4 Standards for construction workers

Keeping construction workers safe

Construction workers can have challenging jobs, where tasks may have certain associated risks. However, there are Standards in place to reduce hazards and minimise safety risks in their day-to-day jobs.

1. Toe cap footwear

Let's start from the ground up. From using machinery, moving equipment and materials to navigating around the worksite, footwear plays an important part when maintaining the safety of workers.  

ASTM F 2413:2018 is a Standard that covers minimum requirements for the performance of (safety) Toe Cap Footwear. Its main priority is to protect against workplace hazards that can potentially result in injury. You wouldn't want to walk around a construction site without a pair. 

2. High visibility garments

Moving further up, high visibility garments are an essential on most construction and building sites. There's a Standard that specifies the requirements for high visibility safety garments for workers, called AS/NZS 4602.1:2011. This Standard focuses on those who may be exposed to the hazard of moving traffic, moving plant or equipment in high risk situations.  

It covers use in day light and during the night where it is important to be seen by retroflected light to ensure visibility.

3. Fall protection

Moving further up again, let's talk about Fall Protection Management. ANSI/ASSE Z359.2:2017 specifies the minimum requirements for a comprehensive Fall Protection Management Program.  

Where workers are required in situations that may include fall risks, this Standard establishes criteria for a program which includes duties and responsibilities, training, identification of risks, fall protection procedures, eliminating or controlling fall hazards and much more. 

4. Confined spaces

Now, let's bring it in closer and talk about safe work in confined spaces. ANSI/ASSE Z117.1:2009 establishes the safety requirements when entering, exiting and working in confined spaces at normal atmospheric pressure. It helps identify and evaluate a space, as well as establish if a confined space requires a permit and highlights the importance of worker training. 

Not only is the health and safety of the workers who directly enter confined spaces a priority, but also those in connection with it.  


There are many Standards designed to keep construction workers safe in their jobs. From the performance of workwear to safety management programs, Standards help maintain a safe working environment and minimise risks on a construction site.