Have you seen the latest workplace safety statistics?
Over 5,300 annual deaths result from work accidents. Plus, construction professionals account for 20% of all workplace fatalities.
Fortunately, you can mitigate work injuries by following standard safety practices. You also reduce the risk of costly OSHA fines.
In fact, not communicating safety hazards is a common (and serious) safety violation. One way to prevent such mistakes is to invest in protective safety clothing.
However, bright colors alone aren’t enough.
Here are several variables to consider when buying safety clothing.
Choose the Right Safety Vest Classification
Neon-colored reflective vests are required for high-risk workplaces, like construction sites. The greater the hazard risk, the higher the classification. Thus, class 3 safety clothing is reserved for the most dangerous sites.
Other high-risk jobs include:
- Airline workers and mechanics
- Truck drivers
- Power-line electricians
- Maintenance professionals
- Law enforcement
- Logging and forestry workers
- Fishing industry pros
- Firefighters
Class 1 safety vests are good for low-risk jobs. These jobs include shopping cart attendants, parking lot employees, event security, and crossing guards.
Class 1 vests require at least 155 sq inches of reflective material. Employees can wear these vests over any short or long-sleeved shirt. On the other hand, class 3 gear covers both arms, as well.
Buying Safety Clothing for Class 2
Class 2 is the middle classification for safety clothes.
These safety vests are ideal for the following professions:
- Landscaping pros
- Airline grounds workers
- Railroad employees
- Civil engineers
- Land surveyors
Class 2 safety clothes require over 200 sq inches of reflective fabric. Your safety clothes also need 775 inches of neon orange or yellow material to avoid fines.
HR departments and managers must work together to ensure safety clothes guidelines are followed.
Designed for Fire-Resistance
You already know how important fire-resistant safety clothes are for firefighters. However, plenty of professions are serious risks for fire hazards.
For example, kitchen employees are regularly exposed to stoves, burners, ovens, and blow torches. Furthermore, they also risk fires from gas leaks, burned food, and electrical wiring.
Ensure your kitchen staff has the latest fire-resistant uniforms.
Similar to cooks, factory workers are also exposed to the following hazards:
- Combustible dust
- Hot metalwork
- Flammable liquid spills
- Faulty machinery
- Overloaded electrical equipment
For these jobs, look into custom solutions for work coveralls.
Including,
- NFPA 2112 70e compliance
- pass-through pockets
- Reflective trim
- Fire-resistant treated fabric
- CAT 2
- ATPV 8.6
Remember, you workers need plenty of pockets. Keeping tools nearby reduces the risk of accidents. For example, workers don’t have to reach for a wrench in a rush.
Remember to optimize your safety protocol with additional safety signage, lights, and regular safety meetings. Guidelines should be updated periodically and included in the employee handbook.
Don’t Sacrifice Safety at Work
Reducing workplace accidents improves employee morale, reduces OSHA fines, boosts productivity, and maximizes work time. Don’t sacrifice safety. Remember that buying safety clothing is critical for your bottom line!
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