We live in an age where health and safety legislation has created far safer working environments than we’ve ever had. Don’t believe us? Well, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the number of fatalities in the workplace is fewer than half, compared to just twenty years. Now that’s a fantastic achievement.

Part of that legislation also encompasses personal protective equipment. Employers and wholesalers alike place a real premium on protective clothing like the ones sold by us here at Hart Wholesale. And that’s precisely what we’re going to look at now, starting with…

High Visibility Jackets

They might not take home any style awards, although we think they’re pretty snazzy, but hi-viz jackets and vests are absolutely essential in the world of personal protective equipment (PPE). Often, an employer will make a high visibility jacket or vest an absolute requirement for working on site.  The benefit is in the product’s name, of course. Hi-viz attire, with its bright neon yellows and reflective strips, make sure you stand out in the crowd. The first example of high visibility clothing came in the 1960's, when railway workers were issued them – since then, there’s been a steady drop in injuries and deaths on railway lines. Now that’s a good reason to wear one!

Knee Pads

If you’re employed in a physically demanding role, you need all the help you can get when it comes to PPE. Knee pads are a prime example of that, a simple concept that you’d sorely miss – literally. Rough up your knee caps too much and it’s goodbye bending, farewell kneeling, so long walking. But all that damage can be prevented with knee pads. There are tons of different types of knee pads, from basic hard-shell types, to foam and gel knee pads which provide a more comfortable cushion.

Back Support

The back is poor ol’ beast; the mule of the body – we work it, and over-work it through lifting, carrying and the like, but by giving it a little extra support you can keep bad ju-ju away. Back supports harness around the wearer over both the shoulders, and around the body, to keep it in place and maintaining protection without slipping. Of course, they only act as a support – you’ll still want to ensure you use the correct lifting techniques, and don’t over-exert yourself.

Protective Sleeves

There are plenty of different types of protective sleeves on the market, and each protects against different things, such as burns, heat, chemicals or cuts. We stock Kevlar lightweight sleeves, for instance, which offer extra protection against cuts. That makes them perfect for any type of job where laceration of the arms is a hazard. The obvious benefit to these is that they’re lightweight and comfortable, which gives you maximum flexibility, while still providing tough resistance to cuts.

Here at Hart Wholesale we know that your health and safety is crucial to your success. Without PPE, even a few days out of action can have long-term effects – and we look to change that with our safety equipment. Because we don’t just sell a fantastic range of Blum hinges or lighting solutions, but also defence and protection against potential issues and injuries in the workplace.

Want to know more? We’d love to chat to you about what we do and how we can help you. So please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01702 614 044 and a member of our experienced team will be delighted to help with your enquiries.