Working on a construction site can be hard and repetitive, so we can’t blame those involved in some entertainment while working. Radio is the best form of entertainment for this sort of workplace, but what type of radio would be best for somewhere heavy machinery operates?
We took a look at some of the best radios made for such use, and we’ll talk about a few during the article, but first, let’s see what it is that makes a great workplace radio.
What Makes a Great Workplace Radio?
If you were unaware that work radios are different from regular radios, that’s no real surprise. In recent years makers of radios and tools, and machinery recognized a need for devices that would be usable in construction site environments.
They have some pretty special qualities that we’re going to look at now. Makers make many power tools rather than traditional audio-visual brands, and they are well-built and durable devices. Here are the factors that make a radio ideal for a construction site.
Built-in Toughness
Radios for construction sites need to be tough and durable. This means giving the radio added protection from the knocks and bangs it will undergo. An ordinary radio would not last long in an environment such as this.
Many workplace radios – such as the DC012 from the top tool brand DeWalt – are surrounded by a metal frame or rubber padding so they can withstand being banged by tools or knocked over. These radios are designed to last a long time and are as durable as it gets.
Audio Quality
Construction sites are naturally noisy places with many tools, people, generators, and the sound of hard work. Because of this, a works radio needs to have a good and loud audio system to be of use. An example is the PowerBox from Bosch, another renowned power tool manufacturer, big, sturdy, and delivers enriched 360-degree stereo sound to high power levels. This bulky and heavy device is the one to choose if you have a lot of background noise.
Ease of Use
When working on a construction site, you don’t want to be fiddling with your radio constantly. You want to set it down, switch it on and get on with the job. That’s why ease of use is a selling point for this type of radio. Simple, large controls and a clear display are essential, and that’s what you get with the popular Sangean LB100. This neatly designed workplace radio is perfect for construction sites with large dials for setting the station and volume and is protected with a good and solid metal cage.
Dust and Water Proof
There is no getting away from dust on construction sites, and rainfall is also a problem when working outside. A radio that is suitably protected from dust and water is a necessity. Anything not protected would soon fail in a dusty environment. Power tool giant Makita offers the XRM 09B model with large twin speakers, and it’s rated to IP 65 for use in constriction sites. Durable, rugged, and with excellent sound, it’s a great model for outdoor works.
Connection Options
Some of the radios we found when researching are purely radio, while others offer USB connectivity, making them usable with an MP3 and other devices. This is a major benefit in areas where radio reception may be poor, such as allowing people to bring their music for playing while working. One of the best is a DeWalt model that comes with Bluetooth connectivity, too, a useful option when you want to pair with a smartphone for playing music.
Charging Station
Many workplace radios double as a charging station for batteries from power tools. This useful feature is built into the best examples and offers extra versatility when in use. Being able to charge one battery while using another cuts down on downtime. We should say that most of the workplace radios we looked at can be powered by a mains outlet, making the charging option even more attractive as it is not simply passing power from one battery to another.
Portability
As we mentioned above, some of these radios can be very large, heavy, and bulky, but if you want a portable shockproof workplace radio, you have a choice of several. We took a look at the Milwaukee M12, which is surprisingly loud for such a small device. Protected by a rubber casing, this compact and light radio would be perfect for use in smaller construction sites and can be easily carried back and forth to work.
Other Features
Further features that we found on construction site radios included one that has an RBDS weather alert function. This is a great feature for outdoor sits where the weather can affect the job. Some are purely AM/FM, others offer digital DAB radio reception, and others come with built-in lights and more features. These radios are all beautifully made and from top makers and designed especially for use in tough and arduous conditions.
Conclusion
Having a radio on a construction site is as traditional as it gets, but those made especially to make life a lot easier and more enjoyable for the men and women who work on the site. Construction jobs can carry on for great lengths of time, so any radio in the area will need to withstand all the rigors of a working day, over and over again.
The radios we found are superbly made, well-protected, and suitable for use in dusty areas and rainfall. These radios are also loud enough and offer added functions such as charging stations. There are far more workplace radios to choose from than you may at first think, so it’s worth researching the best model for your purpose carefully before you buy.
Look for one with full protection, with an MP3 or Bluetooth connection, and that is suitably large for where you work, and you’ll enjoy your days even more.