One of the most important aspects for both companies and their employees is choosing the right workwear , one that complies with current workplace safety regulations. This is also crucial because it affects a person's freedom of movement , health, and performance.
There are several aspects to consider, and it's essential to opt for certified solutions , such as those offered by a company with proven experience like Strauss , a leading international manufacturer of technical clothing, workwear, and personal protective equipment. Let's go into more detail.
How does workwear affect everyday safety?
The combination of workwear and safety is now inseparable and capable of making a difference in everyday life, especially in professions where the risk of injuries and accidents is high , such as those in construction (but not only).
It's no coincidence that we speak of PPE or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) : clothing that meets specific requirements to meet particular needs. The use of PPE has been mandatory since the entry into force of the Consolidated Law on Safety at Work, or Legislative Decree 81/08 , which identifies three categories :
- First-class PPE, suitable for areas where there is limited risk.
- Category two PPE, suitable for contexts where the risk level is intermediate.
- Category III PPE, required in workplaces where there is a high risk.
Each category denotes different risks and offers different levels of protection. The choice of PPE must be based on a targeted analysis of the risks present in the workplace and the areas requiring protection.
Who should provide work clothing?
By law, it is the employer who is required to provide work clothing, and therefore PPE: this is what Article 77 of Legislative Decree 81/08 establishes. But what exactly does this mean ? Let's look at it together:
- The business owner must conduct a risk analysis and identify the most appropriate category of PPE.
- It must establish the conditions and methods of use of work clothing.
- Provide your employees with appropriately certified and compliant PPE.
- Monitor the efficiency of PPE over time, taking care of maintenance and repairs.
- Inform and train employees about the risks they face and the protection they are provided by using PPE.
What risks does workwear reduce? It depends on the industry.
Construction is one of the sectors where workplace safety is crucial. This is further confirmed by the "Cantiere" project recently presented in Sassari, which has the ambitious goal of achieving zero accidents.
Achieving this goal requires the provision of adequate PPE : from cut-resistant gloves to helmets and safety shoes that limit impacts, abrasions, and falls of heavy materials.
While the medical and hospital sectors deserve a separate discussion, other areas requiring workwear with specific characteristics are the following:
- Logistics and warehousing : one of the sectors of the economy where companies, not only those in Sardinia, are investing most in safety. Among the most effective preventative garments are high-visibility vests and reflective clothing, which protect against potential accidents involving moving vehicles.
- Industrial and maintenance sectors : Among the most effective PPE are chemical-, oil-, and spark-resistant suits, which reduce the risk of contact and burns; and waterproof and thermal garments, which protect against extreme weather conditions.
- Forestry : a field where safety is often overlooked. PPE includes cut-resistant trousers, reinforced jackets, and specific visors that protect against harsh environmental conditions and debris.
We can therefore conclude that choosing the right workwear is never an afterthought : it's an investment in the solidity of companies, as well as in people's health. This safety comes from an approach where everyone plays their part, where companies and workers move in the same direction.