From Head to Steel Toe

Best practices for setting workwear and PPE policies that keep employees safe

By Leigh Stadelmeier

Observing National Safety Month in June will remind employers that safety requires more than just posting a few extra warning signs. Building a culture of safety starts with the workwear and PPE employees put on at the start of every shift.

Whether it’s a high-visibility vest on a loading dock or insulated coveralls in a cold storage warehouse, wearing the proper PPE for the environment and job demands can make the difference between a close call and a call to 911.

A well-crafted workwear policy isn’t just about rules—it’s about respect for the job, the risks, and the people who show up every day ready to face them. By clearly outlining expectations, providing the right gear, and adapting to the unique demands of industrial environments, employers can protect their teams from head to toe.

Create Clear Policies on Safety Workwear

While the specific requirements for workwear and PPE may vary by industry or job responsibilities, the following topics form the foundation of a comprehensive safety workwear policy.

Consider how each topic may affect employees on the job site and understand which federal, state or local safety regulations or employment laws may apply. Employers are also advised to consult with attorneys or other qualified experts to review new or updated policies for compliance with labor laws.

Policy Purpose & Scope

The purpose of any safety policy is to keep workers safe, but employers must set clear expectations about who is subject to the policy and when safety workwear and PPE are required.

At a minimum, employees in industrial settings should be provided with a high-visibility safety vest to wear whenever they enter the work area—especially in high-traffic factories or dimly lit warehouses.

However, specific industries or job functions may have other requirements. For example, in a food processing facility, employees processing meat need several additional pieces of PPE intended to protect the employee and preserve the integrity of the product. Such employees should wear cut-resistant gloves to protect their hands from blades, chemical-resistant, non-slip boots that can withstand repeated use of harsh sanitizers while preventing slip-and-fall injuries, and frock coats and hairnets to avoid cross-contamination.

Certain articles of clothing and accessories may also need to be prohibited in the safety policy. For example, loose clothing, long necklaces, and dangling earrings can snag on equipment, potentially causing injuries to employees and damaging essential equipment. Hoodies and jackets with hoods may obstruct peripheral vision, and their drawstrings can get caught in machinery, making them unsuitable for certain industrial jobs.

A comprehensive safety workwear policy should account for these nuances and set clear expectations for every employee. It should also specify what PPE or safety gear visitors must wear and who is responsible for ensuring they are properly outfitted.

Proper PPE Maintenance

This section of the safety workwear policy should explain the employer’s expectations for care and maintenance of any assigned or supplied PPE, as well as the process employees should follow to report lost, damaged or otherwise unsafe PPE and request replacement gear.

Employers should describe the maintenance for which employees are responsible, such as laundering protective clothing. The policy should also explain what maintenance the employer will manage, such as replacing broken ratchet straps on hard hats or periodic replacement of respirator filters.

The policy should specify a point of contact, such as a safety manager or site supervisor, to whom lost, damaged or unsafe PPE should be reported. The point of contact will advise the employee about alternative PPE that follows the policy and ensure the employee is adequately protected before resuming work.

Training & Acknowledgement of Policy

The final part of the safety workwear policy should explain how employees will be trained in safety practices for the facility and their job function. This section must also describe the consequences for failure to follow the policy and established safety regulations.

Safety training and a detailed review of the safety workwear policy should be part of the onboarding process for all new employees. The training should be reinforced with refresher courses at least annually, or more often if needed.

To encourage commitment to following the safety policy, remember to provide a printed copy to each employee for ongoing reference. Many employers also require a signed acknowledgement that confirms the employee received, reviewed and fully understands the policy.

Selecting Policy-Compliant PPP for Industrial Environments

A solid safety workwear and PPE program isn’t just about checking boxes and signing off. It requires selecting durable, comfortable and properly fitted PPE that performs well in harsh industrial conditions. Selecting the right safety gear reduces accidents and injuries and increases employee satisfaction and retention.

The Importance of Proper Fit For PPP & Safety Gear

Industrial employers are now explicitly responsible for ensuring that PPE fits properly. An updated OSHA rule took effect in January 2025 and has two stipulations: 1) PPE used by workers must be of a safe design and construction for the work being performed, and 2) it must fit each affected employee properly.

Under the rule, PPE must properly fit female employees and workers with non-standard or extended size requirements. When making selections for all the workwear and safety gear described below, employers should look for manufacturers or distributors that offer a wide range of sizes so each employee can be outfitted properly.

High-Visibility Protection from Hazards

High-visibility safety apparel (HVSA) deserves a place in the spotlight of every industrial workwear and PPE policy because bright colors combined with retroreflective materials in specific configurations and patterns catch the eye and help workers avoid struck-by injuries from equipment or vehicles.

Employers should require high-visibility lime, orange or red safety vests and high-visibility clothing that meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standards. These garments are classified based on job type: Type O for off-road work, Type R for roadside workers, and Type P for emergency personnel. HVSA is also rated by visibility level: Class 1 offers minimal coverage, Class 2 provides enhanced visibility, and Class 3 delivers the highest visibility for low-light or high-risk environments.

Protection From Heat and Cold Stress

Summer’s just getting warmed up, but it won’t be long until temperatures climb across the country, putting workers at risk for heat stress, heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Workers facing extreme heat can’t concentrate effectively, increasing the chances of a mistake or accidental injury. Certain types of temperature-regulating safety workwear, such as cooling helmet liners and moisture-wicking work shirts with sun-protective fabrics, can help keep workers cooler until their next rest break.

Although heat stress is a well-recognized occupational hazard, prolonged exposure to cold environments poses comparable risks, including cold stress, hypothermia, and frostbite. For example, people working long shifts in cold storage and cold food processing are at higher risk for cold stress and cold-related injuries. Properly insulated safety workwear protects these essential workers from losing fingers and toes, or worse.

Guard against numbness in the limbs, hands and feet, as well as the dangers of cold-related reductions in cognitive functioning and delayed reaction time, by choosing insulated safety workwear that is temperature-rated to match the working conditions and the level of physical activity required for the job. For maximum comfort, look for insulated workwear with features like accordion-stretch panels at the knees, elbows, waist and shoulders that allow for a greater range of motion without the garment riding up or bunching, which creates an uncomfortable distraction and increases the body’s exposure to the cold.

Work Boots That Toe the Line

Industrial employees need comfortable footwear to keep them on their toes all shift long, whether they’re working in a hot or cold environment.

Most workers will need a safety toe boot that meets ASTM standards. Steel or aluminum safety toes can protect various settings, but a composite toe will perform better in a cold environment. Employers should also look for slip-resistant outsoles that include puncture plates and electrical hazard protection if the task, the equipment, or the environment calls for it.

Additionally, work boots made with waterproof outer materials and sweat-wicking insoles will keep feet comfortable and guard against moisture-related injuries such as trench foot.

Get A Grip on Safety

Whether it’s a cut, puncture, or crush injury, a worker’s hands are the most common body part injured on the job.

Employees at risk for cuts and abrasion and those that need chemical or flame resistance require gloves that meet ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standards. Employees working in cargo handling, automotive or construction industries are more likely to experience back-of-hand or knuckle impacts and require impact resistant gloves that meet ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 standards.

Cut, chemical and impact resistant gloves are all available in insulated or uninsulated models to keep employees working comfortably in a wide range of mild or cold environments.

Gear to Protect the Ears

Industrial workplaces can be noisy with equipment and machinery. An estimated 23% of noise-exposed workers have hearing difficulty that impacts their daily lives and reduces their ability to understand speech. Workers who can’t hear instructions or warning signals put themselves and their coworkers at risk.

Look for earmuffs or plugs labeled with noise reduction rating (NRR). Workers are more likely to wear this type of ear protection if they are also easy to keep clean, comfortable to wear, and easy to put on or take off as the noise level in the work environment changes.

Protection for the Eyes and Face

Flying debris, dust, chemical splashes and UV light can lead to serious injuries for industrial workers.

Look for safety glasses, goggles, face shields or masks that meet or exceed ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 standards for the type of work being performed. For maximum comfort and productivity, look for safety eyewear with adjustable bridges at the nose and temples to give a secure fit.

Top Off Protection with Hard Hats and Helmets

Industrial workers and tradespeople are at risk from falling or flying objects and, in some cases, even electrical shocks and burns. Look for hard hats or safety helmets that meet ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standards for vertical and lateral impacts, offer electrical protection if required for the job, and include a comfortable and adjustable suspension system for a secure fit.

Dressed to Protect, Ready To Work

As we observe National Safety Month, there’s no better time for industrial employers to review, refine and reinforce their safety workwear policies and purchasing programs. When safety is stitched into every layer of a workwear program, employees can focus on what they do best: getting the job done right.

About Leigh Stadelmeier

Leigh Stadelmeier is an Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer and Vice President of B2B Outdoor Sales for RefrigiWear, the leading manufacturer of industrial insulated workwear, safety apparel, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for extreme cold work environments. https://refrigiwear.com/