How to ensure safety during work?

Knee protection while working

According to the renowned scientific journal Arthritis Care & Research, construction workers and tilers are particularly at risk of developing degenerative diseases in the knee joint. It is estimated that due to frequent and prolonged kneeling and the lack of adequate breaks during work, the probability of knee problems is as much as 63% higher than in other professions!

The "medicine" that provides adequate protection is knee pads. It is worth looking at models with an anti-compression gel made by the injection method. Such knee pads are recommended for tilers, roofers, and pavers. You should pay attention to their increased surface, thanks to which the pressure of the knees will be evenly distributed. It will also bring relief to the shinbones, which are often overlooked when selecting knee pads.

The design of the gel knee pad and the materials used determine the comfort and appropriate protection.

• Look for those made of durable 600D polyester fabric. It guarantees long-term use and is difficult to tear.
• From the side of the knee, the knee pad should have several layers. It is good if it has a neoprene lining that protects the knees from the damaging effects of moisture.
• The next layer should be made of thick foam - preferably high-density, with closed cells in its structure, which is trimmed with durable nylon. Such a product provides adequate shock absorption and comfort during long hours of work.
• Only the above layers are covered with an anti-compression gel coating. Its proper profiling enables proper positioning of the knee pad.
• If the knee pad has a sufficiently low profile, you will gain more grip on the ground.

A common disadvantage of the knee pads available on the market is that they change position during the user's movement. Therefore, it is worth looking for products with neoprene straps that stabilize the entire joint. The quality and method of fastening are also important - elastic straps with Velcro are the best.

In addition to anti-compression gel kneepads, it's worth taking a look at polyester kneepads. Consider the ones filled with EVA foam, only such ones ensure the comfort of work and protection against moisture and cold.

A separate group consists of protective knee pads for trousers, also made of EVA foam. You put them in overalls or work trousers with appropriate pockets. Make sure that the knee pads can be cut to size - the quality of protection depends on it.

Belts, handles, and holsters are a guarantee of comfortable work

Home DIY enthusiasts will probably need a basic tool belt, such as one with 7 pockets and a hammer holder. For roofers, carpenters and construction workers, and anyone who often works at height, we recommend models with 15, 16, and 18 pockets and an additional hammer holder. Thanks to such assembly belts, you will limit the descent from the ladder or scaffolding during the whole working day.
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An interesting option is tool belts with a leather strap that guarantees durability and equipped with eyelets allowing for easy installation of the harness.

Professionals who, in addition to durability, value aesthetics, will be interested in stylish, hand-made tool belts made of chamois leather, sometimes combined with ultra-durable polyester and additionally reinforced with rivets at the joints.

Tool belts increase your safety. Thanks to them, you will keep order at the construction site, avoid accidents, and make work more convenient, effective and faster. The tools you need at the moment are literally at hand.

Your hands will be grateful for working with gloves

Protective gloves are assessed following the EN 388 standard. It defines four key categories in terms of mechanical resistance:

• resistance to wear,
• resistance to cutting with a sharp tool,
• tear resistance and puncture resistance.

Both normal, synthetic, latex gloves and abrasion-resistant anti-vibration gloves are tested and assessed. Thanks to the standard, you can assess whether the protective gloves are suitable for your type of work. Each product has a four-digit description, e.g. the mentioned anti-vibration gloves have resistance to 4121 - their main feature is therefore resistance to abrasion.

Pay attention to solutions that improve the comfort of use. These can be PVC seams that provide anti-vibration protection and protect the wrists, solutions that guarantee air access to the skin, or fabric fragments sewn into gloves that allow you to wipe sweat when working on a hot day.

Eye protection in the workplace

The glasses should be light and comfortable - chances are you'll spend a good part of your day wearing them. They should have a scratch-resistant coating. It is not only the certainty of long-term use but also less strain on your eyes. Especially noteworthy are glasses with ultra-light polycarbonate lenses, which almost completely block the harmful effects of UV rays. Also, remember to choose glasses for the workplace. There are classic, transparent glasses, tinted models perfect for work on sunny days, and tight glasses with a headband. There are also models with additional battery-powered LED lighting for comfortable work in darker rooms or at dusk.

Take care of lighting in the workplace

Speaking of lighting, remember that you will protect your eyesight while working with the use of appropriate reflectors. Those with a neutral, "white" color are recommended. According to research, the color temperature of 4000K allows for reliable perception of colors and is the most friendly and natural for the eyes. It is worth taking a look at, for example, the PRO-LD622 model, which shines in all directions with an even beam of light and will ensure comfortable work on any construction or renovation site.