Safety jacket is one of the critical personal protective equipment (P.P.E). They must be fit, comfortable, and durable. However, when buying a good safety jacket, quality should be given a priority. And good quality safety jackets protect employees and workers from different workplace hazards. A worker feels both protected and comfortable while performing a task. When he feels safe, he is laser focussed on the task at hand. Thus, providing good quality safety jackets benefits the employees and safeguards their well-being.
Workplace accidents are common in Dubai. In Expo 2020 Dubai, three workers had died and 72 were seriously hurt during six years of construction, defending its accident rate as less than half that of building work in Britain. So only good quality personal protective equipment (P.P.E) with all the good features can keep the workers safe and minimize accidents.
There are multiple types of good quality safety jackets available in the Dubai market. Buying good quality safety jackets with all the good features is challenging. However, there are certain features your safety team must consider before buying good quality safety jackets for your workforce. First get in touch with a reputed and trusted supplier in Dubai which is known for delivering good quality personal protective equipment (P.P.E) and then make a decision.
Good quality safety jackets must be highly visible, fit, comfortable, durable, light-weight, etc. There are other features as well. Let’s look at the different features to consider in good quality safety jackets
Here’s how to buy the right safety jacket for your workforce.
Important Features To Consider While Buying Safety Jackets:
Comfort & Fit
Any discomfort after wearing a safety jacket may negatively impact the worker’s performance. It may also put the worker’s life in danger. The discomfort may distract the workers and he will be more busy adjusting the safety jacket instead of performing the task. So comfort and fitting are crucial features in good quality safety jackets. Workers who feel comfortable in their safety jacket will also feel safe and will be laser focused on the task at hand. Anyone who feels comfortable in their safety jacket will be ready to wear it consistently and for even longer hours without complaining. So as an employer you must select good quality safety jackets with adjustable cuffs, ventilation panels, and well-placed pockets that enhances the overall comfort and functionality of the jacket, without compromising the safety & ease of movement.
Durability
Workers in construction or any other industrial workplace settings operate in a risky and challenging environment. They are surrounded with every possible danger that poses a serious threat to their well-being. So they must be provided with good quality safety jackets that are strong & durable enough to withstand any wear, pressure, or damage. Strong enough to keep them protected and durable enough to combat heat, water, fire, dust, wind and hazardous material. Only good quality safety jackets made with quality material enhance its durability and effectiveness. Get in touch with a supplier who delivers good quality safety jackets manufactured with high-quality, durable fabrics such as polyester and nylon. Safety jackets made with polyester and nylon offer resistance to abrasions, tears, and harsh weather conditions, ensuring that the jacket remains a reliable safety wear for a longer time.
Visibility
You may have come across workers or traffic policemen wearing bright and fluorescent colored jackets. These jackets offer protection as well as high visibility. You can spot a person wearing high visibility safety jackets from very far away. So high visibility is the most crucial feature to consider when buying a safety jacket. These jackets come in bright and fluorescent colors, such as orange or yellow, making workers easily identifiable in low-light and foggy weather conditions. Collisions and accidents are common in Low visibility working environments. So provide your workforce with good quality hi vis safety jackets. Specifically go for bright and fluorescent color safety jackets with reflective strips or tapes that offer maximum protection & high visibility.
Material & Quality Fabric
Durability and effectiveness of any good quality safety jackets mostly depends on the type and quality of the material & fabric used. Good quality material enhances the overall functionally of safety jackets and thus makes them a reliable personal protective equipment enough to keep the wearer protected. There are a variety of good quality safety jackets available in the Dubai market. Different manufacturers use different materials, each with its own set of features & characteristics. Though the best choice depends on the specific needs and your working environment. The following materials and fabrics are commonly used to make good quality safety jackets:
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Poly-Cotton Blends
- High-Visibility Fabrics
- Waterproof and Water-Resistant Fabrics
- Flame-Resistant Fabrics
- Breathable Fabrics
- Ripstop Fabrics
- Antistatic Fabrics
- Mesh Fabrics
Lightweight vs Heavyweight
Lightweight safety jackets are the best choice for any type of working environment. However, if your working environment demands high agility and flexibility then lightweight safety jackets become a necessity for your workforce. Benefits of lightweight safety jackets are plenty. These are comfortable, exert minimal pressure on the wearer, and the design offers ease of movement. Workers can move freely without feeling any discomfort or stuck in their safety jackets. The lightweight enhances the comfort factor, improving the overall experience & well-being of the workforce. So make sure to buy good quality safety jackets that not only meet the safety standards but also provide maximum comfort throughout the workday so every worker feels safe and can focus on their tasks with confidence.
Compliance with Safety Standards
The best way to ensure safety and well-being of your workforce is to comply with the industry specific safety and legal requirements. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has different regulations for different personal protective equipments (P.P.E). According to OSHA, employers have the choice of using a variety of reflectorized colors for these vests. For daytime work, the flagger’s vest, shirt, or jacket shall be orange, yellow, strong yellow green or fluorescent versions of these colors. For nighttime work, similar outside garments shall be retro reflective. The retro reflective material shall be orange, yellow, white, silver, strong yellow-green, or a fluorescent version of one of these colors and shall be visible at a minimum distance of 1,000 feet.
So as an employer it’s your duty to meet or exceed these standards.
Weather resistant
In some working environments, the weather often fluctuates. Good quality safety jackets must be durable enough to withstand any weather conditions. However, inspect the working environment and consider the climate before investing in safety jackets. Good quality safety jackets have weather-resistant features and can withstand extreme heat, cold, rain and wind etc. If the climate is too cold, jackets with insulation are essential to keep the wearer comfortably warm in chilly conditions. While breathable and lightweight safety jackets ensure comfort and protection in warmer environments.
Extra Features
The three key factors that distinguish high-quality safety jackets from the ordinary ones are comfort, safety, and convenience. Good quality safety jackets that offer extra convenience and features will be in more demand. Look for safety jackets that have some extra features like:
- Customization
- Branding option to incorporate company logos, employee names, or additional safety information
- Adjustable cuffs
- Ventilation panels
- Pockets to carry tools, devices, or personal items.
Conclusion
In 2023 and beyond, Dubai will witness rapid growth and development. The city expects a significant rise in high-profile construction and other industrial projects. The monumental scale of these projects emphasizes the crucial role of workplace safety. Therefore, the demand for good quality personal protective equipment (P.P.E) will only increase from here on. However, when buying safety jackets always look for the following features: comfort and fit, durability, high visibility, quality material and fabric, weather resistant, extra features like pockets and storage etc. Also consider the climate and your working environment before making a decision. Meeting the safety and legal requirements is important too. As an employer, selecting the good quality safety jackets for your workforce is your responsibility. So equip your workforce with effective and reliable safety gear and promote a culture of safety within your organization.
