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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.

 

Post-DSE Assessment – Essential Tips for Employee Safety & Wellbeing

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After completing a Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessment, employees might think they’ve covered all the basics for staying safe while working with computers and other digital devices. However, it’s important to go beyond the assessment and continue practicing safe habits to avoid health issues like musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), eye strain, and stress-related problems. Here’s a guide on key things to consider post-DSE to ensure a safe, comfortable and productive working environment.

  1. Maintaining Good Posture

Even after adjustments have been made during the DSE assessment, employees should remain mindful of their posture throughout the day. Poor posture can lead to neck, shoulder and back pain over time. To maintain a good posture:

  • Ensure your chair provides proper lumbar support.
  • Keep your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
  • Adjust your monitor so the top of the screen is at eye level.
  • Sit with your knees at a 90-degree angle and shoulders relaxed.

Regularly checking and correcting posture helps prevent the gradual onset of discomfort.

  1. Take Regular Breaks

Staring at a screen for extended periods can cause eye strain, headaches and fatigue. To combat this, employees should follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Additionally, taking short breaks from your desk to walk or stretch is essential to avoid physical strain and refresh your focus.

Setting reminders to move around, stretch your legs, or step outside for fresh air will greatly benefit your well-being and concentration.

  1. Screen and Monitor Adjustments

While the DSE assessment should optimise the setup of screens and monitors, it’s essential to continuously monitor these adjustments:

  • Ensure the screen brightness and contrast are set at comfortable levels.
  • Adjust font sizes to prevent squinting and leaning forward.
  • Use screen filters or blue light reduction settings to minimize glare and reduce eye strain, especially if working in lower-light environments.
  1. Keyboard and Mouse Positioning

Improper keyboard and mouse positioning can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), which develop slowly over time. Employees should check that the:

  • Keyboard is at elbow height, allowing wrists to remain in a neutral position.
  • Mouse is close to the keyboard to avoid overreaching.
  • Hands and wrists are straight, with no need to twist or bend to operate equipment.

Consider ergonomic accessories like wrist rests or a vertical mouse if you start to feel discomfort.

  1. Workstation Organisation

A cluttered workspace can cause unnecessary stress and make it harder to maintain a comfortable working posture. After your DSE assessment, consider keeping your workstation organised by:

  • Keeping frequently used items within easy reach to avoid excessive twisting or stretching.
  • Ensuring enough space to move your arms freely.
  • Keeping paperwork and documents at eye level using a document holder to reduce neck strain.

A tidy, organised workspace promotes focus and efficiency, reducing physical strain from repetitive motions.

  1. Mind Your Mental Wellbeing

While DSE assessments primarily focus on physical health, mental wellbeing is equally important for workplace safety. Prolonged screen time, tight deadlines, and a busy environment can increase stress levels, leading to burnout over time. To maintain mental wellbeing:

  • Take regular mental health breaks during the day.
  • Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques.
  • Speak to a manager or HR if workloads become unmanageable.

Work-life balance is crucial, and recognising when you need time to rest and recharge can help prevent long-term stress and anxiety.

  1. Monitor Lighting Conditions

Good lighting is critical in reducing eye strain and preventing headaches. After your DSE assessment, make sure your workstation is:

  • Well-lit with a combination of natural and artificial light.
  • Free from glare or reflection on your screen.
  • Adjusted so that your monitor is positioned away from direct light sources that can cause reflections.

Small adjustments to lighting can have a big impact on comfort levels and productivity.

Conclusion

While a DSE assessment helps set up a safe and ergonomic workspace, maintaining those safe working practices is just as important in the long run. By taking regular breaks, monitoring posture, adjusting equipment, and caring for your mental wellbeing, employees can stay healthy, focused, and productive. Small daily habits can help prevent long-term health issues and improve overall workplace satisfaction.

Key Takeaways:

  • Continuously monitor posture, screen brightness, and positioning to prevent discomfort.
  • Use the 20-20-20 rule to avoid eye strain and ensure proper breaks from screens.
  • Ergonomic tools and an organised workspace promote physical and mental well-being.

#DSEAssessment #WorkplaceSafety #Ergonomics #EmployeeWellbeing #PostureMatters