The importance of wearing the correct workwear in construction

THE IMPORTANCE OF WEARING THE CORRECT WORKWEAR IN CONSTRUCTION

BY STEVE DAVIDSON, MERCHANDISING MANAGER, U-PRO

In construction, working in a wide range of diverse environments on a daily basis can be high risk and involve potentially dangerous machinery and equipment, which means that safety must come first. One key aspect of ensuring physical safety is by wearing the correct clothing.

Workwear choices are just as important as having the right tools and the relevant qualifications. If you’re not geared up with the right clothing or footwear, you won’t be able to do your job as well as you possibly can - not to mention the fact that you could also be putting yourself at risk.

Steve Davidson at U-PRO Trade Supplies, an online retailer which serves customers across the construction industry, shares his tips on choosing workwear and what to consider before making a purchase.

Safety and physical wellbeing

Whether it’s heavy machinery use, scaffolding, working at a height or with hazardous chemicals or materials, construction workers must wear appropriate workwear that keeps them safe from workplace injury. Such items include safety goggles, knee protectors, high visibility jackets and, dependent on the nature of the job, the use of a safety mask or respirator in environments where the normal air supply is compromised - for example when there’s been a gas leak.

Given the heavy objects involved in a typical construction role, work boots

should be made from thicker, more protective material than standard work boots. Construction workers’ boots should feature a steel toe cap to protect from injury due to falling parts or objects. Boots such as The Switchback 3 boots feature a water-resistant upper and composite midplate for lightweight, flexible protection from sole puncture, anti-static for prevention of electrostatic build-up and they’re also slip-resistant for safe working. What’s more, they come with a durable moulded toe section that protects against scuffs. A Poron insole provides extra cushioning for added underfoot comfort and Micro-fresh® technology prevents the growth of mould to reduce odours and enhance wearability.

Comfort and functionality

After safety comes comfort and functionality. You must remember that you’ll be wearing your workwear day in day out for hours at a time.

Key aspects to think about are: functionality - what do I need from my workwear? How can it help me in my job? What kind of movement will I need to do in my work clothes? This can range from walking and climbing to standing and kneeling. You must also think about how many pockets you need for easy access to regularly used tools and parts.

Both jackets and trousers should be made of a thicker material for most construction roles - they need to be resilient and keep you warm in cold and unpredictable weather. As working on your knees is commonplace as a construction worker it will be important to choose workwear trousers that have reinforced knee sections with extra protection. Flexibility is key in jackets and shirts too, so that you can move freely without risk of tears to the clothing.

Comfort is also important because if we are not comfortable, we’re never going to feel our best. You need to be able to move without restriction, given you’re often accessing difficult areas, and to avoid feeling overheated or cold. Scruffs is a well-known workwear brand that provides durability, functionality and comfort. They provide a wide range of affordable, high-quality and robust workwear options that are perfectly suited to the diverse roles.

For example, the Scruffs Trade Holster trousers are durable work trousers made from heavy duty twill fabric, with stretch panels for comfort and flexibility. They are two-layered and have long-lasting performance, with easy access holster pockets that have loops for tool and accessory storage.

Affordability without compromising quality

Affordability will also play a significant role in your decision-making. Whilst budget is of course important, you have to consider quality. If you purchase workwear purely based on cost alone, it’s only going to prove more expensive in the long run, as you will have to replace clothing more often because it doesn’t last as long. Good, high quality workwear also gives a better impression to clients and employees, demonstrating a professional and trustworthy worker that is well equipped and highly trained to carry out the job in hand.

Finally, before investing in any workwear clothing, it’s important to do your research, read reviews online about popular brands, the ranges they offer, and how the clothing will meet your needs in terms of safety, functionality and comfort. This will enable you to make an informed choice on the workwear that’s right for you.