Safety Clothing

One of the most important things to know as an employee is that you have the right to be healthy, happy and safe whilst at work.  It is your employer’s duty to provide you with the necessary equipment and working conditions that will ensure you remain protected.  The Health and Safety Executive is the body that governs and monitors the matters concerning employee (and employer) safety at work, and they have a number of informative publications available from their offices and website.

Of course, the legislation which covers health and safety in the workplace isn’t just concerned with safety clothing but also takes into account the conditions of your workplace and your duties while you are at work.  Not only are you entitled to safety clothing, but you should expect that your workplace is kept safe – with proper maintenance of equipment, cleared walkways and workspaces, and working fire alarms and emergency systems.  You should also be aware that your employer cannot legally ask you to undertake an activity which is dangerous or even life-threatening (unless it was agreed to in your contract upon employment).