Construction works come with risks, but most injuries can be prevented with the right training and equipment. That’s why, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) tracks the most common safety violations every year. It helps teams identify patterns and make worksites safer for everyone. In 2024, fall protection topped the list again, with over 6,307 violations reported across U.S. job sites.
That’s not just a statistic, it’s a warning. And while Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as harnesses, hard hats, and safety boots can save lives, they only work if used the right way.
Too often, workers are given gear but not the training that goes with it. That’s where the OSHA 10 Construction course makes a real difference. It doesn’t just introduce safety rules, it teaches workers how to protect themselves with the gear they already have. Keep reading to learn more about PPE training and OSHA 10.
Why PPE Training Matters?
At its core, the OSHA 10 Construction course is about keeping workers safe and preventing the kinds of injuries that happen all too often on site. A good knowledge of PPE is essential to avoid such hazards.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Bayati, a professional engineer, is a construction professor and director at the Construction Safety Research Center(CSRC). He points out that PPE misuse and non-compliance are leading causes of injuries and deaths on construction sites.
The numbers are clear:
- A study by Kang et al. (2017) showed that 70% of fall incidents involved missing PPE.
- Al-Bayati and York (2019) found that 85% of fatal falls among Hispanic workers were tied to not using required PPE.
- Workers who skip PPE are three times more likely to get injured than those who use it.
This is why PPE safety training in an OSHA 10 Construction course is critical. It’s about having the gear and also knowing how to use it before something goes wrong.
What’s Actually Covered in OSHA 10’s PPE Safety Training?
If you think PPE is just a quick mention in a safety course, think again. A good OSHA 10 Construction program breaks it down in detail because no two hazards are the same, and your gear needs to match the work you’re doing. Here’s how the training usually goes:
1. PPE Basics
First, you get the full picture of why PPE matters, when it’s required, and who’s responsible for providing it. This section clears up common confusion about what the law says versus what the job expects.
2. Head Protection
It’s not just “wear a hard hat.” You’ll learn how headgear is rated, when it needs to be replaced, and how to spot damage before it becomes a problem.
3. Eye and Face Safety
If your work includes grinding metal, cutting tile, or spraying chemicals, this is a must. This section covers which goggles or shields actually protect you, and when glasses alone won’t cut it.
4. Hand and Arm Gear
Not all gloves are equal; some are for chemicals, others for sharp tools. This section explains how to match protection to the job, and why the wrong glove can do more harm than good.
5. Full Body Coverage
From concrete burns to sparks while welding, certain tasks need more than jeans and a T-shirt. You’ll go over coveralls, aprons, high-visibility vests, and when to layer up.
6. Foot and Leg Protection
It’s more than steel toes. You’ll learn about slip-resistant soles, puncture protection, and what boots to wear when you’re working in wet or uneven conditions.
7. Hearing Protection
Noise is a slow injury, you don’t feel it until it’s too late. This section covers safe decibel levels, how to fit earplugs properly, and when earmuffs are the better choice.
8. Respiratory Gear
If you’re dealing with dust, fumes, or vapors, you need more than a cheap dust mask. You’ll learn how to pick the right respirator, which cartridges to use, and how to make sure it seals properly.
9. Electrical PPE
This is important if you work around live wires. You’ll cover what kind of gloves, boots, and clothing protect against shocks and arcs, and how to test them before each use.
10. Protection Levels
Not every job needs full gear, but some do. This final section helps you determine how much protection is enough, how to layer PPE safely, and when to say, “I need better equipment.”
Don’t Wait for an Accident to Learn the Importance of PPE
In construction, experience helps, but training protects. You might know the job inside and out, but if you’re not trained to use the gear that’s meant to keep you safe, you’re still at risk.
The OSHA 10 Construction course, especially one that gives PPE the attention it deserves, is essential. It’s a way to stay ahead of common hazards and protect your body from long-term damage. It also shows your crew that you take safety seriously.
If you’re working in construction or just getting started, now is the right time to complete your OSHA 10. Start today by enrolling in an online OSHA 10 course .
