Why Safety Clothes Are Necessary for Work-Site Protection

Workplace safety clothing comes in a variety of types but the most common ones people think of when discussing this type of workplace attire are construction sites. From high-visibility shirts, to gloves to boots, all that specialty clothing is designed to protect workers and is often required by law to ensure their safety.

Chemical agents are the biggest risk on many work sites and exposure often occurs through contact with contaminated surfaces, aerosols, spills, splashes sprays, or immersion. These workplace exposures to toxic chemicals can lead to major skin irritations and diseases such as skin cancer or severe cases of contact dermatitis. Ultra violet, high temperatures and radiation are other exposures that can damage skin. For those working with plants or in the outdoors, chemical and irritant exposures can take the form of sprays, fertilizers, plant toxins, sap, and bacteria in the soil. Strong rubber gloves are often used to protect immediate exposure and jackets, vests, and face protection are also often used to limit exposure it irritating chemicals.

Noise levels can be a major concern for some job sites and long-term exposure to certain frequencies or short-term exposure to excessively loud noises can cause damage to the ears. This is why protective work wear is designed to protect the ear and is why it is one of the required pieces of protective equipment in the manufacturing sector along with earplugs. This industry often also requires the use of high-visibility shirts to ensure workers are seen at all times and maintain a high level of visibility when working around machinery, vehicles, and others in potentially hazardous conditions or situations, such as a high noise level or where there may be reduced visibility.

Foot injuries are a very common problem for workers who spend time on their feet in a potentially hazardous work area such as a construction site. Injury can occur from lacerations, crushing, punctures, sprains, trips, falls, impacts, and slips. Sometimes the work area is clear of debris that might cause injury but the surface itself is hazardous, such as a slippery floor in a kitchen or the slick floor in a garage after an oil leak. Safety boots need to be comfortable, well supporting, steel-toed in some cases, and often slip-resistant.

Safety equipment is critical to keeping your workers safe and high-visibility shirts, protective boots, insulated gloves, and other items are necessary in order to ensure your employees are not at risk while on the job.