A construction career can provide a sustainable income and a promising future. However, working on a construction site all day does have its risks.

Wearing adequate personal protective equipment or PPE can guard you against severe injuries. Seeing the value of compliance might motivate you to take the extra few minutes to put on your gear each day.

What to wear

Depending on your job responsibilities and the environment, the protective equipment you need might vary. Even though you may not see the necessity of some things, optimally protecting your body will enable you to work more effectively and efficiently. It might even extend your career because you have a lower risk of injuries. Here are some things you could wear on a construction job:

• Hard helmet
• Steel toe work boots
• Gloves
• Eye protection
• Earplugs
• Safety harness

Where to get it

Your employer must comply with federal regulations for safety on their construction sites. If you do not have access to adequate safety gear your employer could face legal repercussions. Especially if you suffer a job-related injury as a result of their ignorance. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, in a majority of cases, it is your employer's responsibility to provide you with the protective gear you need to perform your job safely.

If you suffer a work injury because of negligence on the part of your employer, you might face a lifetime of difficulty. Taking legal action could be your only option for holding them accountable, especially in circumstances where they deny responsibility. Your ability to stay safe at work requires the contribution of both you and your employer.