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Summer will be here before we know it and most affiliates will be gearing up for building. A common question you’ll hear from your volunteers is what should they wear on the job site and to work in the ReStore. Your regular volunteers and paid staff might want to slack on the dress code in order to be comfortable when working in warm temperatures.
In either case, it’s important to firmly adhere to a dress code suited to construction sites and warehouse-type work to ensure the safety of everyone.
What TO wear:
- Boots or sturdy athletic shoes
- Long pants (yes, even in hot weather)
- Shirt with sleeves, fitted or tucked in (no baggy shirts)
- Long hair pulled into a ponytail
What NOT to wear:
- Shorts
- Tank tops
- Flip flops
- Jewelry of any kind
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary for many types of jobs your workers are doing. Aside from clothing and shoes, which are provided by each individual, you should make the following types of PPE available:
- Head Protection—Hard hats are required to protect the crew from accidental head injury during certain tasks
- Respirators—Respirators are necessary when blowing cellulose or fiberglass insulation and when installing fiberglass batt insulation. Dust from insulation is likely the most serious potential health hazard facing crew workers, and using the correct respirator is important whenever handling or installing insulation. Each employee should be provided with a respirator and should receive training on how to select, maintain, clean and store their respirator. Any problems or malfunctions should be reported.
- Eye Protection—Goggles, plastic shields or safety glasses with side shields should be worn whenever there is a chance of particles flying into the eyes. Use the proper eye protection when drilling, blowing insulation, cutting glass or Plexiglas, working with fiberglass and sawing. Glasses and sunglasses are not approved eye protection.
- Gloves—Each crew member should have good quality work gloves to protect the hands while handling glass, fiberglass, aluminum, wood and cellulose.
- Shoes—Good quality work boots are recommended, with a heavy, treaded sole that offers support, traction and protection. While tennis or other athletic shoes don’t always give proper protection, they are acceptable on most Habitat job sites.
- Clothing—Long pants offer more protection than short pants. Layers of clothing are recommended so that the worker can adjust to the temperature.
If you have questions please contact our Safety Analyst, Scott Dunwiddie at habitatsafety@locktonaffinity.com or 888-553-9002.