Workwear, Safety & Comfort

How to choose your safety and comfort equipment at work?

This category includes safety shoes, head, eye and hearing protection, workwear, gloves, harnesses, respiratory solutions, and comfort accessories. A shoe or PPE should not be chosen based on its appearance: it must address identified risks, be properly fitted, and compatible with other equipment worn.

The four fundamental criteria

• The risk: falls, impacts, cuts, noise, dust, slipperiness, or lack of visibility require different types of protection.
• The level of protection: check standards, classes, materials, and limits mentioned on the product sheet and in the documentation.
• The size: precisely measure feet, head, hands, or body circumference to avoid displacement, compression, and discomfort.
• Compatibility: ensure that helmets, glasses, masks, clothing, and harnesses work together without creating interference.

Which equipment for which position?

Shoes are the primary need for many standing or mobile jobs, but their sole, toe cap, and resistance must match the ground and the hazard. Work involving projections or noise requires targeted protection. High-visibility clothing addresses a signaling need, while comfort accessories can accompany the workday without replacing a preventative measure or medical advice.

Usage and replacement tips

Conduct a risk analysis before purchasing and follow employer rules. Try on the equipment with other items worn, adjust it according to the instructions, and inspect it before each use. Clean it without altering its properties and replace it after an impact, on the scheduled date, or as soon as wear compromises its function. In case of doubt, ask the safety representative for advice.

Key takeaway: the right equipment is one that covers a specific risk, fits correctly, and remains worn throughout the exposure.