Year-End Workwear Audit: Refresh for the New Year

We all know that equipping your team with personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, or another high-hazard industry, PPE keeps your employees safe and lowers the risk of injuries. 

However, PPE doesn’t last forever, and it’s essential that you regularly inspect its condition to ensure it’s doing its job properly. As the year draws to a close and your team gets ready to wind down for a Christmas break, now is the ideal time to carry out a workwear audit. 

Follow our PPE inspection checklist so that your workwear is refreshed and ready for when your teams return in the New Year.

Why is PPE inspection so important?

PPE is typically worn in tough conditions. It may need to withstand high temperatures, frequent movement, wet weather conditions, and contact with chemicals or sharp objects. As such, it’s imperative that it is fit for purpose.

Under The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, employees should be supplied with suitable PPE, and this means it must be in working condition. Damaged workwear, such as ripped fabric, loose straps or closures, and cracked safety goggles can put the wearer at risk of accidents and negatively affect your business reputation.  

By carrying out regular PPE inspections, you can:

• Offer workers maximum safety
• Catch any issues before they cause accidents
• Help employees feel safer, which can boost productivity
• Stay compliant with health and safety regulations
• Know when it’s time to replace your PPE and ensure new items are available for employees to use
• Recognise when contaminated workwear or items beyond repair need to be destroyed or disposed of, and do so responsibly

Your end-of-year PPE inspection checklist

So, what should you look for when carrying out a PPE inspection at the end of the year?

By following our PPE inspection procedures below, you can make sure every member of your team is equipped with the right protective workwear and that any garments requiring destruction are handled correctly. 

• First, carry out a risk assessment so you can compare your current safety gear with what your team will need in the New Year. 
• Check all headgear, including helmets and safety goggles, have no visible signs of damage and that all straps and fastenings function as they should. Look at the manufacturing date on your hardhats. If they are 3-5 years old, they will need replacing. 
• Make sure all respiratory gear is within its expiry date and has no signs of wear or damage.
• Check hi-vis workwear to ensure there is no fading or UV damage. Make sure no obstructions are covering the reflective tape.
• Make sure flame-retardant workwear still meets industry standards and that there are no tears or signs of visible damage. It’s important to check all layers.
• Ensure gloves have no holes, rips, or other damage, and that they are paired up.
  Check that all work boots are paired up, fasten securely, and have no cracks or holes. 
• Look at your workwear stock levels and ensure there is enough to protect your whole team and that spares are available.
  Send any contaminated or worn-out items to be destroyed appropriately. They may require shredding 
• Check that all team members have a secure locker in which to store their items. 
• Give all items a wash or refresh using a dedicated workwear laundry service so they are clean for the next use. It can also be helpful to assess your laundry schedule and see if more frequent maintenance would be useful in the New Year. 

Refresh your team’s PPE with phs Besafe

We’re proud to be a leading name in UK PPE and workwear. When you partner with phs Besafe, you can ensure your employees always have access to the high-quality safety gear they need. 

Explore our full range of garments and learn about our secure uniform destruction and laundry services. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.