Health and Safety in Construction: Why Proper Workwear Matters

The construction industry is a dangerous place to work. Construction sites account for thousands of accidents every year, with 30 fatalities in construction in 2021/22 alone. It’s essential that construction workers are properly protected on the job to prevent accidents and keep them safe. 

One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep construction workers safe is proper workwear. Ensuring all individuals who need protective workwear have access to a supply of uniform can help protect them from the many risks associated with their jobs.

At phs BeSafe, we’re here to help you with your protective workwear needs. Learn more about why proper workwear is so important for health and safety in construction and why it’s worth investing in the right gear.

The risks of working in construction

Working in construction carries many risks due to the equipment and conditions used in different construction job roles. Some of the most common hazards in construction include:

Falls

Falls from height, including scaffolding and ladders, are some of the most common causes of accidents in the construction industry.

Falling objects

Falling objects, such as building materials and tools, can cause different injuries to workers, as well as passers-by

Repetitive strain injuries

Repetitive strain injuries, also known as RSIs, can happen when a worker carries out repeated motions and movements when performing tasks. These types of injuries can build up over time.

Heat stress

Construction workers can experience heat stress from different sources, including working directly with heat and being exposed to high temperatures and humidity, especially when working during the warmer months. While there is a risk of burns from direct exposure to heat sources, there is also a risk of dehydration, heat stroke and other conditions when working in high temperatures.

Chemical exposure

Chemical exposure can cause severe burns and respiratory issues, while exposure to dangerous chemicals and substances over time can also lead to long-term health conditions.

Noise exposure

Exposure to loud noises, particularly prolonged exposure, can cause hearing loss and related issues that can have long-lasting effects on the sufferer.

The role of workwear in health and safety in construction

There are many ways that the right workwear can help improve health and safety on construction sites, including:

Protection from hazards

The main aim of protective workwear is to provide protection from hazards when working on-site. With the right workwear, workers can avoid injuries caused by falls, sharp objects, hazardous materials and more. Workwear should be made of the right material to provide the necessary protection against these hazards.

Increased visibility

Protective workwear helps increase visibility, as it is usually made of bright materials, with reflective details to provide increased visibility at night. The HSE’s guidance on construction workwear states high visibility clothing should be worn according to a company’s policy, in addition to construction locations where vehicles or plant are in operation.



Provide comfort and mobility

While workwear provides protection for construction workers, it should also be comfortable and allow easy mobility. Restrictive clothing could cause an injury, so it’s important that clothing fits the wearer.

Environmental protection

Working in construction can mean working in a variety of temperatures and weather conditions. Protective workwear can help protect workers against different environmental factors such as rain, cold and heat, allowing workers to work comfortably and avoid some of the problems that can be caused by poor weather, such as ill health.

The importance of proper workwear maintenance

As an employer, it’s your responsibility to provide and maintain workwear for your employees. Like most clothing, protective gear can become worn or damaged over time, putting wearers at risk of different hazards.

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 state that ‘every employer shall ensure that any personal protective equipment provided to their employees is maintained (including replaced or cleaned as appropriate) in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair.’ It’s important that workwear is laundered properly, and employees shouldn’t be responsible for laundering their own PPE. 

Using a workwear laundry service is a simple way to manage your employees’ workwear. There are many reasons to use a laundry service, including not having to handle soiled clothing, having clothing checked and repaired as needed, and having them delivered back to your workplace, ready for your employees to wear.

Choosing the right workwear provider

Finding the right workwear provider is a must to help you maintain clean, effective protective clothing for your teams. When it comes to managing construction site safety, you want to ensure that the workwear provider you choose is one that is reliable, affordable and experts in protective workwear.

phs BeSafe is one of the leading providers of protective workwear, helping to ensure health and safety in construction sites and providing a laundry service you can rely on. We launder more than 1.2 million worker garments each year, serving clients across a range of industries.

Find out more about the BeSafe laundry service and equip your construction workers with the equipment they need to help them stay safe at work.