PPE for civil construction is more than a requirement, it is a guarantee that your team will return home safely at the end of the day.

And this is not for nothing. This is one of the sectors with the highest number of occupational accidents. In 2024 alone, 11,987 incidents and 57 deaths were recorded in the state of São Paulo, according to G1.

Therefore, if you want to keep the job site in compliance and protect those who are with you in the daily construction routine, you cannot afford not to use Personal Protective Equipment. 

Now, if you are starting to structure or review safety protocols, this content will help you understand which essential PPE cannot be missing on the job site and how to apply each one of them the right way.

Continue reading to check out the details:

• Why is PPE for civil construction so important?

• The top 10 PPE for construction sites

• How to choose the ideal PPE for civil construction for your job site?

• Extra tip: with our software, you get AI support to maintain safety on the job site!

Why is PPE for civil construction so important?

The construction site environment brings risks such as falls, excessive noise, sharp objects, dust, and chemicals. 

And even with well-implemented collective measures (such as signage and area protection), the use of PPE for civil construction is still the last resort to preserve the physical integrity of the worker.

In addition, it is required by law. NR-6 and NR-18 require the employer to provide the equipment free of charge, train the team for correct use, and take care of maintenance.

- Read also: DDS (Daily Safety Dialogue): what is it and how to apply it?

The top 10 PPE for construction sites

Check out a list of PPE for civil construction below and see how to use them correctly.

1. Safety helmet

In construction, type A protects against impacts. Type B, on the other hand, is also useful against electrical shocks of up to 20,000 volts, making it ideal for those working with electrical grids. 

Another curious fact is that the colors of the helmets are different depending on the role. See some of them: 

• White or gray: engineers, technicians, and foremen;

• Blue: bricklayers; 

• Orange: electricians;

• Yellow: visitors;

• Green: laborers, helpers, etc.

2. Safety footwear

No giving up on comfort and safety. Safety footwear protects against punctures, slips, and impacts. 

You will find models with steel or composite toes, non-slip soles, and even chemical or electrical resistance. The tip is to choose according to the type of soil and the risks of your job site.

3. Protective gloves

On the job site, hands are always on the front line. Therefore, it is important to choose the right glove: 

• Rubber: against electricity;

• Leather and PVC: prevents abrasion;

• Nitrile: for chemicals, use of solvents, varnishes, and paints;

• Split leather: loading and unloading of construction materials, etc.;

• Grain leather: has a greater thickness than split leather and is used for those who work with metallic structures and do the loading and unloading at construction sites.

The right choice of this civil construction PPE avoids accidents and ensures that the work continues with agility and safety.

4. Safety glasses

Eyes need constant protection against dust, particles, splashes, and even radiation. There are models with clear, dark lenses and side protection. Using the right one avoids serious injuries and even vision loss.

- Read also: Occupational safety in construction: how to optimize by 80% through 360° photos

5. Respiratory masks

In construction, there is a lot of dust and chemical substances in the air. PFF1, PFF2, PFF3 masks or masks with specific filters are recommended depending on the risk. Choosing the right mask is what guarantees real protection for the respiratory health of the team.

6. Hearing protectors

Environments with high noise levels require attention. With pre-molded, partial insertion, or earmuff versions, the important thing is to protect the ears when the noise exceeds 85 decibels. This way, you avoid hearing loss and those ringing noises that nobody wants to have.

7. Safety harness for work at heights

Above 2 meters, the use of the harness is mandatory. It comes with a lanyard and fall arrester, ideal for those working on scaffolding, roofs, or elevated structures. Before using, always check the condition of the equipment.

8. Split leather apron

Ideal for those who deal with welding, metalwork, or cutting, the split leather apron protects the torso and legs from splashes and light burns. Safety guaranteed in activities involving heat and impact.

9. Face shield

Anyone operating a grinder, sander, or chemicals needs an extra barrier. The face shield covers the entire face and can (and should!) be used in conjunction with safety glasses. 

10. Professional uniform

Made with resistant fabrics, the uniform protects against light hazards and also helps to identify the team on the construction site. Depending on the construction, it can be flame-retardant or liquid-repellent. 

How to choose the ideal PPE for civil construction for your job site?

Before buying, always:

• Evaluate the risks of each stage and environment of your construction project;

• Consult NRs 6 and 18 and the best practices recommended by manufacturers;

• Choose certified and comfortable equipment;

• Train the team well for correct use and to identify flaws in civil construction PPE;

• Ensure maintenance, replacement, and disposal when necessary.

- Read also: 4 indispensable tools for civil engineers

Extra tip: with our software, you get AI support to maintain safety on the job site!

The INsight Safety feature of our construction management software automatically detects the absence of helmets in 360° images, generates visual notes directly at the point of occurrence, and even automates safety reports. 

This means more control, less time spent on manual checks, and a much safer site for everyone. 

Schedule a free demo and see in practice how Visi can transform your construction management!

- Read also: Artificial Intelligence in civil construction: importance and uses