What work clothes should construction and industry professionals choose?

Suitable protective clothing

According to the INRS, the National Institute for Research and Safety, “protective clothing made available to workers must comply with the regulations relating to the design of personal protective equipment and must bear the CE marking”*. Here are the main types of clothing concerned.

Pants

Heavy-duty pants protect employees from dirt and scratches, like those offered by Vetdepro.com. It is important to ensure an exemplary finish, with a high weight and triple stitching to prevent tears. Knee pockets that allow for the insertion of a protective plate are useful for construction professionals or any manual trade such as plumber or carpenter. They absorb the shocks induced by work in a kneeling position. Storage pockets for the tape measure and telephone are necessary. Some work trousers include elastic material that increases freedom of movement.

Les vestes

For jobs that require long hours outdoors, choose a waterproof jacket with a fleece lining and an adjustable hood. Breathable windbreakers work for a wide range of jobs and often come in colours that are associated with those jobs (green for gardening jobs, white for house painters, etc.). Industrial jackets include flame-resistant models for areas exposed to heat and flame, such as metalworking.

Overalls

Overalls and coveralls are among the essential workwear suitable for construction and industrial professions. Bib and brace overalls for pruners and other high-risk professions are most often padded and provide protection against chainsaws, according to standard EN 381-5. Classic work overalls, made of durable cotton, are appreciated for their many storage pockets and the ease of movement they provide.

Safety shoes

Where the food industry requires waterproof rubber boots, the construction and open-air work sectors, such as quarries, require a robust and insulating material to protect employees from the cold and humidity. The European standard EN ISO 20345 includes different protection standards. The S3 level includes an oil-resistant and anti-perforation sole, a shock-absorbing heel and a water-repellent upper. It is also equipped with a shock-absorbing protective toe cap, an essential element for construction site shoes.

*Sources: https://www.inrs.fr/dms/inrs/CataloguePapier/ED/TI-ED-995/ed995.pdf (page 11)