PPE Checklist for Cambodian Construction Sites

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the last line of defence when engineering controls fail. Cambodia's Ministry of Labour requires employers to provide appropriate PPE at no cost to workers.

The essential 7

1. Hard hat — replace after any strong impact, and every 3 years regardless.
2. Safety boots with steel toe and puncture-resistant sole.
3. High-visibility vest — orange or lime, class 2 minimum on roads.
4. Safety glasses — for grinding, chipping, welding assistance.
5. Cut-resistant gloves — leather for handling steel, nitrile-coated for wet work.
6. Ear protection — plugs or muffs above 85 dB (any grinder or petrol saw).
7. Dust mask (N95) — mandatory for cement, tile-cutting, and demolition dust.

Task-specific PPE

• Welders: auto-darkening helmet, leather apron, fire-resistant sleeves.
• Electricians: insulated gloves rated to 1000 V, non-conductive footwear.
• Height workers: full-body harness with double lanyard for anything above 2 m.
• Chemical work: chemical-splash goggles and nitrile gloves.

Site manager responsibilities

• Keep a stock of spare PPE on site — new arrivals, damaged replacements.
• Run a 5-minute toolbox talk each morning covering the day's hazards.
• Record any near-miss and any injury, no matter how small.

Cost of a full PPE kit

A basic worker kit costs USD 25–40 in Cambodia — trivial compared to a single lost-time injury.

Find suppliers

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