Home
News
UK Regulations You Should Know About Workwear and Safety Gear
Prev
Best Workwear Brands Trusted by UK Tradespeople
Why UK Businesses Are Switching to Smart Custom Workwear
Next
UK Regulations You Should Know About Workwear and Safety Gear

UK Regulations You Should Know About Workwear and Safety Gear

Date:
Posted By:

In the case of work wear in the UK, it is not only that the workwear should give a professional image; the workwear should ensure the person is on the safe side of compliance, safety, and work readiness in the UK. However, at Smart Workwear, we get it; it can be utterly confusing, that is, unless you own a small business or you are an HR manager keen on equipping a team. In this post, we are going to unpack the key UK law and regulations you should be aware of relating to work wear and protection equipment and some advice on what you can do to ensure you are being compliant but, also keep your workers happy and contented and able to work effectively.

Why UK Workwear Regulations Matter

It does not matter whether you run a construction crew, kitchen staff, or warehouse team; UK regulations cannot stop at compliance; this is a legal affair. There are significant punishments that can be imposed as a penalty caused by non-adherence to the specifications; i.e., the construction could be struck by fines and tarnishing its reputation and result in accidents that could occur on-site.

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, as amended in 2022, are a legal requirement, according to which employers must provide their employees with proper protective clothing and equipment at no charge. That ranges from high-vest jackets, headwear, aprons and tabards to match the hazards of the particular job.

Key Regulations Governing Workwear and Safety Gear

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations

These provisions are imposed on any workplace where there is the possibility of introducing harm to the health or safety of the employees. Employers must:

  • Evaluate hazards that may occur at the workplace.

  • Put on CE-marked PPE that is appropriate to the task.

  • Keep PPE in good shape and keep it in size.

This also involves such necessary ones as the high-visibility jackets to be seen, head protection, aprons and tabards (food and healthcare).

2. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

This umbrella act turns it on the employer to look after the health, safety and welfare of the employees. This can be done by the provision of adequate work wear, dress, and gear which minimises hazards, particularly where dealing with fire, chemicals, or heavy machinery.

Types of Compliant Workwear You Should Consider

As you choose the workwear bundles to give to your team members, you should maintain a good balance between safety rules and comfort. It looks like this:

High Visibility Workwear

  • Critical to the work of construction workers, warehouse workers, and roadside labourers.

  • Contain high-visibility jackets, trousers and coats with reflective tape.

  • Has to be up to EN ISO 20471 standards.

Protective Headwear

  • Mandatory in building sites and any area with the risk of falling objects.

  • Hard hats have to follow the BS EN 397.

Flame-Resistant Clothing

  • In welding, foundry and electrical work.

  • Should be tested to the EN ISO 11612.

Kitchen and Healthcare Workwear

  • Key: non-slip footwear, breathable fabrics, aprons and tabards.

  • Take into consideration dresses in workwear as they are comfortable and hygienic.

How to Stay Compliant Without Breaking the Bank

Being a company owner myself, I am aware that it may be difficult to set aside money to buy team gear. And that is where Smart Workwear enters the stage. Our affordable workwear packages and bundle deals will do more than ensure your team stays secure by staying within the rules and regulations of workwear requirements at a reasonable cost.

Here are a few tips:

  • Purchase in packs: Seek bundle deals that are specific to functions.

  • Audit commonly: Provide a review of existing PPE and change out tired or old equipment.

  • Educate your employees: Staff have to know why it should be used and maintained properly.

Expert Insights

We interviewed Liam H., a Health & Safety Consultant, and he has more than 10 years of experience:

“The biggest issue I see is companies using the wrong type of gear for the job. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work for PPE. Employers need to match the gear to the task and the individual.”

Such a tip will reaffirm the necessity of employers not only choosing the type of work attire carefully but also following the proper training and inspection regimes as well.

Final Thoughts

But it is not only important to understand the UK rules on workwear and safety equipment to avoid fines, it is also important because of the safety of your staff and to develop a safety culture. Whether it be hi-vest jackets, aprons and tabards, Smart Workwear can provide you with reliable and more popular jackets that you must have to be compliant easier than ever before.

When it comes to replacing the gear or searching for inexpensive workwear sets, keep in mind the idea that compliance and comfort can co-exist.