Heavy machinery operators need personal protective equipment (PPE), so they can get the job done without putting their health in danger. Plus, with the right PPE at your disposal, you can limit the risk of putting coworkers and bystanders at risk and maximize your workplace productivity.  

Ultimately, PPE that all heavy machinery operators need to wear includes: 

1. Protective Eyewear

Glasses or other protective eyewear shields your eyes against dirt, dust, and debris. They also protect your eyes in the event that an object flies into the air and strikes your face.  

You should wear protective eyewear any time you operate heavy machinery. Additionally, the eyewear should be clean, so you can see clearly at all times. You should ensure that your eyewear fits securely and comfortably and won’t fall off your face while you work.  

2. Ear Protection

Heavy machines can be loud, so you need ear protection to guard against excess noise created by these machines. In fact, headphones or other ear protection can help reduce the risk of hearing loss associated with prolonged exposure to loud noise.  

Like protective eyewear, you need to ensure that your ear protection is both secure and comfortable. You should wear ear protection every day at work, and you should ensure that your ear protection works properly before each shift.  

3. Hard Hat

Falling objects can be problematic, and they can cause serious head injuries or fatalities. Thanks to a hard hat, you can protect your head against falling objects at work.  

Heavy machinery operators must wear a hard hat, and your employer should provide you with one prior to each shift. Also, ensure your hard hat fits properly and will stay on your head throughout the workday.  

4. Gloves

Gloves protect your hands against scratches, burns, and other injuries. They come in a variety of materials and styles, and you should wear gloves that will consistently protect your hands as you operate heavy machinery.  

Your employer can analyze worksite dangers and offer appropriate gloves that you can wear at work. The gloves should make it easy to operate heavy machinery. At the same time, they should help keep your hands safe against worksite dangers.  

5. Boots 

Steel-toed work boots are critical for heavy machinery operators, as they help protect your toes from being crushed. These boots are masterfully crafted for heavy machinery operators and others who require heavy-duty footwear, and they won’t wear down easily.  

Find steel-toed work boots that can protect your feet against falling or rolling objects. You should also never substitute your work boots with other footwear any time you work with heavy machinery.  

Pursue New Career Opportunities 

The right PPE can go a long way toward helping you achieve your career goals as a heavy machinery operator. Along with using PPE, HCR is happy to help you accelerate your career growth.  

HCR partners with leading businesses in the Greater Toronto Area and Southwestern Ontario to help heavy machinery operators and other industrial professionals explore new career opportunities. To learn more, please contact us today.