Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn in many sectors across the UK. Whether you work in healthcare, construction or manufacturing, it is essential to wear the correct PPE to ensure that you can work as safely as possible.
PPE is worn in the UK in line with guidance by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). They state that it is the responsibility of employers to provide and replace PPE. This means workers never have to worry about paying for their own equipment or having their safety compromised while working.
If you work outside, your employer should provide you with appropriate PPE to accommodate the variable conditions you could be exposed to. After all, the British weather is known for being very temperamental. Here are some examples of the protective clothing and gear required if you work outdoors.
Protective Headgear
Headgear can protect you in a range of conditions. Sun hats should be worn on hot days to protect workers against UV rays and reduce the likelihood of catching heat stroke or burning.
During the winter, fleece-lined beanie hats can help to retain heat. This helps with body warmth retention, as more heat can be lost through the head than you might expect. Hats can also help to prevent hypothermia.
Meanwhile, hard hats are essential in certain working environments, such as construction sites. They’re worn to protect workers from sustaining head or brain injuries due to falling objects and other health and safety risks.
High-Visibility Clothing
Building sites and other busy job sites can make it harder to spot workers. This is why it’s so important to wear high-visibility clothing. Heavy machinery and vehicles onsite could cause accidents if workers aren’t clearly visible. The same applies to those working outside in public, such as on main roads.
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For this reason, high-visibility vests, jackets and trousers are available in orange or lime colours. These have reflective strips on them to make workers more visible when it starts to go dark.
Waterproof and Weather-Resistant Gear
Outdoor workers should be provided with clothing that protects them in adverse weather conditions. This includes waterproof and weather-resistant jackets and trousers, so people can work more comfortably. As a result, workers are protected from developing hypothermia and other risks associated with a drop in body temperature or damp conditions.
Thermal and Insulated Clothing
This is a must for those who are exposed to colder temperatures. Examples include insulated jackets and thermal gloves. For those working in extremely cold conditions, investing in a heated hoodie can provide additional warmth and comfort, helping to maintain body temperature throughout the day.
Protective Footwear
Steel-toe boots with sturdy soles are the go-to protective footwear across many industries. This way, workers are protected from sloppy surfaces and heavy equipment and tools landing on their feet.
Eye and Face Protection
Often, eye and face protection are needed on job sites where workers are exposed to dust and debris. Glasses, goggles and masks are regularly used to help with this.
