How to Choose the Right Workwear for Safety Compliance
Industries like construction, manufacturing, and rural building are risky, and workplace accidents are often commonplace. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction sector alone accounts for over 46% of all fatal slips, trips, and falls.
Given the high stakes, it’s no wonder regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) provide essential safety guidelines. In part, those guidelines specify how workers should use personal protective equipment (PPE) and workwear.
In addition to adhering to OSHA and ASTM guidelines, selecting a trustworthy PPE supplier can help you secure your workers’ safety. American-made workwear is often known for its superior quality and durability, making it a wise investment for employers who need long-lasting PPE. Designed to meet rigorous standards, it provides consistent protection in unpredictable environments.
This guide explains these standards, with specifics on selecting the appropriate workwear to protect workers and meet compliance rules.
What Are OSHA Standards for Workwear?
Established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA is a key player in establishing and maintaining safe and healthy workplaces. OSHA has checks and balances in place to prevent workplace illnesses, injuries, and fatalities. Toward that end, the agency ensures workers have the right PPE best suited to their work environments.
Practical Applications of OSHA Standards
For industries like construction, where injury risks are higher, OSHA mandates certain types of PPE designed to protect workers from common workplace hazards. The PPE must not only be readily available but must also meet or exceed the standards set by the American National Standards Institute. Depending on the job, PPE may include:
• Eye, face, head, hand, and foot protection
• Respiratory protection
• Head protection
• Electrical protective equipment
• Personal fall protection systems
OSHA also specifies guidelines for implementing PPE. Employers are responsible for conducting risk assessments, selecting the appropriate PPE for the job, ensuring employees abide by PPE requirements, and more. While the guidelines can be overwhelming, it’s essential to comply with them to keep workers safe and avoid costly fines and other consequences.
What Is ASTM, and How Does It Differ From OSHA?
While OSHA sets legally mandated requirements for workplace safety, including PPE, ASTM focuses on voluntary consensus standards. These standards specify performance criteria and testing methods for materials used in PPE, including the physical, mechanical, and chemical makeup of fabrics, fibers, and textiles.
With ASTM, there are clear standards for testing and evaluating textiles. From wool, cotton, and other natural fibers to synthetic materials like glass strands, each type of material should meet performance and safety requirements. This rigorous process ensures that PPE can perform optimally in hazardous situations, whether a fire, chemical exposure, or a low-visibility environment.
While following ASTM protocols may be voluntary, doing so can help employers provide the safest possible working environment for employees. Knowing how PPE performs in real-world scenarios enables employers to choose the most appropriate PPE for each role — from construction workers using heavy equipment to rural builders exposed to unpredictable weather conditions.
How OSHA and ASTM Complement Each Other
OSHA regulations focus on ensuring that employers provide the necessary PPE to protect workers from potential hazards. However, OSHA does not typically detail the performance requirements for specific protective gear.
In contrast, ASTM standards aim to put PPE to the test — like a crash test for a vehicle. After all, providing PPE isn’t just about checking off a box for compliance. It’s about shielding workers from the dangers they encounter every day on the job.
When you know how PPE holds up against flames, chemicals, electrical hazards, and other threats, you can equip workers with workwear designed to withstand the specific demands of each environment.
Additionally, adhering to both OSHA and ASTM standards will give you greater peace of mind, knowing your workers have a complete line of defense against a wide range of risks. Ultimately, you’ll ensure the PPE will perform effectively under stress, safeguarding employees in even the most dangerous conditions.
Choosing the Right Workwear for Safety Compliance
Selecting the right workwear for your crew should start with a detailed workplace risk assessment. Identifying potential hazards will help you determine what type of protective clothing your workers need.
Choosing Appropriate Workwear Materials
Use your risk assessment to determine the right materials for your PPE, such as flame-resistant, moisture-wicking, or chemical-resistant fabrics. You can look to various ASTM standards to identify the most appropriate PPE for various situations. For example, ASTM F903-24 tests how well materials resist liquids.
Ensuring Proper Fit and Comfort
Consider durability, breathability, and tear resistance, too. Although personal protection is the primary goal, you’ll want your workers to be comfortable on the job. Workwear that fits well and doesn’t restrict movement will help your workers move freely and avoid getting injured.
Regular Maintenance and Inspection
Your safety compliance tasks don’t end with purchasing the right workwear. OSHA mandates regular inspections of PPE and replacement of any damaged or worn PPE. With proper care and maintenance, you can extend the life of workwear while offering protection and meeting safety standards.
Why American-Made Workwear Is a Smart Choice for Safety Compliance
Whether you need flame-resistant workwear or high-visibility clothing, familiarizing yourself with safety standards and committing to regular inspections will help you keep your crew safe. With American-made workwear, you get the added benefit of reliability, durability, and a commitment to ethical manufacturing that meets the highest safety standards. RB
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with over 100 clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Warrick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.
