Keeping workers safe: How businesses can choose the right protective clothing

Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing to employees is more than just ticking off a box on a health and safety checklist - it should adequately protect people from chemicals, extreme temperatures, flying debris and any other hazards they might encounter every day. And you can’t just hand out the same jacket or pair of gloves to everyone. Employers must first identify the real risks, then choose suitable protection and keep it in good condition. Here’s some practical advice on what businesses should consider when building protective clothing into their wider safety strategy.

Get your PPE responsibilities right

First, assess the risk of workplace hazards to employees. Before relying on personal PPE, employers should look into other effective protections where possible. If workers still need PPE, employers have a duty to provide suitable equipment free of charge, along with appropriate information, instruction and training. Even for basic items (such as gloves), don't assume everyone knows how to wear or use them correctly. Explain when they need it to wear it, how to wear it and its limitations.

Make sure protective clothing matches the worker and the risk level

PPE is not one size fits all. Two workers doing different jobs will face different risks, even if they’re on the same site. First, consider factors such as the type of hazards, exposure time and working conditions. Then, look at size, weight, size, and whether the PPE fits properly. For example, an oversized high-visibility jacket can seem like a good choice, but it might catch on equipment. Or gloves might actually make it difficult to grip tools properly. Employee feedback is the best source of information about whether PPE will protect them or make their job more difficult.

Protect outdoor workers against cold, heat and rain

Anyone who has spent a freezing January morning on an open building site knows just how much weather can affect the working day. Employers need to assess the risks from workers operating in uncomfortable temperatures. For cold outdoor work, that could include providing some warm rest areas, additional breaks and suitable clothing such as heated workwear that will keep employees comfortable without them having to look for ways to warm up. And employer responsibilities don’t end when the weather warms up – make sure you provide access to drinking water, shade and flexible working patterns, especially during extreme heatwaves.

Check, clean and replace PPE regularly

It’s important to remember that PPE isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ matter. Mud, rips and tears, broken fastenings and repeated washing will all affect how much protection it can provide over time. It’s a good idea to create a simple system for checking, cleaning, storing, repairing and replacing equipment. Also, encourage workers to report damage right away rather than just putting a torn jacket back in a locker or wearing it. And make sure everyone knows who checks PPE and how to request a replacement.

Make protective clothing part of everyday safety

Good protective clothing starts with understanding the job, the person who is doing it and what risks they actually face. Then, choose equipment and clothing carefully and make sure to maintain its condition. Treat PPE as an ongoing safety responsibility rather than a one-off purchase, and it will do the job it was meant for - to help people work safely.