Safety and workwear covers an array of clothes that ranges from outer layers to clothing, including high-visibility. No matter if you work on a construction farm or on a construction site the need for this clothing is crucial all year round however, what are you looking for? What are the requirements for the appropriate work attire?
We’re here to explain what safety and work wear is, but we’ll outline the most important items of clothing that you require for outdoor work or working with machines that are heavy. Therefore, whether you’re purchasing for yourself, a friend or for a company you’ll be able to know the basics of clothing for work.
Learn more about workwear and how it can help keep your employees safe…
Workwear is the apparel that is used to work in heavy or manual labor. It is designed to offer high-quality performance and safety. That is why you’ve seen these types of clothes on construction places, construction, as well as manufacturing. Additionally, if you’re working outside for a living it’s essential to are wearing the correct clothes to stay secure and warm.
Workwear is made of sturdy fabric that resists scratching and often water-proof. This means you will be safe from all kinds of weather, from harsh circumstances to chemicals splashes. If you are going to be exposed to extreme temperatures, possible falls or electrostatic build-up on slippery surfaces, safety gear is required.
What are the different types Of Workwear Clothes?
When it comes down to workwear clothes, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind which are essential during the entire year while working outside. This includes:
Jackets
Bodywarmers
Fleeces
T-shirts
Hoodies and sweatshirts
Trousers and shorts
Hi-vis clothes, typically included on pants and jackets.
Like the name implies, hi-vis clothing is a kind of garment that is specifically designed to be highly noticeable by reflecting panels placed over fluorescent, matt fabric. For instance jackets can be constructed with matt materials in orange or yellow with reflective stripes over it.
When searching for a workwear package make sure you check out Dynamic Embroidery.
When is it appropriate to wear hi-vis Clothing
In accordance with the Health and Safety Executive, there are guidelines regarding when reflective PPE – personal Protective Equipment – must be worn.
First of all If a construction site is the policy of high-visibility, you must adhere to the rules.
Second, high-visibility clothes must be worn at any location where plants or vehicles are operating. This includes the moment that drivers get out of a car.
Additionally, certain operations like temporary traffic management, require more high-visibility clothes. It is due to the fact that the vehicles are moving at greater speed, which means that drivers must be able to spot dangers from a distance, which allows for greater time to respond. This is why jackets with long sleeves and trousers with high visibility are recommended.
Workwear Clothing Specifications
Because of the variety of work-related and safety that are available, they have many features that will keep you warm and safe. We’ve listed a few, on jackets as an illustration, to give an idea of what to expect before giving you more details.
A few of the features include:
Storm collars: keep your neck safe and secure from the elements of wind and rain.
Lined with quilted fabric: to provide additional warmth during winter.
Linens made of fleece: Similar to a quilted lining can provide warmth while working outside.
Waterproofing is essential when working in the outdoors on a engineering or construction site, farm, or roadside.
The windproofing is a possibility It will block out winds and keep temperatures of your body.
Chest pockets are great for storing important items, mobile phones or radio set so that you’re connected to your colleagues.
Sealed pockets that have flaps for storms to ensure your personal belongings are dry.
They are basically a layer of fabric along the zip of your main zipper that provides an additional layer of protection from leaks.
Taped seams are seams sealed with heat that stop water from passing across the stitches.
Cuffs and hems can be adjusted to ensure a perfect fit and stop rain and wind from getting inside your jacket.
For trousers, they might have knee sections that stretch to give you freedom of movement, however, they also permit the user to put in knee pads if needed. In addition they could also come with the option of a vent behind your knee to allow the circulation of air.
When purchasing work-related and safety gear There are some important considerations you should keep in mind to ensure you purchase the correct PPE to ensure your safety.
The Weather
We all know that the British weather is unpredictable. Before you begin any task or project it is important to think about the season of the year and the weather you can anticipate to experience during your work.
In the summermonths, you can anticipate warmer and hotter temperatures, whereas in winter, temperatures decrease and the earlier night hours can create low visibility. All this should be taken into consideration. We’ve compiled some guidelines to help you pick the appropriate clothing for the conditions.
Hot and dry conditions:
T-shirts and work shorts that are durable and t-shirts, which have added breathability to help in staying cool and comfortable while working.
Shorts should be worn only when it is appropriate for the work you’re working at. Additionally, if a place has a dress code which does not permit shorts, you must comply with this policy.
Lightweight jackets for protection can be a great outer layer during the fall and spring when the weather is mild. These can be bodywarmers, jackets and vests.
Cold and wet weather:
Safety workwear with hi-vis and clothing such as vests, trousers, jackets or jackets to ensure maximum safety.
Thermotherapy to remove sweat from your body, and keep your body dry and comfortable.
Essentials for waterproofing, as you would take for a stroll including jackets and work pants.
Keep layering up with fleeces, heavy jackets and coats.
The Job and its requirements
One of the biggest mistakes you may make is to adopt an approach that is generic when purchasing clothes for work, rather than considering the particular requirements of the job.
Always conduct an exhaustive and accurate risk assessment and make sure that any equipment or equipment that you choose to use or supply is suitable for the use. It’s not enough to just hand over your employees or workers a high-vis jacket, hard hat and a pair of gloves to perform any task.
This means you have to consider the specific dangers you could be exposed to, and for the length of time. You should then consider purchasing clothing that will provide complete protection all the way from top to bottom during the entire project, and in any weather condition.
Also, ensure that the PPE that you purchase is fitted comfortably and securely. Wearing workwear that isn’t properly fitted can be less effective in providing protectionand could reduce your efficiency because of it.
The Relevant Regulations
All PPE and workwear are made equal. Both UK as well as European authorities have stringent regulations in place to ensure that the workwear you wear is suitable to the job. It is essential to adhere to these guidelines at all times.
Thus, you must ensure that you purchase products that are CE Mark approved and comply to British legislation, specifically the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002. It is also essential to stay current with any changes to laws that could impact PPE and workwear guidelines.
The Quality and Functionality of Clothing
For workwear, it is important be aware of what you and your employees are doing on a daily basis. Do you need extra pockets? Perhaps your work pants require knee pads to protect your knees? These little details can create the distinction between great and excellent workwear that is secure and practical.
Always choose premium clothes for work as you’ll save money over time because they are more sturdy. Workwear that is cheap can cause more problems than the savings because they are not durable or provide security.