Construction workers have very laborious and psychically demanding jobs. They are often required to be on their feet for many hours per day, sometimes in the worst of weather conditions. They are also tasked with climbing many stories or going deep into the dirt. Although some eventually get used to the working conditions, it is important to find clothing that makes you as comfortable as possible. Work uniforms might be required, but workers usually have freedom as to the specific items they choose. You can increase your daily comfort with the following work attire items.
Cotton safety shirts
Your undershirt is unlikely to be seen throughout the day. You probably have to wear a large jacket or vest over it, but this does not mean that you should just choose any undershirt. This is the item that will be closest to your body, so it should be as comfortable as possible. It is also the one clothing item that you have complete freedom over, as it cannot be seen on the outside. Choose a cotton safety shirt that is both comfortable and safe. Go with something that is sweat wicking and temperature controlled. You will appreciate the comfortable shirt underneath your work outfit.
Safety work pants
Construction work pants are often decided by the construction company. However, they usually specify a brand, but allow workers to choose the materials or colors that are most comfortable to them. Safety work pants should have safety aspects, including being waterproof. They should also be of a lighter color if you are going to be spending a lot of time outdoors in the sun. Safety work pants should also be comfortable. Choose a size that fits you for optimal comfort, but is also not too large so that they are unsafe.
High visibility clothing items
Work clothing items can also be both comfortable and highly visible. Many construction workers are completing work projects in dangerous places, such as in the middle of the road. You want to make sure that you are easily seen by drivers. This requires high visibility clothing items like high visibility jackets and fluorescent vests. The good thing about fluorescent vests is that they can easily be worn on top of a comfortable high visibility winter jacket or over safety work pants. High visibility clothing items should be worn daily, as you never know when the weather will change and visibility conditions will decrease.
Safe and comfortable work shoes
Work shoes are also often recommended. Most construction companies recommend a certain brand, but workers must find a type and size that fits best. Workers can also add in inserts for comfort. The shoes might be the single most thing that affect a worker?s comfort throughout the day. While the average person may walk 10,000 steps a day, a construction worker or laborer may walk more than 30,000. If you want to prevent feet problems or foot injuries, it is extremely important that you invest in a good pair of work shoes.
Breathable reflective raingear
Rain or snow, construction workers work through it all. It can be very uncomfortable to work throughout the day if your clothing is soaking wet. For this reason, it is always a good idea to have breathable reflective raingear, including jackets and boots to get through a rainy and wet day. Many workers forget about rain gear and never realize that wet conditions can also increase the danger. According to the Institute for Work and Health in Canada, a new employee in their first month of work has more than three times the risk for a lost time injury than others. Always make sure you are prepared.
Construction workers are exposed daily to dangerous and uncomfortable work situations. Choosing uniform and clothing items that are both comfortable and safe is important. Almost one third of nonfatal work injuries in the year 2013 that required time away were from employees with less than one year of service. Carefully choose your uniform items and remember that you need to make your job as comfortable and safe as possible.
