How Proper Workplace Attire Can Reduce Injuries

According to the United States Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “Under the OSH law, employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace.” Employers must prioritize employee safety on the job by providing all employees with the proper workplace attire, educating employees, and enforcing the proper use of protective equipment to help reduce injuries. 

Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), private industry employers reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2019 and 2.7 million in 2020. OSHA has reported that 70.9% of hand and arm injuries could have been prevented if the injured person had been wearing safety gloves. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), 90% of eye injuries (on- and off-the-job) could have been prevented by safety eyewear.

Reducing Accidents on Construction Sites

Safety on the job has long been a concern in the construction industry. As you can imagine, with countless things happening simultaneously on a construction site, accidents are going to happen. However, what you will find interesting is that injuries in the construction industry are on a steady decline thanks to the proper attire being worn. Reflective and high visibility items make it easier to see people and therefore, prevent injury. On construction sites, it’s also important that protective equipment is worn to protect workers from injuries as a result of fire, electricity, and more. Preventing accidents on every job site, no matter how small or large, should be a priority for everyone in the construction industry – beginning with employers. Some safety apparel that is important to this industry includes:

• High visibility vests
• High visibility shirts, jackets, hoodies, sweatshirts, polos, etc.
• Hard hats
• Safety boots
• Gloves
• Protective eyewear
• Earplugs and noise-canceling devices
• And more

Healthcare Workers Require Protective Apparel

Another industry where on-the-job safety is critical to preventing accidents is the medical field. Everyone from hospital workers to doctors, nurses, physical therapists, dentists, etc. needs the proper attire. They are dealing with patients, slick floors, electrical equipment, body fluids, and even hazardous materials daily. These are the best items to keep medical workers safe:

• Scrubs, lab coats, smocks, etc. that are durable and protective
• Protective Eyewear
• Non-slip, closed-toe shoes
• Face masks
• Disposable gloves
• And more

Other Industries Also Need Proper Attire to Reduce Workplace Injuries

Other types of businesses also have to worry about reducing workplace injuries including offices and restaurants. In fact, office workers are twice as likely to trip and fall than any other kind of worker. Whether this is a result of carelessly leaving boxes or extension cords in the way, serious injuries could result. And imagine a busy restaurant with a full kitchen staff working during the dinner rush, everyone is full-speed ahead making it almost impossible to get through the night without a cut, burn, or other injuries. Not surprisingly, restaurant workers are second on the list for slip and fall accidents on the job. 

• Uniforms – In an office, anything that allows employees to move around comfortably should be okay. This could include branded polo shirts, etc. but in a restaurant, employees need to be dressed in proper culinary uniforms for their safety and food safety. Depending on the role each employee plays, hairnets, gloves, aprons, and other such items may also be necessary.
• Shoes – Typically, office jobs don’t require special footwear but if your office workers also have to go out in the field or into a warehouse, it might make sense to consider other shoes to prevent injuries. There is no doubt that closed-toe, non-slip shoes are a must in a restaurant kitchen. 

Everyone must dress for their job with attire that will protect them and keep them safe. There are too many preventable injuries that occur every year but research has shown that proper attire can help reduce workplace injuries. Keep your business accident- and injury-free by educating your team members and ensuring everyone is wearing the proper attire before they begin their shift. Your local Fully Promoted team can help your business order all of the necessary attire to help your business reduce accidents and injuries this year.