As a contractor, having the right equipment is crucial to the job. Not only do you want to wear appropriate attire, but you also want to protect yourself and be prepared for any event. Here are a few of the most important pieces of gear you should own as a contractor.
Clothing
First, when it comes to clothing, you need some variety. A work short, work pants, comfortable tops, thermal tops for cold weather, and thick pairs of socks are all a must to ensure you stay comfortable and protected, no matter the conditions or weather.
If you work somewhere that gets incredibly hot Summers or bitterly cold Winters, be sure you have the right clothing to ensure your body doesn’t overheat or freeze.
Coveralls
Coveralls are brilliant for outdoor work, handling liquids, cement, dust and dirt, and everything in between. Coveralls are the perfect, all-in-one item that is useful no matter the type of contracting work you do.
Additionally, they are often made from high-quality, durable materials, meaning they can withstand heavy use and last for years without needing replacement.
Visibility
Visibility is an important aspect of any contracting job, especially when on a worksite. The last thing you want is to not be seen when heavy machinery is being used, when large loads of wood or steel are being moved, etc.
The easiest fix is to invest in a high-visibility jacket or vest. If you want to take it a step further, you can attach visibility strips to your work pants.
Safety Gear
Safety should be your top priority as a contractor. To stay as safe as possible while working, you need a helmet, goggles, work gloves, and ear protection.
Helmet
If you work for a company, a helmet will be provided; if you work for yourself, it is important to invest in a high-quality, durable helmet that fits you properly. Head injuries are far too common in construction work, and they can be easily avoided.
Goggles
When working on a site, there is plenty around you that can damage your eyes or even blind you. Even dust from certain materials can scratch your eyeball and leave lasting damage. Because of this, safety goggles are essential, especially when using power tools and heavy machinery.
Gloves
Your hands are sensitive to injury, and splinters and metal fragments can cause lasting, serious harm. Therefore, you need a great pair of work gloves that protect your hands, but don’t hinder your abilities in any way.
Ear Protection
While there is a small risk of hearing loss from a worksite incident, prolonged exposure to loud machinery, power tools, and similar equipment can cause ear damage and lead to hearing loss over time. Therefore, invest in an effective pair of ear muffs.
Respiratory Protection
Finally, you won’t use it every day, but it is good to have a respiratory mask available. Once again, extended exposure to harsh dust, chemicals, etc, can damage your lungs, affect your breathing, and potentially even cause cancer.
Flashlight & Headlamp
No matter the time of day or where you are working, you won’t be able to clearly see everything you are doing all the time. Because of this, it is a great idea to invest in a solid flashlight that you can keep on your tool belt.
Additionally, you aren’t always going to have both hands available, and that is why investing in a headlamp is most definitely not a waste of money.
Work Boots
Steel-toed work boots are a bare minimum requirement for any contractor. First, they keep your feet comfortable for the multiple hours you will wear them each day; second, and most importantly, they provide protection.
The thicker material used will protect your feet and ankles from strains, and the thicker sole will stop any rogue nails from penetrating your foot, and the steel toe will protect the most delicate part of your foot from damage and breaks if something heavy is dropped on it.
Tool Belt/Pouches
Unless you are working right next to a bench or your tool kit, you aren’t always going to have access to all the tools and equipment you may need during your work. Therefore, you need a great tool belt and maybe a few pouches.
Tool belts are great because they can be adapted to your needs and to what you need close at hand at any given time. Plus, pouches with a velcro strip allow you to customize your belt depending on the job you are trying to do.
Weatherproof Gear
Finally, don’t overlook the need for weatherproof gear. You aren’t always going to be working inside, and you also aren’t going to always work in the best conditions. Rain, wind, the cold, snow, etc, are all things you will need to compete with.
If you want a single piece of clothing that does the job, choose something versatile like a waterproof jacket. It will keep you dry, keep you warm in cold weather, and help keep the wind off you.