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Prioritising Safety: A Fresh Look at Workwear

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Monday 28th April marked World Day for Safety and Health at Work – a timely reminder that creating a safe and healthy workplace starts with the right protective gear. Whether you’re in construction, warehousing, logistics, or engineering, it’s essential that your team has the correct equipment to stay safe, comfortable, and compliant.

Smarter Workwear That Works for Everyone

Gone are the days when workwear was a one-size-fits-all, unisex affair. Today, many leading suppliers are designing ranges specifically tailored for women, offering improved comfort, functionality, and fit, without compromising on safety.

 

High-Vis Clothing: Stay Safe, Stay Seen

High-visibility clothing is essential for anyone working near vehicles, machinery, or in low-light environments. From vests to jackets, high-vis workwear helps reduce the risk of accidents by making your team stand out. And it’s not just about visibility, it’s about compliance too.  With executive,

Explore high-vis options here to ensure your team is equipped with reflective and durable options that meet the latest safety standards.

Head-to-Toe Protection: Safety Starts at the Top

Head protection is a must-have in construction, manufacturing and many other environments where falling objects pose a risk. Hard hats and helmets are available in various lightweight, comfortable styles that don’t compromise on impact resistance.

Don’t Overlook Eye and Hearing Protection

Eye injuries can happen in an instant, so having the right safety glasses and goggles is key when working with tools, chemicals, or in dusty environments. Our selection includes anti-fog, scratch-resistant, wraparound, and prescription-compatible styles.

Hearing damage is another serious but often overlooked risk. Prolonged exposure to loud environments can lead to permanent hearing loss, which is why ear protection like ear plugs and defenders is a must in industries such as manufacturing, aviation and construction.

Get a Grip on Glove Safety

Safety gloves are a vital part of any PPE kit, and the right type depends on the task at hand. Whether you require disposable or reusable gloves, its important to ensure you have the right gloves to suit the task and environment. From nitrile gloves for chemical resistance, to cut-resistant gloves for handling sharp materials, and thermal gloves for cold conditions, there’s a specialist option for every need.

We know that understanding the symbols and safety ratings on gloves can be confusing, which is why we recommend reaching out to our team for guidance.  You can also request our free guide to understanding the safety symbols.

 

Let Us Help with a Free PPE Audit

With so many options on the market, and safety symbols that can sometimes feel like a puzzle, it can be difficult to know whether your current workwear and PPE are fit for purpose. That’s why Quills offers a free PPE audit. We’ll review what you currently use, see if your range can be simplified or improved, and ensure your equipment is compliant – click here to request a call back.

Make Safety a Priority, All Year Round

World Day for Safety and Health at Work is the perfect time to take stock and make sure your team has the right tools to stay safe. From head protection and safety glasses, to gloves, footwear, and hi-vis clothing, our new workwear hub has everything you need in one place and with the right experts on hand to help.

You can browse our full range of workwear options here, from hardwearing jackets and trousers to high-performance base layers and outerwear designed for every role and season.

Need help choosing the right gear? Get in touch for advice, quotes, or to book your free audit, we’re here to help.

 

Essentials for Creating an Ergonomic Workstation

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Setting up an ergonomic workstation is essential for maintaining comfort, productivity and overall wellbeing while working. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the key considerations and items to include, along with the benefits of each ergonomic element.

  1. Adjustable Chair

An ergonomic chair is crucial for supporting your lower back, promoting good posture, and reducing strain.

Benefits:

  • Lumbar Support: Reduces lower back pain by maintaining the natural curve of the spine.
  • Adjustability: Allows for customisation of seat height, depth, and backrest recline to fit individual needs.
  • Armrests: Adjustable armrests reduce strain on shoulders and arms.
  1. Sit/Stand Desk

Switching between sitting and standing throughout the day can significantly improve your health and productivity.

Benefits:

  • Reduces Back Pain: Alternating between sitting and standing can help alleviate back pain and prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Improves Circulation: Standing periodically can improve blood flow and reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues.
  • Boosts Energy and Mood: Changing positions can increase energy levels and improve mood and focus.
  1. Monitor Stand or Arm

Positioning your monitor at eye level is essential to prevent neck strain and maintain good posture.

Benefits:

  • Eye Level Positioning: Reduces neck and eye strain by keeping the monitor at a comfortable height.
  • Flexibility: Adjustable stands and arms allow you to position the monitor for optimal viewing angles.
  • Desk Space: Elevating the monitor frees up valuable desk space for other items.
  1. Monitor Riser

A monitor riser elevates your screen to eye level, reducing neck and shoulder strain.

Benefits:

  • Improved Posture: Ensures your monitor is at the correct height, promoting better posture.
  • Increased Desk Space: Provides additional storage space underneath for books, notebooks, or other items.
  • Reduced Neck Strain: Keeps your neck in a neutral position, reducing the risk of strain and discomfort.
  1. Ergonomic Keyboard

Using an ergonomic keyboard can minimise strain and prevent repetitive stress injuries.

Benefits:

  • Natural Hand Position: Split and curved designs help keep your hands in a more natural position, reducing strain.
  • Wrist Support: Integrated wrist rests reduce pressure on the wrists during typing.
  • Compact Design: Reduces the distance you need to reach for the mouse, minimising shoulder and arm strain.
  1. Ergonomic Mouse

An ergonomic mouse is designed to reduce wrist and hand strain, which is common with prolonged computer use.

Benefits:

  • Vertical Design: Encourages a more natural hand position, reducing wrist strain.
  • Adjustable Sensitivity: Allows for smoother and more precise cursor control, reducing repetitive movements.
  • Comfortable Grip: Ergonomic shapes and sizes fit the hand better, reducing fatigue.
  1. Document Holder

Keeping documents at an optimal viewing angle helps reduce neck movement and strain.

Benefits:

  • Reduces Neck Strain: Keeps documents at eye level, reducing the need to bend or twist your neck.
  • Improves Workflow: Having documents in line with your monitor can improve efficiency and comfort.
  1. Foot Rest

A foot rest can improve circulation and reduce strain on your lower back and legs.

Benefits:

  • Improves Posture: Encourages proper alignment of the spine and reduces pressure on the lower back.
  • Reduces Leg Strain: Provides support for the feet, reducing pressure on the legs and improving circulation.
  • Adjustability: Allows for customisation to fit individual height and comfort preferences.

Summary of Ergonomic Essentials:

By incorporating these ergonomic elements into your workstation and adhering to recommended positioning guidelines for your monitor and keyboard (see below), you can create a healthier, more comfortable, and productive work environment.

  • Adjustable Chair: Supports lower back and reduces strain
  • Sit/Stand Desk: Enhances health by alternating sitting and standing
  • Monitor Stand/Arm: Positions monitor at eye level to prevent neck strain
  • Monitor Riser: Elevates screen to improve posture
  • Ergonomic Keyboard: Reduces wrist strain with natural hand positioning
  • Ergonomic Mouse: Minimizes wrist and hand strain
  • Document Holder: Keeps documents at eye level
  • Foot Rest: Improves posture and circulation

 

What is the Optimal Monitor and Keyboard Position?

Monitor Position

Your eyeline should be level with the top third of your monitor screen. The monitor should be about an arm’s length away from you, roughly 20-30 inches. This positioning helps reduce neck strain and ensures a comfortable viewing angle without excessive head movement.

Keyboard Position

Your keyboard should be positioned directly in front of you, and close enough to allow your elbows to remain at a 90-degree angle and your wrists to stay straight while typing. This setup minimises strain on your arms and wrists, promoting a more natural and comfortable typing posture.

By incorporating these ergonomic elements into your workstation and adhering to recommended positioning guidelines for your monitor and keyboard, you can create a healthier, more comfortable, and productive work environment.

For further support or advice, get in touch here with one of our friendly advisers at Quills Office Supplies for all your workplace essentials.