A guide to safety workwear for construction workers

The construction and building industry comes with a range of safety hazards. From working at various heights to operating large machinery, you must be protected to a great degree at all times. 

Safety workwear, also known as PPE, provides protection and comfort when working in dangerous or unpredictable environments. But what does this consist of, and how do you select the appropriate clothing?

Today, Greenbergs will dive into the fundamentals of safety clothing and how to utilise it effectively. 

The basics of safety workwear

Safety workwear is specifically designed to protect those in the construction industry from injury and hazards. This includes falling objects, sharp edges, chemical spills, and electrical shock.

In the UK, employers are obligated to provide safety clothing and ensure it complies with the established safety standards.

This is regulated by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations.

The most common standards include EN ISO 20471 for high-visibility clothing, EN 20345 for safety footwear, and EN 397 for industrial helmets.

Essential safety workwear items for construction workers

There are various types of safety gear that construction workers are required to wear across different sectors. This includes: 

  • High-visibility clothing: This includes hi-vis jackets, pants, and tops for enhanced visibility during the daytime and nighttime. 
  • Safety footwear: This protects workers from falling machinery and materials, and slips. Safety boots and shoes must have steel-toe caps and anti-slip soles.
  • Hard hats: Hard hats protect workers from falling debris, bumps, and electrical contact. These are typically made from hard plastic and have full-brim or vented designs for comfort and protection.
  • Protective gloves: These prevent cuts, burns, electrical shock and chemical exposure. This can range from leather gloves to canvas for basic protection.
  • Ear protection: This protects the ears from heavy noise pollution, preventing ear damage. This includes earplugs for moderate noise levels and earmuffs for louder environments. 
  • Face masks: Respiratory protection is necessary when working in environments with dust, vapours, gases, or insufficient oxygen. You can get disposable masks for one-time use or full-face respirators for hazardous chemicals.
  • Body protection: This includes overalls, vests, and full-body suits for protection from extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and electrical risks.

Seasonal workwear

For the summertime, breathable fabrics and lightweight clothing is ideal. When working in outdoor conditions, you need UV protection which is provided by vented hard hats and long-sleeved shirts. 

To keep warm in the winter, choose insulated layers and waterproof materials for rain and wind protection. For extra grip, thermal gloves and hats are recommended. Anti-slip footwear are also ideal for slippery conditions. 

Maintenance and care of safety workwear

To keep your safety workwear functioning well, check for signs of wear and tear after every use. 

This includes rips, tears, broken fastenings, and faded visibility stripes. If your PPE is severely damaged, purchase a new one immediately. Minor damage, like small tears, may be repairable, but structural damage to safety boots or hard hats requires replacement.

Store your safety workwear in a clean, dry environment to prevent mould and mildew build-up. 

Choose Greenbergs for your safety workwear

At Greenbergs, we sell high-quality safety clothing for various construction needs. 

From effective hi-vis clothing to sturdy safety shoes, we have everything you need to protect yourself from fast-paced and hazardous environments. 

With reputable brands such as Moda Per Cura and Sketchers, we guarantee clothes that will last. Browse our safety clothing today for durable and affordable PPE.