This is the personal protective equipment you need to work safely
HEAD AND EYE PROTECTION
A properly fitted protective bump cap or safety helmet can protect workers from falling objects and obstacles at head height, a risk that workers often cannot avoid. The level of protection required varies by activity, so when choosing a bump cap, consider what special protection your workers need for their job (e.g. minor impacts or the possibility of sharp objects), which can differ greatly by industry and workplace.
Eye protection is one of the most overlooked forms of personal protective equipment. In environments with hazardous particles, molten metals, any form of liquid or acid, and flying or moving objects, safety glasses must be provided and worn. Look for safety glasses with lenses that suit the needs of your working environment. Today you can choose from numerous lens features, including scratch and fog resistance, protection from harmful UV radiation, and many others.
ENSURE ADEQUATE BODY COVERAGE
Equipping employees with suitable workwear is essential for reducing injuries and ensuring workers' comfort. Today, personal protective equipment uses new, innovative materials to provide lightweight and comfortable protection that meets safety standards. Jackets, coveralls and other workwear items now have, for example, ventilation elements that allow air to circulate to keep workers comfortable. For workers in cold environments, clothing that is wind- and water-resistant is also available.
PROTECT THEIR HANDS
Hand protection, such as reinforced gloves, is also important, as hands and fingers are very prone to injury in every workplace, regardless of industry. Common hand hazards include chemical burns, injuries from exposure to extreme temperatures (heat and cold), puncture wounds and lacerations. Equipping workers with suitable protective gloves can prevent these injuries and is often necessary because of the high level of risk in this area.
Be aware that not all gloves are the same. Look for gloves that offer hand protection and dexterity appropriate to the work your employees do. Today, gloves are made of materials such as thermoplastic rubber for impact protection on the fingers, high-performance spandex on the back of the hand for durability, and synthetic leather for greater abrasion resistance.
Gloves should fit well, but not tightly. Without a proper fit, mobility can be reduced and safety compromised. Properly fitting gloves reduce fatigue, so you can wear them for longer and get lasting protection. When choosing gloves for your team, look for high-quality materials that provide mobility, protection and comfort.
PROTECT THEIR FEET
Just like every workplace, every worker's foot is unique. Safety work footwear that does not fit properly can cause employees discomfort, fatigue, blisters, chafing and other injuries, and it is also a safety risk.
As for footwear itself, recently improved technologies provide a range of features that can help equip workers in the best possible way.
Advances in materials, such as non-metallic toecaps, lightweight sole materials, innovative support systems and mixed-material construction, have made it possible to produce functional footwear that looks stylish but works as effective protection for your feet.
New heating and cooling technologies benefit workers in environments with extreme or changing temperatures, who can choose footwear that includes breathable or insulated/heated materials suited to their working conditions.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PARTNER FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
If companies keep up with the latest innovations in personal protective equipment, they can equip their workers with the best protection available. When looking for a PPE supplier, it is important to be relentless in safeguarding the safety of your workers. An ideal personal protective equipment partner will be your guide through the equipping process, work with you to determine your company's needs, and help you design a tailored programme that gives your workers head-to-toe PPE options.
After all, the top priority of safety professionals is keeping workers safe, and to do that they must equip workers with the best possible personal protective equipment. Now is the right time to evaluate your PPE programmes and make sure you are taking advantage of the latest innovations and solutions to support worker safety.
Let the experts at UTG Vodnik help you raise safety to a higher level by designing a comprehensive personal protective equipment solution that meets your specific needs. Since 1976, UTG Vodnik has been helping generations of workers do their jobs safely and comfortably with dedicated products, from safety footwear and protective workwear to head protection and more. We can help your company too. Get in touch and write to us at info@utg-vodnik.si or visit our online or physical shop in Vir near Domžale.
