February 2024

Workwear Choices
DRESSED FOR SAFETY AND
SUCCESS ON SITE...
The team at Carhartt explain why choosing PPE and workwear that is designed to have
your back in tough work environments is crucial, and outline some of the key items from
their offering to keep you safe and comfortable on site…
The construction site can be a dangerous
place, filled with multiple health and safety
risks where the significance of Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) and workwear with
in-built toughness cannot be overstated.
Serving as a frontline defence against an array of
potential hazards, PPE and workwear plays a
pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being
of workers on building sites. From preventing
injuries from flying objects, to shielding against
harmful substances and electrical hazards, the
strategic use of PPE is not just best practice, but
an obligation.
An eye on protection
In environments prone to dust or debris, PPE
such as safety glasses are crucial. Sadly, every
year thousands of workplace accidents involve
the eyes, and while many are minor and
temporary, some result in partial or complete
blindness. According to the Health and Safety
Executive (HSE), there were over five thousand
work-related head injuries last year, 739 of these
affecting eyes, with 127 losing some or all sight.
Safety glasses are therefore a crucial piece of
PPE. Carhartt's range of safety glasses conforms
to EN 166, the European standard that outlines
the specifications for protective eyewear. Made
with a polycarbonate lens and frame, these
glasses are almost indestructible –
polycarbonate is 250 times more impactresistant
than glass and 10 times more resistant
than standard plastic. Polycarbonate lenses are
also thinner and lighter compared to alternative
materials and provide natural protection by
blocking out 100% of the sun’s UV rays,
“In the intricate daily dance of challenges, the
careful consideration and use of PPE is crucial
in creating a secure and productive work
environment”
44 TC FEBRUARY 2024