Working in risky environments may seem like an enticing prospect. However, this dream transforms into a nightmare when you’re not using appropriate protective gear. From helmets to apparel, there are numerous aspects to remember while keeping yourself safe during unprecedented accidents. Australia has stringent legal measures to ensure workers in high-risk jobs remain safe from harm. However, the market has many options for protective gear and purchasing the right one is a daunting task. Workwear such as australian made head protection may not be your first choice, but they should be. Read on to understand what criteria you should remember while purchasing gear
What is Protective Gear?
Protective gear is an all-encompassing term for objects that protect workers from harm. Gear includes clothes, shoes, glasses and head-gear that people working in dangerous or crowded sites require to stay safe.
Why is Protective Gear so Important?
Visibility
Industrial and Public operations usually require individuals to function in large or crowded areas. In such cases, workers must ensure they are visible to make location easier in an emergency. The Australian government has specific standards for visible apparel for workers and fluorescent material for high-visibility workwear. These standards vary for day-time and night-time work.
Force Protection
Heavy items are in constant motion at industrial and construction sites. Unprecedented accidents typically involve mishandling and falling dangers.
In these cases, one must protect vital areas like the head and face to ensure no lives are lost, and helmets are the solution.
Hazard Protection
Risky jobs carry their specific dangers. Woodwork requires hammering, and terrible aim can cost someone more than one finger. However, impact-resistant gloves have come to the rescue. UV protection for day work and eye protection solutions for metal work is also government-mandated.
What to look for while purchasing Protective Helmets?
Helmets are a crucial aspect of protection in any risky work environment. An injury to the brain can be deadly, and protecting the head is the best way to avoid such an occurrence.
However, poor-quality helmets can put someone at greater risk.
Certification
Numerous national and international certifying agencies test products before market introduction, and an agency certification is a mark of quality and safety. These agencies also specify their standards, ensuring the product is verified and sturdy.
Standards
The Australian government has many standards and rules that protective gear manufacturers must follow while marketing innovative protective gear. Under the WorkSafe Act, the government explicitly states that industries must take responsibility for the safety and protection of their employees. While working in high-risk environments, such companies must ensure that there are measures for risk mitigation and safety.
These standards are specific, and companies must ensure that the products they purchase for their employees abide by them.
Home-based Products
Purchasing australian made head protection is a wise choice because home companies understand government safety standards and quality requirements.
Moreover, Australian industries understand climatic conditions and work environments better. This knowledge helps them create comfortable and better-suited protection solutions.
Flexibility and Rigidity
Contrary to popular belief, the hardest helmet is not the safest one.
A heavy helmet could contribute to the impact-generated force, proving deadlier. On the other hand, a helmet that is too flexible can be inefficient in neutralising the force and protecting the head. The perfect balance between flexibility and rigidity is crucial for optimum head protection.
A brittle helmet may shatter on impact, and sharp serrated edges can only place a worker in greater danger.