Toolbox Meeting 8 -- PROPER CLOTHING

Unless your job is confined to a highly specialized or unique field, the question of what to wear to work generally boils down to what is warm enough in cold weather and cool enough in warm weather.

Nothing is wrong with that, except that many people do not realize what a close relationship there can be between safety and wearing the right kind of clothing. Let's see:

• Starting at the bottom: it would be foolish for construction workers to think they could wear regular street shoes and remain unharmed for very long; these workers climb up and down ladders, step on and into piles of building material debris, mount and dismount scaffolds, and ascend and descend rough stairwells, just to name a few of the hazards. Safety shoes provide the best protection. o These persons need heavy-duty, rubber-grip-sole shoes, whether working inside or outside.
• These persons need heavy-duty, rubber-grip-sole shoes, whether working inside or outside.
• Inside, the floors can be slippery from oil, grease and various other residue.
• Outside, the terrain that construction people have to work on can be hazardous.
• If a heavy piece of equipment, heavy scaffold plank or other material should drop on a person's foot who is wearing everyday street shoes, the damage would be considerable.
• Next we come to pants and trousers. Never wear trousers with cuffs, as they are easy to get snagged or hung up, causing accidents. o Pants should be comfortable to the body and legs, and heavy enough to afford protection from small flying objects and weather.
• Pants should be comfortable to the body and legs, and heavy enough to afford protection from small flying objects and weather.
• Shirts, like trousers, should be of good material, heavy enough to protect the part of the body they cover from weather and flying debris. Pockets should be button-down. If they are not, they can be as dangerous as trousers with cuffs. The tails should be long so they stay in the trousers, thereby affording protection to the back as well. It is also suggested that an undershirt be worn to absorb perspiration and help prevent the body from becoming chilled.
• For outdoor work in cold weather, you might also wish to wear something over your shirt. This should consist of a formfitting jacket, sweater or whatever is preferred, but should not be tight or uncomfortable. It should not have floppy sleeves, belts or pockets that could snag or get caught, but should have a zipper, because button types snag easier. It should be light and not too long. Remember, all types of thermal clothing are available. They are lightweight and very comfortable to work in, allowing a person to be flexible and not encumbered by several layers of heavy wool or other types of clothing.
• If you overdress for your job, this may restrict necessary movement. But if you underdress, you may be uncomfortable from the weather. Always dress for comfort and safety.

For more information read Section 3.1 - Proper Clothing - in the Elevator Industry Field Employees' Safety Handbook