Posts

Prioritising Safety: A Fresh Look at Workwear

in ,

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.

 

The Importance of PPE Workwear – Prioritising Safety and Sustainability

in ,

In various industries, the safety of employees is paramount, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a critical role in maintaining a secure working environment. From high-visibility (high-vis) vests to protective footwear, PPE workwear safeguards workers from potential hazards while ensuring comfort and functionality. Beyond safety, selecting workwear suitable for both men and women, and opting for environmentally conscious suppliers, is becoming increasingly important. This blog explores why PPE is essential, the difference between gender-specific and unisex ranges, and the importance of sustainability in high-vis workwear.

The Role of PPE in Workplace Safety

Whether in construction, manufacturing, or warehousing, PPE is essential in reducing workplace risks. Here are the key types of PPE workwear and why they’re critical:

  • High-Visibility (High-Vis) Clothing: High-vis workwear, such as jackets and vests, helps workers remain visible, especially in environments with low light or heavy machinery. The bright colours and reflective strips allow for increased visibility, reducing the chance of accidents.
  • Hard Hats/Helmets/Hair Nets: Protecting the head from falling objects or impacts is crucial in many industries. Hard hats or helmets ensure workers stay protected from potential head injuries. Fabric hats or hair nets are necessary when working with food.
  • Gloves: Different types of gloves—such as cut-resistant, or heat-resistant, are vital for safeguarding hands against hazards like sharp objects, or extreme temperatures which are typically resusable gloves.  Disposable gloves are typically used for hygiene related purposes in medical and food settings and to protect your hands when using chemicals.
  • Footwear (Boots, Trainers or wellingtons): Steel-toe boots protect workers from falling heavy objects, while trainers may be suitable for lighter environments. Slip-resistant soles are important for preventing accidents, especially in wet and slippery conditions.  Not forgetting the trusty wellington for wet environments and where water may be at a higher level so a shoe won’t be suitable.  Wellingtons can be purchased in various colours related to the area of use and some are suitable for putting in the wash to ensure odours can be removed from them.
  • Aprons: In industries where chemical spills, hygiene or dirt are a risk, reusable aprons provide an extra layer of protection for both clothing and skin.
  • Safety Glasses or Goggles: Protecting the eyes from dust, debris, or harmful substances is critical, and safety glasses or goggles should always be part of an employee’s PPE kit.

Gender-Specific Workwear

While many might assume PPE is unisex which is true, it’s important to note that workwear is not one-size-fits-all. Men and women have different body shapes, and this must be considered when selecting workwear. Suppliers increasingly offer gender-specific PPE that ensures a better fit for both men and women, improving comfort and safety.

For men, workwear is often designed with a broader fit in the shoulders and waist, while women’s ranges offer more tailored options. Properly fitting PPE allows for full mobility and minimizes the risk of accidents caused by loose or ill-fitting clothing.

By offering separate ranges for men and women, employers can ensure that everyone has access to the most appropriate, safe, and comfortable gear for their job.

Proper Fit: Regular and Tall Sizing

Ensuring PPE fits properly is crucial for both safety and comfort. When selecting workwear:

  • Regular Sizes for Legs: Standard sizing is generally suitable for most individuals. However, it’s important to make sure the fit is snug and does not cause restricted movement or excess material that could be a trip hazard.
  • Tall Sizing for Longer Legs: For taller individuals, choosing workwear with longer leg and arm lengths ensures a proper fit. Loose, oversized clothing can be dangerous, increasing the risk of accidents or discomfort on the job.

Sustainability in PPE: The Importance of Recyclable High-Vis Workwear

  • In addition to ensuring safety and fit, there’s growing interest in sustainability within the PPE industry. One key area where this comes into play is high-vis workwear. High-vis garments often have a shorter lifespan due to the reflective materials that start to degrade after a certain number of washes. The reflective coating that keeps workers visible begins to wear off, reducing the effectiveness of the clothing over time.
  • To combat this issue, it’s worth noting suppliers who provide recyclable high-vis workwear. These suppliers create clothing from materials that can be reused or recycled once the garment has reached the end of its life cycle, reducing environmental impact. Choosing recyclable high-vis items helps businesses contribute to sustainability goals while still meeting safety requirements.

Conclusion

PPE workwear is an essential part of workplace safety, from high-vis vests to durable boots and gloves. Choosing workwear that fits properly, caters to both men and women, and is made with sustainability in mind can significantly impact worker wellbeing and environmental responsibility. Opting for gender-specific ranges and recyclable high-vis items ensures that employees stay safe while businesses remain conscious of their environmental footprint.

Key Takeaways

  • PPE should be chosen for both safety and comfort, ensuring proper fit for men and women.
  • High-vis workwear has a shorter lifespan, making recyclable options an eco-friendly choice.
  • Ensure workers have access to both regular and tall sizing for optimal comfort and safety.
  • Check that any branding won’t impact the safety of your PPE on clothing.

To discuss your workwear needs reach out to hello@quillsuk.co.uk or 0845 078 0324.