• • • APPAREL • • •
THE FEEL OF SAFETY
PPE goes beyond helmets and hi-vis. The right boots, kneepads and weatherproof layers can prevent strain, reduce fatigue and protect against long-term injury, keeping engineers comfortable, focused and safe through every shift
By Nick Poulson, UK Sales Manager, Carhartt UK W
hen you think of PPE, it’s easy to picture hard hats, hi-vis vests and safety glasses, the obvious kit that keeps tradespeople
safe from impact and injury. But PPE goes much further than that. It’s also the boots that support your posture, the kneepads that prevent strain, the jacket that keeps you warm and focused on the job, the kit that fits right and doesn’t snag or slip. According to the HSE, construction and electrical trades record some of the UK’s highest rates of workplace injury and ill health. Around 40,000 workers in these sectors are estimated to suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders every year, more than half of all reported ill-health cases. These issues are often dismissed as ‘just part of the job. But they’re not. The truth is, PPE isn’t just about protection, it’s also about prevention. Every electrician knows the job takes more than technical skill. It’s the crawl through ceiling voids, the hours on hard floors, the work in heat, cold or glare. It’s tough on tools, but it’s tougher on the body. When workwear moves properly, cushions impact and allows you to work naturally, it can dramatically help prevent fatigue, strain and accidents before they start. Comfort, flexibility and good design are just as vital as compliance labels.
The unseen strain
Anyone who’s spent years wiring sockets, clipping cables or installing lighting knows the toll the work takes on knees and joints. Lower limb
disorders are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries in construction and electricians aren’t immune. Repeated kneeling on hard floors or uneven
surfaces can cause bursitis (which causes pain, tenderness and dull aches around the knee joint), cartilage damage and, potentially over time, osteoarthritis. It can be a slow, silent process: stiffness first, then pain, then less movement. Many keep working through it, hoping it will ease up, but the nature of the job often makes things worse, not better.
The good news is that so much of that strain can be reduced. According to the HSE, the best way to lower the risk is to design work differently. Rotating tasks, varying positions and using proper protection for joints and muscles all help reduce strain. Use low stools where possible or put down anti-fatigue mats and take short stretch breaks. It’s about thinking ‘prevention’ before injury sets in.
Small fixes
Kneepads are one of the simplest and most effective bits of kit out there. When choosing kneepads, look for EN 14404 certification, which confirms protection levels for tradespeople. Level 1 pads are tested for use on flat or uneven surfaces and provide basic puncture resistance. Level 2 pads are thicker and more shock-absorbent, designed for prolonged kneeling or rough surfaces such as concrete or rebar.
10 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • OCTOBER 2025
Kneepads absorb impact, distribute weight and protect against sharp debris. But like any PPE, they only work if they fit properly. The best pads move with you not against you, are lightweight, flexible and stay in place so they don’t bunch or slip. Carhartt’s Interoperable Kneepads, for example, use polyethylene foam that moulds naturally to the knee, staying secure in trouser pockets. But brand aside, the key advice is simple: choose and use certified protection and replace worn pads regularly.
On your feet
If knees bear the brunt of kneeling, feet take the weight of everything else. The average tradesperson walks several miles a day, often across uneven ground, scaffolds, cables and debris. Proper footwear is the foundation of safety. All safety boots sold in the UK must meet BS EN ISO 20345 standards and there are various ratings within that. SB means basic safety, including toe protection up to 200 joules. S1 also has anti-static resistance, fuel oil resistance and energy absorption in the heel which is good for dry indoor work. S2 adds water resistance to the upper, making it suitable for damp or outdoor conditions. S3 includes all S2 features plus midsole puncture protection which is essential for anyone working outdoors where nails or screws could be underfoot. For electricians, S1 or S3-rated composite-toe boots are often the smart choice. Composite materials like fibreglass or plastic are
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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