respirators, dust masks, airlines, powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR), and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Hand Protection

Hand protection PPE in UAE includes different types of gloves to protect the hands and wrists of the workers. The type of gloves required depends on the task for which it is used. For instance, general-purpose gloves reduce injuries from cuts, punctures, abrasions, and snags. Similarly, nitrile and natural rubber-coated gloves by PPE suppliers in UAE protect hands in wet environments for improved dexterity. 

Foot Protection

Foot protection in PPE in UAE protects the feet of workers from workplace-related injuries. These safety shoes by PPE suppliers in UAE come with composite or steel toe caps to protect toes from punctures, heavy objects, and electrical hazards. Safety shoes also come with slip-resistant soles to prevent accidents related to slippery surfaces on construction sites. 

 

Also read: Best 5 Safety Shoes Brands in UAE: A Comprehensive Guide

Body Protection

Body protection from PPE suppliers in UAE refers to clothes that protect the body of workers from hazards such as vehicles, weapons, corrosive substances, and human waste products. This equipment also includes flame-resistant clothing and a high-visibility vest that protects workers from extreme heat and fire. Knee pads and elbow pads that are essential for extra protection during kneeling and crawling are also part of this equipment. 

Importance of PPE in UAE Construction Industry: 4 Benefits of PPE in UAE

Reducing Injury and Illness

PPE in UAE contributes to safer workplaces by minimizing the risk of persistent illnesses and accidents. But for adequate protection, PPEs are used with other measures, such as limiting exposure to hazards. When used correctly, PPE prevents contact with infectious materials such as body fluids, blood, and respiratory secretions. 

Earmuffs and earplugs that protect the eardrums of the wearers from loud industrial noise are crucial parts of PPE in UAE construction industry. Equally important are wielding shields that protect the eyes and face of the wearer from flying sparks, burns, slag chips, and metal splatter. But, the efficiency of PPE depends on how properly it is used.  

Enhancing Productivity

As PPE reduces the severity of injuries or completely prevents them, workers and employees need to spend only less time dealing with accidents. When PPE is ergonomic and comfortable, it does not cause fatigue in workers. Thus, fewer disruptions and stoppages in work can help workers complete their work accurately and more efficiently. 

The safer the workplace, the more motivated employees are to work. Further, injuries incur high costs for both the employees and the employer. Hence, by preventing injuries, PPE also results in saving money.  

Complying with Legal Requirements

Implementing the use of PPE also necessitates complying with some legal requirements to avoid fines and legal issues. It is essential to evaluate the risks involved in a workplace before introducing PPE to the workers. Employers should also make sure that the characteristics of the PPE can offer safety adequately. 

Further, PPE should be maintained and replaced as necessary and stored in a proper place when not in use. Regulations regarding the use of PPE in UAE also include employers giving proper training to their employees on how to use PPE and employees using this equipment properly.

Building a Positive Reputation

Companies with dangerous work environments should provide suitable PPE for their employees to keep them safe from the risks involved. They should also provide instructions and proper training to their workers on how to use the PPE. They are also expected to maintain and replace the equipment whenever necessary. 

When these steps are followed correctly, it creates a strong safety record for the company with fewer fines and legal claims and reduced downtime. A company with a good health and safety culture is expected to boost the morale of its employees and keep them. Further, clients are more likely to invest in companies that care for their employee’s health and safety. 

Conclusion: 

Personal protective equipment is a fundamental component in any organization to protect its workers and promote a culture of safety. We hope you will make use of protective equipment from credible PPE suppliers in UAE like Border PPE, to protect your workers and to improve the company’s efficiency and compliance with legal requirements.