The Do’s & Don’ts of Industrial Safety Apparel

Whether you are drawing property lines or controlling traffic, safety is no joke! There is nothing wrong with having a little fun on the job, but it should never be at the expense of your own safety or the safety of others around you.

Inclement weather, low visibility, and dangerous equipment are all risks you have to endure for the sake of your job. Below are our recommendations for safety apparel and some do's and don'ts for how to use it.

What to Look for in Safety Apparel

When shopping for safety apparel, you need to know what to look for. Not only do you need to have some idea what kind of apparel is required for the job at hand, you also need to know how to separate the good from the bad in terms of quality.

Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for safety apparel:

ANSI-Approved – The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) creates standards for safety gear, so make sure the gear you choose meets the proper class for the level of risk in your wok environment.

Quality Construction – In addition to making sure gear is ANSI compliant, check that it is made from high-quality materials if you expect long-lasting durability.

Visibility – Even if you don’t tend to work at night, visibility is a major safety concern. Choose safety apparel that features reflective elements to enhance visibility.

Style and Fit – After making sure the safety gear is well-made and compliant for your work environment, you can shift to thinking about things like style and fit. For example, reflective vests come in collared and uncollared styles, and in a variety of different sizes and colors.

Features – Look for convenient features like pockets, identification badge holders, speaker mic clips, and anything to make your life a little easier.

Take your time when shopping for safety gear to ensure you get the right apparel at the right price without sacrificing quality.

Dos and Don’ts of Safety Apparel

Now that you what to look for, below is an overview of common types of safety apparel, paired with some helpful do's and don'ts for their use:

Reflective Vests and Jackets

• Do wear reflective apparel when working near traffic or construction equipment
• Don't wearyour reflective apparel to weddings or formal dinners... please

• Do choose safety apparel with pockets to hold important tools and equipment
• Don't forget your lunch in your pocket at the end of your work week; no one wants to find that come Monday

Head Protection

• Do wear a hard hat or helmet when working with or around heavy machinery
• Don't wear your hard hat in place of your motorcycle helmet

Safety Eyewear

• Do wear safety eyewear when you are working in an area that has particles, flying objects, or dust
• Don't wear your safety glasses on family vacations
• Don't wear dark safety glasses when you are having meaningful conversations

Safety Work Gloves

• Do wear safety work gloves to protect your hands from impacts, cuts, and abrasions, or to keep them warm
• Don't wear your safety work gloves to perform surgery

Safety Rain Gear

• Do wear a rain suit or rain jacket to stay dry on a rainy day
• Don't put your rain gear on to go swimming

Heat Stress Management Supplies

• Do wear a cooling bandana, neckband, or hat on a hot day
• Don't wear your winter coat when it is 90-degrees out

• Do use a water bottle or hydration pack to stay hydrated in hot weather
• Don't fill your hydration pack with milk on a hot day

Finding the right safety apparel for the job can be tricky with so many options to choose from. By following the tips provided above, we are confident you can make the right choice.