The Reality of Safety Workwear – the Different Types and Benefits

Every job comes with different dangers and risks. It is of the utmost importance to identify them up front so you can protect yourself and avoid potential hazards and accidents. For this reason, you will need the right workwear and safety gear for the type of job you are performing. The wrong choice of workwear can affect your productivity just by making you uncomfortable, obscuring your view and creating other additional problems.

Wearing protective clothing is not a new concept. People have been wearing these pieces for decades and manufacturers are constantly trying to develop their products to meet the needs of the working man. So before making a purchase, decide on the type of workwear and safety gear you want and need and find a reputable store to shop from. Here are the most common and basic pieces of protective equipment.

Clothing. Workwear is made from durable materials that are waterproof and resistant to abrasion. This clothing is designed to protect workers from chemical splashes and adverse weather conditions. Boiler suits and overalls offer light protection, while jackets and trousers should be used when working in more extreme conditions. Mitts, gloves, wrist cuffs, gauntlets, and armlets should be worn to protect your hands, while chain mail aprons should be used for some specific tasks.

Helmets. Working on a construction site requires a quality helmet that complies with all the safety standards. A good safety helmet should absorb shock, resist penetration, be slow-burning and water-resistant. In case the helmet gets damaged or sprayed with some chemicals it needs to be replaced. If it doesn’t fit right, then it needs to be adjusted. There are different designs of helmets out there, so before making a purchase consider your specific needs.

Eye protection. Sparks, splashed liquids, flying particles and bright light – all these things can cause some serious damage to your eyes. Fortunately, safety spectacles were invented. The frames and lenses should meet safety standards in order to provide the best protection possible. Depending on the use of safety spectacles, there are some factors that need to be considered such as the level of UV protection, the design or shape of the frame, the strength of the lenses, lens shading, etc.

Ear protection. Going to a concert a few times a year is not a problem. But being exposed to 85 decibels daily or weekly can cause a severe damage to your ears, increasing the risk of hearing loss. In such cases, workers must wear the proper ear protection. This protection should help lower the level of the sound you hear. There are two types of ear protection available: in-ear plugs and over-ear protectors.

Footwear. The purpose of safety footwear is to increase traction and protect the feet. It should also be slip-resistant to help prevent falling. The right type of footwear depends on the type of site you will be working on. A quality pair of safety boots should have a solid construction that will protect your feet against impact. To make sure you get the right level of protection from your footwear, look for penetration-proof soles and steel-toes.