The importance of PPE

Incorrect or inadequate protective clothing can result in the wearer being exposed to a variety of harmful situations, which could result in discomfort and illness through to life changing injuries and even fatality. There are huge differences in the levels of protection required in Industry and also in the levels of protection afforded to the wearer by their protective equipment. Similar looking items in appearance does not mean they are similar in safety should the worst occur.

Generally speaking those involved in procurement have a reasonable knowledge of the importance of the correct protective equipment but most will defer to health and safety professionals within their own organisations to specify the correct product suitable for use after a detailed risk assessment.

Key trends in the protective clothing market include greater use of fabric and weave technology which is becoming more commonplace. Blending different fibres can produce much improved performance and safety characteristics along with greater comfort for the wearer.

Again comfort is a key issue plus functionality of the garments being worn. Workwear has moved on from being a necessary working garment to more of a lifestyle and practical product, which enhances the daily working life of the wearer.

For decades there have been major advances in the improvement of safety products. With respiratory protection, for example, fit testing has led to better and more suitable face masks.

Eyewear has also seen a great deal of evolution from the days of basic traditional ‘safety specs’. Adjustment in temples, nose bridges and even the means of attachment itself all continually evolve, improving fit and comfort along with the all-important lens technology, including prescription options.

Footwear has seen advancements in fit, comfort and functionality resulting in reductions in slips, trips and falls. Better designed sole units, insole technology and now innovative closure systems all make the worker’s life safer and more practical.

Gloves now are improving dramatically from, for example, very simplistic Polka Dot work gloves or the traditional ‘rigger’ gloves to highly engineered ergonomically 3D designed items with multi measurement points. Hand and finger incidents can account for anywhere from 50% to 70% of work related injuries which make this area perhaps more important than others when it comes to reducing injuries and accidents at work.

Looking ahead, PPE legislation is forcing more companies to consider the safety of their workforce and as a consequence more protective and safety products are being used in areas previously not thought to be at risk. Also as awareness is raised amongst employees they are showing greater responsibility towards themselves and their colleagues in keeping safe. Dickies is constantly working with new technology, both at the finished product level and more so in the raw material stage, in a bid to ensure that safety is not just built in to our products, but designed in.