Tag: Protective workwear

Protective-Workwear

Understanding the Need & Types of Protective Workwear

Workwear is very crucial for every individual who is working in a professional environment. Whether it’s a small, medium or big enterprises, every organization needs to have the particular guidelines defining their employees’ workwear. Most organizations or business enterprises invest a significant amount in the workwear clothing for a better environment and for their employees’ safety, especially for the workers working in construction fields. There are various kinds of protective workwear which depend upon the kind of work that the company does. Read on to understand the need & types of protective workwear.

Why you need Workwear?

For any work to be productive & safe, it is necessary to have workwear clothing. Employers provide PPE- personal protective equipment to their employees; but somewhere, they forget the importance of the workers or employees’ health & safety. So, for a better work environment, it is important for them to provide protective workwear clothing too. The benefits of protective workwear are:

Protection from injuries: Injuries are very common in any workplace. This protective workwear ensures that workers are protected from various injuries such as head injury, eye injury, hand injury, leg injury, etc. Activities such as welding, constructing, woodworking, metalworking, mining often cause these kinds of wounds. So, safety work clothing can protect workers from being injured.

Safety from respiratory disease: There are many professions where employees have to face toxic smoke & gases. In such situations, the respiratory masks can help them to stay protected & safe from dust particles & dangerous gases.

Recognize the employees: Various professions involve the use of heavy machinery & working in the dark night. In such high visibility, protective workwear makes them visible to other people working in the same area.

Types of Protective Workwear

For the safety of the employees, the organizations provide various types of workwear clothing to their employees, depending on the work & type of environment. Some of the most significant types of protective clothing are:

Coveralls: Coveralls are basically the one-piece suits. Primarily, these one-piece suits were designed to keep off the dirt & dust from the body. However, now, it is treated as safety workwear for different job environments. This clothing type has been improvised by using various technologies, and it now works as a safety wall between worker & the other harmful things.

High Visibility Clothing: If your job requires you to work in a dark environment or at night, then it is important for you to wear high visibility clothing. For example, people who work on the roadside or who are in the traffic police or who work in mines, etc. they cannot wear simple clothes. They need to wear a high visibility vest, jacket, etc., which can make them visible to others.

Fire Resistant Clothing: Fire can be one of the riskiest factors in any workspace. Those who work in an environment that involves the risk of fire, arc flashes, etc. safety is a must for them. So, the electricians, or people who work with flammable materials or firefighters need to work fire-resistant clothes for their safety. These clothes are not just safe but comfortable, breathable and flexible, which makes the work easier for workers. In totality, protective workwear offers a safe & secure environment, saves money, provides uniformity. So, it is advised for all the business organizations to have protective workwear for their employees.   

Protective workwear

Why is Protective Workwear Imperative for Employees’ Safety?

A good, productive workplace is the one where employees are safe, despite the hazards, they’re exposed to. Workplace safety encompasses the broad spectrum of aspects ranging from identifying all the potential hazards & training all the employees to procure, acquainting & enforcing the use of all necessary personal protective equipment. Since protective workwear plays the most crucial role in ensuring employees’ safety below, we have stated the most significant reasons why protective workwear is imperative for employees’ safety.

To protect the body from extremes of heat & cold

It is imperative to keep workers safe & comfortable, especially when they are working in uncomfortable & dangerous situations. Protective workwear clothing such as flame-resistant clothing is one of the great examples of how protective clothing can keep you safe from extreme heat when you’re welding or using electrical equipment.

To protect against head injuries

Head injuries are very common in a workplace that involves the use of heavy equipment. For instance, workers working in mines or at a construction site often end up injuring their head by accidentally hitting or being hit by a heavy object. These head injuries often cause irreparable damage to the brain & result in fatalities. Thus using safety helmets for such jobs can provide the right protection to the workers’ heads & help in reducing the impact of the blow greatly.

To protect against foot & leg injuries

Any heavy object that can inflict head injuries can also cause injuries to the feet & legs. This makes using the right safety shoes essential for safety. Safety shoes & boots can protect the worker’s feet and legs against injuries resulting from punctures. The punctures are usually caused by sharp objects & protrusions that can pierce through the soles of the shoes & tear the feet’ skin. Furthermore, various safety boots rise above the ankle & extend up to the calves, which protect the major part of the legs.

To protect against eye injuries

Tasks such as welding often expose workers to sparks & spatter, which can cause heavy damage to the worker’s vision. Also, many woodworking & metalworking activities expose workers to the risk of being injured by the projectiles. Safety glasses, face masks/shields must be a part of safety workwear clothing while performing tasks, which can lead to the risk of causing damage of such nature to the eyes.

To protect against respiratory ailments

Many worksites expose workers to toxic fumes & gases that can lead to various respiratory ailments. A respiratory mask works as the best rescue for workers working in such settings. It is, in fact, not just the presence of toxic gases that demand respiratory protection for workers, but the presence of dust particles suspended in the air can also enter the respiratory tracts of the workers, which make respiratory protection a necessity for them.

Final Words

Employers need to take adequate safety measures and ensure that all workers are provided with the right personal protective equipment because it’s very ethical to do so. All employers ought to be ethical in their operational practices.

Saftey Clothing

Why Safety Clothing Plays a Major Role in Construction Sites?

Working on a construction site can be both challenging & dangerous. Construction workers sometimes need to work hundreds of feet above the ground and are often exposed to dangers from acids, radiant heat, naked flames, sparks, and heavy objects such as bricks & beams. Even the workers who are not atop a building can be exposed to dangers from traffic on the road. Thus, keeping them protected from dangerous materials and flames is very crucial for their safety. One of the most crucial things that play a major role in protecting workers at construction sites is safety clothing.

Safety Clothing’s Role in Construction Sites

As workers at a construction site are usually surrounded by heavy objects, flames, and hazardous chemicals, their safety is paramount. In fact, no safety equipment is more important at such worksites than protective workwear clothing. Overalls are usually the most common attire worn on construction sites & are ubiquitous at well-managed sites.

Just like skilled employees in different vocations have a certain dress code, there is a dress code for skilled construction workers as well. A well-maintained piece of safety workwear clothing is a reason for pride for many workers; as a matter of fact, the most efficient & dedicated workers feel confident and tend to perform well at their jobs when they are wearing protective clothing.

As stated above, protective clothing serves as an unofficial uniform for workers at a construction site, yet it implies, and does, provides excellent utility too. Hence workers typically wear overalls not just because it protects them from a wide range of hazards but also it helps them to do their job well. Basically, overalls that protect workers from hazards such as flames or fire are often required at construction sites. Such clothing is made from flame-resistant fabrics, which work as a self extinguisher most of the time.

While safety is paramount at construction sites, working at such sites also requires using several different tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, spanners, etc. Overalls and safety work jackets, workwear pants have pockets in them that allow workers to carry every kind of small tool they’ll need.

Other Benefits of Safety Clothing on Construction Sites

While worker’s safety is important when it comes to working on a construction site, comfort plays a major role as well. Workers that feel safe while working are able to carry out their duties better. This is why specifically designed safety clothing is ideal for wearing at a construction site because they sit well on the wearer’s frame and make them feel comfortable & safe.

To See & Be Seen

On any busy construction site, when groups of people are working together surrounded by dangerous equipment or extreme environmental hazards, it is imperative that everyone should be able to clearly see everyone else. Knowing where someone is working, even in the poor light, is very crucial for safety at a construction site. This is where high visibility safety clothing works best as it brightly reflects any light that shines on it, making the wearer visible even in poor lighting. And a remarkable quality of this hi-vis clothing is it does not get degraded even when washed frequently.

Safety Clothing in Different Roles

Just as there are various types of work environments, there’s also more than just one variety of protective clothing. Plain safety clothing may be made from cotton or a flame-resistant material, which makes it suitable to wear at many construction sites. Other kinds of safety clothing may be used by firemen or by people working in some of the most extreme work environments, such as nuclear power plants or chemical plants, or chemical laboratories.  

4 Key Reasons Why Fire-Resistant Clothing Is Important

Wearing fire-resistant clothing is a crucial factor for companies seeking to comply with industry safety regulations & voluntary performance standards. Employees working in hazardous work environments with a risk of explosions or flash fire are the most common situations where a form of fire-resistant (FR) protective clothing is required. In these work environments, workers may also experience an “arc flash” that directly or indirectly causes a garment fire, resulting in severe injury or even death.

When exposed to such situations, the type of clothing one chooses to wear can play a major role in how the situation turns out. In this article, we have stated some of the most significant reasons that make fire resistant clothing important.

It works as self-extinguisher

FR clothing helps to protect workers by self-extinguishing when they are exposed to flame. It reduces the extent of burn injuries as well as provides workers with valuable escape time. Most severe burn injuries are often caused when a worker is wearing clothes that are not fire-resistant, which may ignite & continue to burn even after the heat source has been removed. By wearing fire-resistant protective workwear, one can prevent such instances.

It reduces the severity of injuries

Whenever there’s a fire or explosion, FR workwear dramatically reduces the severity of the injuries. However, it should be noted that FR clothing does not completely eliminate the risk of burn injury. FR workwear is designed to protect the wearer as it allows them to get away from the heat source. The fabric serves of these FR clothing works as a barrier between the flash fire & skin of the victim, which reduces the level of energy transmitted onto the skin surface.

Moreover, the material of this FR workwear does not melt on the skin, as seen when you wear clothing made of or blended with synthetic materials like nylon, acetate, polyester, or polypropylene. Also, in the event of an arc flash incident, fire-resistant clothing helps to mitigate the overall extent of the injury.

Complies with industry standards

FR clothing not just protects you from fire but also enables you to comply with State & Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. According to these standards, employers need to protect their employees from hazards in the workplace. Staying compliant with these standards is vital for protecting your company’s safety record as well as its financial bottom line. Without having a proper FR program in place, you’re more likely to get into trouble as any non-compliance may lead to sanctions and various other penalties.

Improves employees morale & productivity

The most crucial aspect of any job is personal safety. When employees feel that the organization they’re working with is taking steps to protect their physical well-being by implementing an FR program, it significantly boosts their motivation, which results in higher performance. Employees working in hazardous work environments where nothing is being done for their safety tend to feel less motivated & less-efficient, which leads employers to incur thousands of dollars in lost productivity.

Ending Note

It is extremely important for employers, safety managers, and employees to understand that fire-resistant clothing serves as the last line of defense for end-users in case of flash fires & explosions. Careful consideration must be taken to ensure that the appropriate FR clothing suitable for a particular type of activity conducted by the workers is chosen, and the workers wear it properly!

Why is Flame Resistant Clothing important for people working in a hazardous environment?

The wearing of flame-resistant (FR) clothing is one of the most crucial factors for companies seeking to comply with industry safety regulations & voluntary performance standards. People working in hazardous work environments are prone to the risk of explosions or flash fire. Situations, where there’s a risk of explosion or flash fire most commonly, requires a form of Flame Resistant (FR) protective clothing. Moreover, workers can also experience an “arc flash;” this can directly or indirectly lead to a garment fire. Such fires often result in severe injury or even death.

The type of clothing one chooses to wear can play a huge role for people exposed to such incidences. Read on to understand why flame resistant clothing is important for people working in hazardous.

Works as Self-extinguishers or Resists Ignition

FR clothing typically protects workers by working as self-extinguishers for people when they’re exposed to flame. It reduces the extent of burn injuries as well as provides workers with valuable escape time. Most severe burn injuries are caused due to workers wearing non-FR clothing, which leads to igniting and continues to burn long after the heat source has been removed. By wearing Flame Resistant clothing, one can significantly prevent instances like these.

Reduces Severity of Injuries

Whenever there’s a fire or explosion, FR clothing dramatically reduces the severity of the injuries. However, it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of burn injury. These Flame Resistant wear are designed to protect the wearer by enabling them to get away from the heat source. The fabric of this clothing serves as a barrier between the flash fire & skin of the wearer, which reduces the level of energy transmitted onto the skin surface.

The fabric of the FR clothing does not melt on the skin, which is usually seen when a worker is wearing clothing made of or blended with, synthetic materials. Also, in case of an arc flash incident, Flame Resistant clothing helps to mitigate the overall extent of the injury.

Complies with Industry Standards

Investing in FR clothing for your workers will not just protect your workers, but your company will also comply with State and Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. According to these standards, employers are required to protect employees from hazards in the workplace. Compliance with these standards is vital for protecting your company’s safety record as well as for its financial bottom line. Without a proper Flame/fire Resistant program, you are more likely to get in trouble of sanctions and other penalties.

Improves Employees Morale & Productivity

The most crucial part of any job is a worker’s personal safety. When an employee feels that their company is taking measures to ensure its employees are protected, and their physical well-being is taken care of; it significantly boosts their motivation, which results in better performance. Employees working in hazardous work environments where no measures are taken for their safety tend to feel less motivated & less-efficient. This lost of productivity eventually cost employers loss of thousands of dollars.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is extremely important for employers, safety managers, and employees to understand that Flame Resistant clothing wear serves as the last line of defense for end-users in case of flash fires & explosions. However, careful consideration is required to ensure that you choose appropriate flame resistant clothing which is suitable for the type of activities conducted by the workers.

Workwear Clothing

How Workwear Clothing Plays a Direct Role in Preventing Workplace Accidents

If your workers are working in an environment prone to injuries & accidents, investing in initiatives to prevent workplace injuries is always important. One of the most crucial things in every work environment is workplace safety. Whether your employees are operating heavy machinery, working outside, or just sautéing in the kitchen with flammable liquids, it is vital to ensure they’re safe from any workplace accident. One of the best and most reliable ways to increase workplace safety is using specialized workwear clothing/uniform. These customized uniforms play a direct role in preventing workplace accidents.

In this article, we will see some of the most significant ways workwear clothing can help prevent workplace accidents.

Protective clothing prevents workplace accidents
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and certain other authorities have issued industry-specific guidelines for employers and workplace safety. It is imperative for certain industries to implement protective clothing for workers working in dangerous work environments. The design of the uniform typically depends upon the hazards of your workplace. The following are a few examples of clothing solutions for employees working with hazards:

Velcro wrists: This helps workers dealing with dangerous chemicals. It can prevent liquids from getting under the sleeves or gloves.
Fitted clothing: Baggy/loose clothing can cause chemical spills, and they often get caught in running machinery, which can result in major injuries. Workwear clothing that fit close to the body where sleeves aren’t too long or have elastic wrists helps to avoid these types of accidents.
Thermal gloves: They enable workers to handle heated objects safely. Some thermal gloves come with added chemical resistance as well.
Flame Resistant clothing: In many industries, open flames, chemicals, and electronics pose threats of fire damage. This is where flame resistant clothing helps majorly. This type of clothing is not just for fire-fighters, but lab technicians, utility workers, or anyone working in direct contact with fire hazards must wear flame resistant clothing.

Flame resistant uniforms can help prevent workplace accidents
As per the requirements of NFPA 70E, employers must provide workers coming in contact with electrical hazards with flame resistant clothing for their protection. Fire & electric hazards cause thousands of injuries every year, which, if not appropriately handled, cost companies hundreds of thousands in lawsuits. Arc flash fires, combustible dust, and reactive chemicals are just a few of the hazards that workers should be aware of. This makes it crucial for employers to consider suiting their employees with the right protective workwear clothing.

Industries that often need to follow NFPA 70E regulations include:
Pharmaceutical plants

  • Electric utility companies
  • Industrial plants
  • Chemical laboratories
  • Food processing plants

High Visibility Uniforms can keep your employees visible
High visibility workwear & reflective gear prevent workplace accidents, exposures, and certain major injuries. Whether working in a warehouse or outdoors, having hi vis clothing is a necessary precaution for workers working around large machinery. For instance,

Employees working in indoor facilities with heavy machines on the floor need to have a uniform that makes them stand out. Thus, providing employees with hi vis vest helps machine operators keep track of where other employees are walking.

Employees working in outdoor jobs such as road construction, traffic directing, and utility work must have bright reflective uniforms, which makes them visible from a distance.

Ending Note
Using the right workwear clothing/uniform design depending upon your industry and work environment can prevent some major workplace accidents, exposures, and injuries. A study conducted by the Connecticut Department of Labor in 2014 revealed that arc flashes and relative hazards occur 5-10 times a day which causes over 2,000 injuries per year. Even though laboratory accidents are less common, but they can still be fatal. Thus, keeping the safety in mind, it’s a good idea to look for a workwear clothing provider that understands your industry and will provide you with the right uniforms to prevent workplace accidents. This will enable you not just to follow the security regulations but keep your employees’ lives safe as well.