Newcastle Herald

Safety first with the best workwear for the job

Safety first with the best workwear for the job
Safety first with the best workwear for the job

This is a commercial collaboration with RSEA Safety.

Whether you're in the construction industry, or planning a home renovation, it's important to have the right workwear.

Safety workwear has come a long way. With sleek designs, improved functionality, Aerocool technology and much more, there are loads of options and styles to choose from.

According to RSEA Safety - the most trusted safety business in Australia - wearing the right protective gear should always be at the forefront of your mind.

With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are our top tips:

1. Choose boots made for more than just walking

Well-made safety footwear helps to prevent you from slipping or falling and protects you against adverse weather conditions, falling objects, and electric shocks. A good pair of work boots will also help to correct your posture and prevent muscle strain, a common side effect of working long hours on your feet.

There are plenty of safety footwear styles to choose from, including:

Not all styles will be suitable for all tasks, or offer the same level of protection, so be sure to use common sense or ask a staff member while shopping for the footwear most suited to your needs.

2. Wear hi vis clothing for increased safety on the job

High-visibility (hi vis) safety clothing is made from fluorescent colours and materials, such as reflective perforated 3M™ tape, to provide higher visibility in dark or clouded environments. The bright colours of hi vis clothing help workers to see one another properly, helping them to stand out more easily amongst the action.

So, if you need to work in low light, areas with poor visibility, or around moving vehicles, always wear hi vis items for extra protection on the job.

3. Invest in quality personal protective equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) encompasses all things used or worn to minimise risk to your health and safety. Common PPE items include, but are not limited to:

  • boots
  • ear plugs
  • face masks
  • gloves
  • goggles
  • hard hats
  • high visibility clothing
  • respirators
  • safety harnesses
  • safety shoes.

"The use of PPE, like P2 masks is vital in high risk workplaces and has become increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic," says RSEA Safety COO Terry Spyrides. "Stay as safe as possible while on the job by ensuring you're wearing high quality PPE. "

By wearing PPE, you can reduce your exposure to hazards. Whether you're on a commercial job site or renovating your home, hazard risks can include anything from wet floors to falling debris and everything in between.

According to Safe Work Australia, PPE used at a workplace must be:

  • selected to minimise risk to work, health and safety
  • suitable for the nature of the work and any hazard associated with the work
  • a suitable size and fit, and reasonably comfortable for the person wearing it.

4. Implement your own code of safety conduct

Whether you're performing manual labour on a commercial job site or on private property, workplace safety solutions should always be implemented before your project starts. A standard work site checklist can include:

  • first aid kits
  • safety signage
  • fire extinguishers
  • health and hygiene items
  • spill containment gear.

If you're in need of quality gear, it's always best to shop with a supplier you can trust. As the largest independent safety business in Australia, RSEA Safety offers a high-quality range to meet the workwear and safety needs of all businesses whether large or small, as well as independent contractors and keen home renovators.

Ready to choose your new workwear? Head to www.rsea.com.au today. You can also download the RSEA Safety catalogue which includes handy reference pages RSEA Safety Catalogue.