kalpesh Solanki

Choosing the right workwear for your job or industry is absolutely crucial. While there are many factors which go into deciding the right workwear for your business, we will focus on the most common ones in this article- depending on whether you are a plumber, an electrician, a builder or a chippie:

How Safety Regulations Affect Choice of Workwear

Depending on the job, understandably, safety is the most important consideration when it comes to equipping your staff with the right workwear. Construction, maintenance or other high-pressure environments call for choosing the right safety gear. This is necessitated both, by the work environment and also, by regulations. Good quality, safety hi vis workwear that is functional and fit-for-purpose makes workers feel safer, resulting in fewer workplace injuries which benefits everybody in the long run. Safer and more confident staff in quality personal protective clothing (PPC) means lower fatigue, better productivity, and a more ingrained culture of workplace safety & well-being.

If you work in one of the following industries, then you will need to wear Hi-vis safety workwear as part of your uniform:

• Construction workers
• Truck drivers
• Warehouse workers
• Road and rail workers

Hi-vis workwear regulations are outlined in the AS/NZS standards. Here is a broad overview of the two most relevant standards on hi-visibility workwear in Australia:

AS/NZS 1906.4.2010

This standard covers hi-visibility fabrics and retro-reflective materials performance requirements- for example, chromaticity levels-

Workwear pants are tough, durable, and offer practical benefits, however selecting the right workwear pants can be quite challenging for many. The perfect work pants should not only keep you comfortable while working outdoors or on a chaotic construction site, but it should also provide some protection. Regardless of where you work, the right work pants should be hard wearing and comfortable.

Selecting work pants shouldn’t be a challenge, but in reality, choosing pants can seem like a daunting task. The reason is simple – you shouldn’t have to buy expensive pants that don’t fulfil your expectations; like coming apart at the seams or lasting only for a few days.

When you shop for your workwear in Melbourne, you may be influenced by promises of famous brands and be tempted to buy the most expensive one right away. However, it is best to select your work pants only after carefully considering various factors before making your decision.

Factors to Consider Before Buying Workwear Pants

When selecting professional clothing, you don’t have to compromise style for comfort. It is possible to strike the right balance between both.

In this article, we will guide you through each step of the entire process to make finding the right work pants easier for you. Here are the main factors to consider before buying pants:

Durability:

The first factor to consider is durability, especially if you are going to wear pants for outdoor or construction sites. When buying work pants, let durability trump the price tag.

Work pants should last for at least six months to one year – even if you work in challenging conditions such as construction sites. However, durability is not only about value for money, durable work pants will give you an additional level of protection during work. Some work pants also offer water and flame-resistance features. W

Wearing clean and tidy medical scrubs is crucial for a professional appearance and imperative for the safety and the health of your patients, whether you are in a medical school or a practicing nurse or doctor.

Keeping your medical clothing in a mint condition and making them last longer requires some extra effort and care than your daily wardrobe. Knowing how to care for your medical scrubs will ensure they look better, last longer, and protect you and your patients from bacteria.

How to Keep Your Scrubs Looking Best For Longer

Well, the only way your medical clothing will last a few seasons is by how you care for them.

The regular wash, rinse, and dry method would not do the trick for your medical scrubs. They need special care and regular upkeep. Scrubs are worn almost every day, and they might eventually get worn out. The only way to make your scrubs last is by putting in the extra time and effort in disinfecting and bringing them back to their prime for your next shift.

• Read the Label for Care Instructions

You might think it’s unnecessary to talk about it, but you would be surprised to know just how many avoid reading the instructions. Care instructions give you precise information on how to wash and care for your scrubs.

• Turn Garments Inside out Before Washing

Turning your garments inside out before washing is a time-tested method of preserving the colour integrity and longevity of the fabric. By doing so, you prevent excessive pilling or abrasion to the surface of the fabric. Pilling is caused by regular wear and tear of the garment. And, even though it doesn’t impact the functionality of the medical uniforms, pilling can make the garments look unsightly and worn out.

Additionally, it is important to dry the scrubs inside out

When it comes to workwear in trade industries, it is important to find something that is safe, professional looking, and well-fitting.

However, surveys have revealed that many women in trade industries have found it difficult to find suitable workwear that are designed for female workers. Three out of five women said they have worn workwear designed for men, while others admitted they have worn casual or non-safety clothing on sites due to the lack of better options.

This is concerning and a potential safety hazard, as ill-fitting clothes that are large and too loose are not only uncomfortable, but can be caught in a machine or an equipment and cause accidents.

At WorkArmour, we understand the importance of making high quality, comfortable and stylish workwear easily accessible to women.

Our women’s workwear comes in various sizes to ensure you are able to find the right fit. These garments are durable and well designed, keeping women workers comfortable and safe while at the job site.

Our range of women’s workwear currently includes:

Ladies Lightweight Long Sleeve Closed Front Cotton Work Shirt

This half placket cotton drill shirt with contrast buttons is available in five bright colours – Cobalt Blue, Cream, Crimson Red, Electric Green, and Pink. Features include twin needle stitching with reinforced stress points, two front pockets with button down flaps, and left pocket with pen divide. It is suitable for various applications, and the UPF Rating 50

Having the proper attire at work is extremely important, as it gives the staff team a more presentable and professional appearance when dealing with customers.

For health professionals, wearing the right medical uniform is even more crucial as it helps patients identify a doctor or a nurse. In a hectic environment such as a hospital, where patients and their families may not be in a very good frame of mind due to stress, worry or pain, being able to quickly know who the medical professional is will help in providing some assurance and in soothing anxiety.

Besides that, medical uniforms also allow the staff members to feel part of a team, which can boost team spirit and improve productivity.

There are many types of medical uniforms available in the market, but not all are of good quality. Here are some things to look out for when choosing a good medical uniform for you and your team:

Quality

Medical uniforms and scrubs will not only be used a lot, but also be exposed to all kinds of bodily fluids and substances. This in turn translates to frequent and harsh cleaning methods for sanitisation. If you want a medical scrub that can last a long time, look for good quality fabric, strong seams, and reinforced stress points.

The fabric of your scrub will also affect how breathable it will be. Depending on the environment you are working in, you may prefer something warmer or more lightweight and cool.

Fit

When choosing your medical garment, check that it does not restrict your movement in any way. A well-fitted medical scrub and uniform will allow you to move easily and stay active for long hours without getting uncomfortable. Some scrubs come with side splits for extra comfort and flexibility.

One of the most common causes of accidents in the workplace is poor visibility. Employees who operate or work around vehicles and heavy machinery, as well as those who may need to work during the night or during bad weather, face a higher risk of work-related accidents.

For their safety and protection, these workers should wear the right garments, such as hi visibility workwear, to ensure they are highly visible at all times on site.

What is Hi Vis Workwear?

Hi Visibility or Hi Vis workwear refers to a type of clothing that is specially made to keep employees visible and safe. These items are made with fluorescent or highly reflective materials so they can be easily seen against almost any background. Hi Vis safety wear comes in a wide range, including jackets, vests, coveralls, shirts, and helmets.

Hi Vis workwear is recommended for anyone who works with or around machines and vehicles, especially in industries such as construction, traffic management, transportation, manufacturing, warehousing, towing, and more.

Understanding Australian Hi Vis Standards

It is important to keep up to date with the latest safety standards for your industry in Australia, so you can ensure the safety of you and your staff, as well as avoid unnecessary fines and penalties.

There are several Australian standards to comply with when it comes to hi visibility garments:

AS/NZ 4602.1

This standard must be met by all hi visibility garments used for high-risk applications, which includes exposure to hazards such as moving vehicles, equipment, and other high-risk situations. In this standard, there are three different classes for different times of day:

Work boots are an important part of your workwear, and it is crucial to find one that can provide you with the protection and support you need. After all, you will be wearing these footwear for hours in a day, and the last thing you’d want is to suffer from feet and back pain or injuries due to unsuitable work boots.

To help you pick the best pair, here are five essential things to look out for when shopping for work boots:

Good Fit

It is critical to find boots that fit properly. One that is not in the right size will negatively affect your comfort and flexibility while at work, and may result in painful blisters as well.

Some tips to keep in mind when trying on work boots:

• Make sure they are not overly tight or loose
• Try to wear the same type of socks that you will wear on the job
• Check if the boot flexes at the ball of your foot
• Walk a few steps to test if it is comfortable
• Remember that your feet will swell during the day, and that the boots can accommodate that

When buying online, be sure to check the fitting or size guide carefully, as different brands may have slight differences in sizing. Also take a look at the website’s return and exchange policies, just in case you end up with a pair of boots that do not quite fit.

Construction Material

The material that your boots are constructed from will affect their durability, comfort and flexibility. Work boots can be made from various types of materials, such as leather, rubber, nylon, and plastic. Each of these materials has its own advantages, so you need to determine which material suits your work application and environment best.

Leather

When working in demanding jobs for commercial and industrial sectors, quality footwear is a necessity to ensure you can do your job comfortably and safely.

Magnum boots are known for their strength and for being comfortable to wear. These high-quality, lightweight boots are a first choice footwear solution for workers in law enforcement, military, fire & rescue, healthcare, service, and construction and industrial sectors.

The first Magnum boot was created in the US in 1982, when the FBI training centre required lightweight, athletic and comfortable tactical boots. Since then, Magnum has extended its footwear capabilities, and you can now find different options suited for various climates to match the style and uniform requirements for various industries.

Magnum boots can now be found in over 100 countries, as they continue to innovate and lead the industry in creating the best ‘Fit for Purpose’ footwear.

WorkArmour Solutions are an authorised supplier of Magnum boots in Australia, and we offer a wide range of Magnum safety and work shoes, including:

Precision Max Side Zip Composite Toe Waterproof I-Shield Work Boot Wheat

These boots come with a PU insole to provide maximum comfort and support, as well as fast wicking lining for moisture management. The waterproof breathable Clarino microfibre upper and MAG-Dry technology waterproof membrane keep your feet dry and comfortable, with the I-Shield repelling water and dirt and making the boots resistant to stains. These boots also feature YKK side

When working on the job, ensuring that you’re protected in as many ways as possible should be your number one priority. With new, innovative technology, you can invest in workwear that protects you when working in petro-chemical, electrical, oil, welding, fire services and molten metals industries. Flamebuster® workwear serves to protect you on the job with quality, flame-resistant clothing made from the world’s leading flame-retardant Clothing.

There are two main clothing lines in the Flamebuster® brand: Ranger Wildlands and Torrent Arc Flash.

The Ranger Wildlands Fire Fighting Garments are specially designed for land owners and workers who may be exposed to open flames while fighting Australia’s notorious bushfires. The Ranger Wildlands products are made in 100% cotton Proban FR treated. Both the fabric and ensemble have been tested to meet AS/NZS 4824:2006 Protective Clothing for Wildland Firefighting standard. The Lime color with Silver FR reflective tape sets this ensemble apart from most, if not all, State Fire Agencies. Generous unisex fitting enable quick “don-doff” in case of emergency while protecting against radiant heat. The Ranger Wildlands ensemble is reasonably priced and should be an essential part of any Bushfire Preparedness Kit.

The Torrent Arc Flash range is made for the demands of everyday workwear, and these highly visible flame resistant clothing are tough wearing without compromising on safety or comfort. The Arc Flash selection protects workers against the effects of flash fire or arc flash events, which includes exposure to naked flames. The Torrent Arc-flash garments are made from lightweight and high performing fabrics that are ideal for Australian conditions. Those who potentially work with live electricity

Working pregnant women deserve to have access to maternity workwear that’s high-quality, comfortable, and looks good. Many women tend to wear oversized shirts when working, but this can be a safety concern due to the fact that loose material on the body can lead to possible on-site accidents. This is why hi vis maternity workwear is important, providing durable, well-fitting, and appropriate for pregnant women to stay safe while comfortable on the job.

At WorkArmour Solutions, we carry stylish and safety-compliant Workcraft™ maternity workwear that allows for a growing belly. Workcraft™ aims to provide modern, quality workwear solutions suitable for a variety of industries. The brand’s garments are highly regarded for its ease of movement, comfortability, and high quality solutions to meet workwear standards. Workcraft™ maternity workwear gets the job done by providing comfortable, reliable and well-fitting ladieswear to meet modern-day work standards.

Our maternity workwear selection includes:

Maternity Lightweight Hi Vis Two Tone Long Sleeve Vented Cotton Drillshirt with CSR Reflective Tape

This lightweight hi vis maternity drillshirt comes with CSR1325 reflective tape that is suitable for domestic wash. Made from 100% Cotton Drill 155 gsm fabric, the garment also features vented underarms and back yoke, making it suitable for use in warmer weather. The front box pleats allows room for a growing belly, and the garment complies with AS/NZS 4602:1:2011.