WORKWEAR DOESN’T NEED TO BE A TOUCHY SUBJECT
The role of workwear should never be underestimated, but with so many options and suppliers to choose from it can be difficult for businesses to select the best partner for their business. Sangeeta Aeri, Technical Manager at Supertouch, tackles the
topic of specification, some of the factors at play and why seeking advice should be the priority.
Over time, the definition of workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) or safety equipment has become somewhat blurred. In times gone by, workwear was considered to be the equipment worn to protect the end product from contamination; such as laboratory coats for use in the pharmaceutical sectors or hair nets and gloves for food production plants. In contrast, PPE and safety equipment focused on the protection of the individual from harm .
Today, the term workwear is all encompassing and includes all garments and equipment required for increased safety and protection. From factory workers to cleaners, each have a number of core requirements for workwear solutions and the role of competent and reputable suppliers shouldn’t be underestimated.
With a wealth of options available, it’s easy to see why some businesses might be left confused about which supplier to choose. For many, this means going with the cheapest and while this may be the right choice in some situations, it shouldn’t be the rule. The message for businesses, is to seek advice and recommendations
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on the latest products and solutions available within the market and don’t settle simply for repeat orders.
As a manufacturer and supplier of workwear, our role is two-fold; firstly to understand the intricacies of each and every business and ensure we have solutions to meet these needs and, secondly, to help businesses to make an educated purchasing decision. However our role doesn’t end there, we work with customers through the lifecycle of products and advise on best practice wherever possible.
Monitoring and maintaining staff equipment can of course be time- consuming and costly for a business, but it’s imperative that there are regular safety checks in order to maintain health and safety on site.
In addition, it’s important to consider the general wear and tear of workwear and how a business can engage employees to take care of garments like they would their own clothing. The PPE at Work Regulations 1992 places the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of safety wear onto the employer and, as such, you don’t have to pay tax or national insurance on these items.
In fact, a study in 2014 from the European Textile Services Association (ETSA) highlighted that a massive 92% of people wash workwear at home. However, home washing detergents can damage the fabrics core properties and can impair the fire-retardant, water-resistant and chemical-repellent qualities, highlighting just one example of how better education within the market could help increase safety.
Needless to say, the role of specification and maintenance of workwear can be a difficult issue for some businesses. Our role as manufacturer and distributor of workwear is not only one of supplier but also as educator and advisor. New materials and product innovations provide a constant evolution of product, ensuring the best possible solutions are in place for businesses. And yet, although manufactured with safety and compliance in mind, if the products are not used or maintained correctly businesses will continue to risk the safety of their employees. The message to businesses is to seek advice from the experts and to not be afraid of asking questions, whatever they might be.
www.supertouch.com www.tomorrowshs.com
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