How to Choose the Right Safety Jacket for Your Employees

Companies should never take chances when it comes to employee safety. Not only does this apply to protocols and training but clothing as well. Depending on their job, many workers require a safety jacket while they work so that they can be visible to vehicles on the roadway or work vehicles that zip around the warehouse.

In addition to knowing which workers need to wear a safety jacket, it’s important to get them the right jacket. After all, there are different categories for high-visibility clothing depending on the working conditions. Employers also have to do their due diligence in finding the right safety jacket for each employee to wear. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best safety jacket.

The Right Fit

First and foremost, every employee deserves a safety jacket that fits. Obviously, there are only so many different sizes available, but there should be jackets available that can be adjusted to fit different body types. Some jackets may have wider necks while others have drawstrings or straps to create more of a custom fit. Some will even have a D-ring slot that will allow the jacket to connect to a body harness.

No matter the specifications, workers need a safety jacket that fits comfortably and allows them to perform their job duties. It’s also important for jackets to be free of any loose strips or attachments, as these can become safety hazards that get caught in machines or get in the way. Plus, the bottom line is that employers need workers to be as comfortable as possible when performing their job duties.

The Best Material

It’s easy to forget, but the fabric and material used to make the safety jacket are important. Ideally, you don’t want to skimp when it comes to the reflective material of a jacket; that’s the main point of wearing the jacket in the first place. 

You will also want to find a safety jacket that’s made of the right material for the specific job. For example, some safety jackets have a non-flammable coating that might be important for jobs that involve fire or sparks. Meanwhile, nylon and Kevlar blends tend to be more durable, protecting against wear and tear. Finally, a safety jacket with extra layers will be critical for employees who routinely work in cold weather. In this sense, safety jackets are not one-size-fits-all.

Allow for Mobility

With a safety jacket, there are always trade-offs between the right fit, the right material, and the mobility that they’ll allow the person wearing them. Certain jobs don’t require a lot of moving around, and so it’s possible to have a safety jacket that is a little more cumbersome. However, if workers need to do a lot of walking or lifting heavy objects, they need a safety jacket that makes them visible but also allows for flexibility.

Pockets

On the topic of not all safety jackets are created equal, many come with pockets that make them appealing to employees depending on their job duties. For instance, some jackets have oversized pockets that could be useful if workers need to carry extra equipment on the job. There is also a difference between interior and exterior pockets, as well as pockets specifically designed for smartphones that some employees may require.

The Devil is in the Details

When it comes to picking out the right safety jacket for employees, the devil is in the details. Of course, the same is true for the overall health and safety of employees. This is why many companies install our safety management software. This software manages every aspect of occupational health safety while making sure companies remain compliant with OSHA regulations.

If you don’t mind getting a little help with safety management, get in touch and we’ll have the software up and running in a few weeks.