Portwest Construction Magazine

PEAK SAFETY CONSTRUCTION EDITION

YOUR WORK LIFE IS OUR LIFE’S WORK CONCRETE SPLASH WORKING IN HEAT IMPACT AND ENTRAPMENT SUSTAINABILITY

Gear Up: Tackle Construction

Challenges with the Right Workwear and Approaches!

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BUILDING THE FUTURE, BUILDING IT STRONG.

Construction Hazards

Company Stories

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Working with Portwest

Technical Expertise

CONTENTS TABLE OF

Concrete Splash A constant concern, tackle the risks posed to workers and explore preventive measures to mitigate potential harm.

Protection on the Job Ensure informed decisions are made concerning the appropriate levels of protection needed for construction site tasks.

Staying Visible

Impact

Be visible, stay safe. High visibility can reduce site risk by enhancing worker identification and hazard awareness.

Explore the repercussions on construction workers’ head, hands, and feet when performing crucial daily functions.

STRABAG, Page 12

Heat

Entrapment

As temperatures soar, so do the risks. Discover why managing heat on a construction site is unlike any other challenge.

Uncover the dynamic interaction between workers and equipment, revealing the inherent dangers of entrapment.

About Portwest Partnering with Portwest means

Sustainability

How can companies balance economic goals with environmental and social responsibilities?

prioritising safety. Join us in our mission to deliver trusted protective solutions for workers worldwide.

Height Safety As the demand for taller structures increases, the necessity to address working at heights becomes more prominent.

Proud2BeSafe, Page 16

FOREWORD In the world of construction, where every project stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the unyielding spirit of progress, the foundation of this industry is woven with dedication, innovation, and resilience. Welcome to the first edition of our industry magazine, a portal into the heart of an ever-evolving sector that shapes the world as we know it. We are thrilled to introduce you to the wealth of insights, ideas, and expertise within these pages, all brought to you by the dedicated team at Portwest and collaborators. Thank you for being a part of our journey to explore the construction industry. May this magazine be an inspiration, provide you with valuable insights, and deepen your appreciation for the industry that lays the groundwork for our future.

The Portwest Family

The construction industry is multifaceted – innovation, transformation, and resilience are no small feats. This has been a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the challenges faced in the construction industry, challenges that many can resonate with. Thank you to those who have contributed to this first-of-a-kind magazine.

Editor, Conor Whelan - Portwest

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A WARM WELCOME

INTRODUCTION

At Portwest, we take immense pride in our commitment to supporting the construction industry. For over 120 years, we have stood as a reliable partner for professionals, offering premium safety solutions, cutting-edge workwear, and an unwavering dedication to quality. The construction industry is a dynamic canvas, constantly shifting and adapting to the needs of society, the environment, and technological advances. It is an industry that both shapes and reflects the world we live in, and we are thrilled to share with you the snapshots of this ever-changing landscape.

The global residential construction market is expected to grow to 9.72 trillion by 2032, with a 4.8% annual growth rate. The construction industry is responsible for 40% of global CO 2 emissions , but retrofitting buildings with sustainable features can reduce costs and environmental impacts. Technology adoption in construction is increasing, with investments in digital tech, drones, and AR/ VR. The construction robot market is projected to reach €4.46 billion by 2032, with a 14.80% CAGR. Top most expensive cities worldwide for construction include: Geneva, London, New York City, San Francisco, Munich and Zurich. Key Construction Facts:

OUR MISSION IS CLEAR: To empower those in construction – the engineers, architects, labourers, and all those who work day in and day out to build the future.

Facts supplied from upmetrics.co/blog/ construction-industry-statistics

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CONCRETE SPLASH

Concrete splash, a common phenomenon in the construction industry, refers to the unintentional splattering or spillage of wet concrete during various construction processes. While concrete is a fundamental material in construction, its inadvertent splashing poses significant challenges and potential dangers to both workers and the construction site. In navigating the complexities of concrete splash, construction workers must remain alert, adopting preventive measures and solutions to ensure a secure and hazard-free workplace.

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Personal Protective Equipment for Cement Splash

CONTINUED

Encountering cement splash brings a set of hurdles for workers, starting with the potential for skin irritation and burns upon contact with wet cement. The risk escalates to severe conditions, like chemical burns or dermatitis, if exposure is prolonged or protection is inadequate. Additionally, the airborne nature of cement dust during mixing raises concerns for respiratory issues, from asthma to irritation of the nose and throat, emphasising the need for proper respiratory protection. Eye irritation and injury pose another substantial challenge tied to cement splash, with the potential for serious harm. The alkaline nature of wet cement underscores the necessity for robust eye protection to avert chemical burns and safeguard vision. Beyond this, the less glamorous side of dealing with cement splash involves the discomfort and skin irritation caused by cement splatter on workwear. The scenario worsens when dried cement on clothing leads to not just discomfort but also abrasions, presenting a cleaning challenge for workers on the construction frontlines.

Protective Workwear: When choosing clothing garments for working with cement, waterproof or water-resistant garments are highly recommended. Workers should wear long-sleeves and full-length trousers which should be tucked into their boots and gloves. This will provide full coverage to prevent cement from touching the body. Respiratory Protection: Workers should use respiratory protection to guard against inhaling cement dust. This is particularly crucial during activities like mixing and when working in confined spaces. Workers exposed to cement or other silica dusts must wear a respirator with an APF (assigned protection factor) of 20, such as an FFP3 disposable mask or half mask with P3 filters. Eye Protection: Eye protection is vital to prevent any liquid or solid particles from coming into contact with the eyes. Safety goggles or face shields marked on the products’ frame with “3” protect the eyes from droplets or splashes. Hand Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves made of materials like nitrile or rubber offer protection against skin contact with cement. Regular inspection and replacement of gloves are necessary to ensure their effectiveness. Foot Protection: Waterproof boots or shoes with protective toe caps safeguard the feet from cement splash. Additionally, ensuring that footwear is properly cleaned and maintained is crucial for ongoing protection. When choosing foot protection, select an S3 or S7 style with a robust outsole and tread, one that offers whole-foot protection, including a bellows tongue to prevent cement ingress, and a durable scuff cap. Head Protection: Hard hats or helmets are essential to protect against falling cement or debris. Additionally, they provide coverage during overhead activities where the risk of cement splash is heightened. Consider unvented helmets to avoid liquid concrete ingress via the ventilation holes.

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Selection of high visibility clothing should align with workplace hazards, ensuring it matches the identified risks and performance needs. Compliance with EU regulations, particularly EN ISO 20471 standards, mandates high visibility clothing to visually signal the wearer’s presence and carry a CE mark. This international standard outlines design and performance requirements, including fluorescent background materials, retroreflective strips, and contrast materials, ensuring optimal visibility and functionality in varying work conditions. STAYING VISIBLE

High-visibility clothing is intended to ensure someone’s visible in areas where they might not be easily seen. However, once it becomes so dirty that the person is no longer clearly visible, it fails to serve its purpose, putting the individual at risk.

Roy Wilders, Manager - Registered Safety Supplier Scheme - BSIF

The higher the class, the higher the visibility.

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Class 1: Minimum level of protection required for any persons working on a private road or to be used in conjunction with a higher classed garment. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.14m 2 of background material and 0.10m 2 of retro-reflective material (2 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape).

Class 2: Intermediate level of protection required for any persons working with increased risk from moving traffic or equipment. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.50m 2 of background material and 0.13m 2 of retro reflective material (2.60 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape).

Class 3: Highest level of protection required for any persons exposed to high-speed traffic or complex backgrounds that could obscure visibility. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.80m 2 of background material and 0.20m 2 of retro-reflective materials (4 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape).

ISO 13688 - Protective clothing - general requirements

PORTWEST GARMENT VS 5 WASHES WASHES 50

This international standard specifies general requirements and recommendations for ergonomics, ageing, sizing and marking of protective clothing, and for information supplied by the manufacturer.

INDUSTRY STANDARD GARMENT

CONSTRUCTION

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HEAT Global heat statistics indicate a steady annual rise of 1 degree in Earth’s temperature, reaching record highs in 2023.

THE EFFECTS OF HEAT EXPOSURE Physical Psychological Heat stress Decline in mental performance Heat stroke Decline in focus Heat rash Reduced visual perception Heat exhaustion Mental fatigue Heat cramps Delayed responsiveness Heat edema Anxiety Hypertension Impaired mental ability Chronic kidney disease Anger Respiratory problems Frustration Cardiovascular diseases Confusion Physical fatigue Depression Dizziness Increased sweating

Have you ever glanced at your phone to check the temperature? Well, construction sites endure significantly higher temperatures, exceeding the atmospheric conditions. The average temperature disparity at a construction site, compared to the surrounding atmospheric temperature, can vary, typically ranging around 10°C to 15°C higher. This fluctuation depends on factors like the type of construction activity, location, and local climate conditions. Heat stress is a condition that arises when the body struggles with the challenge of effectively regulating internal temperature. This is often triggered by a combination of factors, including physical exertion, high environmental temperatures, and elevated humidity levels, which collectively overwhelm the body’s natural mechanisms for dispersing heat. Heat stress poses a significant challenge in the construction industry. Construction workers are anticipated to be more vulnerable to these risks due to the heat generated by physically demanding tasks in hot and humid work environments. This heightened vulnerability underscores the importance of implementing proactive measures to safeguard the well-being of workers and mitigate the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures.

New Spanish Legislation Spain has introduced a new legislation banning outdoor work during periods of extreme heat to protect workers’ health and well-being. The law will be adjusted to forbid outdoor work during red or orange alerts issued by the state weather agency, AEMET. This initiative is a response to the increasing influence of climate change, acknowledging the tangible impact of rising temperatures on people.

UV Ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses a significant risk to construction workers due to their prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays while working outdoors. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is a classification system for sun protective clothing, indicating how much UV radiation a fabric permits to reach the wearer’s skin. Achieving a UPF finish involves using either a tightly woven fabric structure or coating the fabric with colourless dyes during manufacturing.

Cooling vest and sleeves reduce the risk of overheating

Sun protective clothing is categorised based on its UPF rating, and garments must bear the UPF 40+ symbol indicating the level of protection, accompanied by a user information document detailing the EN 13758-2 standard.

Mitigating Heat Stress Injuries and illnesses linked to heat can be significantly avoidable through the implementation of suitable heat warning systems or effective mitigation strategies. Safety Glasses: When working in sunny conditions, choose safety glasses with lens tint ‘smoke’ or ‘polarised’ to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and sun glare. Polarised lenses are particularly suited to block glare when working near water or other wet surfaces. Preventative Measures Protective Clothing: To protect against sun exposure, construction workers are recommended to wear UPF-rated long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and wide-brimmed hats, providing coverage for exposed skin.

Choosing the right PPE clothing for your workers can significantly contribute to preventing heat stress. Breathability: The fabric should allow airflow to avoid heat being trapped inside the garment. Moisture management: Utilising Moisture wicking and moisture evaporation technology, sweat is drawn away from the body and dispersed across the fabric’s surface to evaporate faster, thus cooling the wearer. Drying time: Fabrics that absorb moisture and hold that moisture become heavy and uncomfortable. Quick drying fabrics allows the fabric to dry out quickly. Fabric weight: Opting for lightweight fabrics helps to relieve heat stress and minimise the exertion that contributes to heat-related discomfort. Cotton, being natural, lightweight, breathable, and absorbent, is an excellent choice in dry heat. Polyester and Nylon fabrics would be more suitable for humid conditions due to their moisture-wicking properties. There are a few different cooling technologies that can be used with textiles. They can be divided into two main categories, temperature balance and temperature reduction. Temperature Balance: Fabrics designed for temperature balance focus on wicking away sweat. By dispersing moisture across the fabric’s surface, they facilitate faster evaporation. Temperature Reduction: Some textiles feel cool to the touch due to their highly conductive polyethylene (PE) yarn. Although not technically cold, this conductivity provides a cooling sensation. 9

WEAR AND REGULARLY RE-APPLY SUNSCREEN

WEAR LIGHT-COLOURED CLOTHING AND SUNGLASSES

STAY HYDRATED BY DRINKING PLENTY OF FLUIDS

ACCLIMATE TO HOT CONDITIONS SLOWLY

AVOID STRENUOUS ACTIVITY DURING THE HOTTEST PART OF THE DAY

REGULATE BODY TEMPERATURE WITH COOLING PRODUCTS

STAY INFORMED WITH TRAINING AND AWARENESS

EAT LIGHT MEALS

MOISTURE WICKING FABRICS

MINIMISE

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CONSTRUCTION AND SUSTAINABILITY

The construction industry is one of the largest and most impactful sectors in the world, but also one of the most resource-intensive and polluting. According to the World Green Building Council, the industry accounts for almost 40% of the global energy-related carbon emissions, as well as 50% of all extracted raw materials. However, the industry is not standing still. It is undergoing a transformation towards more sustainable practices, driven by a combination of environmental awareness, social responsibility, and economic incentives.

Legislative Spotlight: The Construction Products Regulation mandates CE marking ensuring compliance with construction product standards, including environmental and energy efficiency criteria. The European Green Deal targets climate neutrality for the EU’s economy by 2050. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise, calling for a 30% reduction in building energy intensity per square metre by 2030, compared to 2010 levels.

INDUSTRY CASE STUDY

How can construction companies balance economic goals with environmental and social responsibilities? Just like safety and efficiency, I do not see economic goals and sustainability as being mutually exclusive. Sustainability can contribute to the long-term economic success of a business. However, an integrated and strategic approach is required. This has been communicated through the STRABAG common mission - ‘Work on Progress’ where a clear goal has been set to be Carbon Neutral by 2040. In conversation with Project Director, Craig Sewell:

What innovative sustainable practices does STRABAG adopt?

As a company of 86,000 employees working on a wide variety of projects around the world and considering the direct challenge from the Board and CEO to be carbon neutral by 2040, there are many great innovations that are being adopted. One example from our Woodsmith Project in the UK is the use of blind bore design and methodology to construct 2 x 380m deep access shafts. In addition to significant cost and time savings, we calculated 60% carbon reduction when compared to traditional shaft construction methods.

Craig Sewell, Project Director - Strabag

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Through advancements in materials, technologies, and growing demand, I believe there is a huge opportunity for the construction sector to continue positively shaping our world to be a more equitable place for all.

Sinead Flynn, Sustainability Programme Manager - Portwest

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FACT: Globally, over 50% of falls occur from heights less than three metres.

HEIGHT SAFETY

completing each task. Providing essential equipment, such as ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear, is a fundamental responsibility to safeguard workers. The accurate installation of fall protection systems is imperative, considering the diverse nature of roof types. User training is non-negotiable, preventing accidents through informed and experienced personnel.

Height safety in construction encompasses comprehensive measures and practices aimed at ensuring the safety of workers operating at elevated levels. This critical aspect of construction management involves meticulous planning, hazard assessment, and strategic risk control associated with working at heights. Height safety planning initiates by identifying fall hazards through inspections and analysing workplace tasks. The subsequent vital step involves assessing potential fall likelihood and severity, emphasising hazard control through risk elimination or minimisation. This proactive approach necessitates ongoing monitoring through regular inspections, active supervision, and well-documented planning processes. Initiating a construction project with safety as a priority is paramount. Employers must carefully plan tasks, determine necessary safety equipment, and establish methods for safely

Scaffolding Kit:

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ABC’s of Selecting Height Safety Anchorage:

Anchorage serves as the pivotal point that supports weight during a fall. It can be permanent or temporary based on situational needs but must withstand a load of at least 10 kN. Fall arrest systems adhere to the EN 795:2012 standard. Body Harness: A body harness is critical for securely holding the entire body in case of a fall, forming an integral part of a fall arrest system. Compliance with European standard EN 361:2002 ensures that body harnesses meet stringent safety requirements and performance standards for fall protection EN364:1993. Connection: Connecting devices such as lanyards and arrest blocks bridge the full body harness to its anchorage point, ensuring effective connection. Fall clearance is calculating the free fall distance with the deployed lanyard length, user height, fall factor and 1m safety zone. Safety Spotlight “Falls from heights stand as a leading cause of workplace fatalities and serious injuries. We firmly believe that ensuring a safe working environment is not only a requirement but a fundamental condition of employment. Our dedication lies in providing and maintaining such an environment. While compliance with laws and regulations serves as the baseline standard, we aspire to exceed it and continually raise the bar for safety. Detailed, documented inspections, conducted by trained and competent personnel, are essential to ensuring the safety and integrity of equipment. These inspections should occur regularly, determined through thorough risk assessments that consider factors such as legislation, equipment type, frequency of use, and environmental conditions, which may accelerate wear and tear or cause physical damage.”

Common Scenarios

· Working on scaffolding during building construction. · Installing or repairing roofing materials. · Erecting or dismantling tower cranes. · Installing or inspecting windows on high-rise buildings. · Performing tasks on elevated platforms or mezzanines. · Installing or repairing electrical systems on utility poles. · Conducting exterior painting or maintenance on tall structures. · Assembling or disassembling structural steel components. · Installing or maintaining signage on tall structures. · Performing tasks on aerial lifts or cherry pickers.

Paul Farrell, Height Safety Expert - Portwest

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FIVE SECONDS It only takes 5 seconds to change your life. Jason Anker MBE, Proud To Be Safe

Safety is not a campaign with an end date Make that personal choice to speak up and make a difference.

A holistic approach

The positive impact on key performance indicators including turnover, absenteeism, presenteeism and ‘above the line’ behaviours (as well as accidents) means the very definition of a win-win.

I was paralysed from the waist down due to an avoidable accident on a construction site in 1993 when I was just 24 years old. I only started speaking about my accident in 2009 and that is reflected in a story that is as hard hitting as if it had happened yesterday. My passion is to prevent others from having to go through what myself, my family and friends have had to go through over the last 26 years. If we could stop just one person from suffering a life changing accident, then it is worth all the effort we put in.

https://www.p2bs.org/

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PERFORMANCE HIGH ALL CONDITIONS

Blending sports and lifestyle trends the PW3™ collection is designed to deliver maximum performance. Now the largest workwear collection on the market, PW3 has an offer to keep wearers protected, dry and comfortable whatever their working environment. HIGH PERFORMANCE WORKWEAR DESIGNED TO WORK HARD IN DEMANDING ENVIRONMENTS.

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SITE ACCESS PROTECTION

Required PPE must be worn at all times on construction sites. At a minimum each employee is required to wear the following:

HEAD PROTECTION Safeguarding against falling objects and head injuries to prevent serious accidents.

EYE PROTECTION Necessary to shield eyes from debris, dust, and potential hazards, ensuring safety in construction environments.

HIGH VISIBILITY Critical measure to enhance visibility and prevent accidents in low-light or busy construction areas.

HAND PROTECTION Essential for shielding hands from injuries, cuts, and abrasions.

FOOT PROTECTION Necessary to safeguard feet from impact, compression, and puncture hazards. The footwear must conform to EN ISO 20345:2011 and the newer standard EN ISO 20345:2022.

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While it's widely understood that standard PPE is necessary for site access, effectively managing the specific risks inherent to your job calls for a tailored evaluation of safety requirements. ON THE JOB

Each project has its own set of requirements. Check out the possible hazards you may work with:

HEAD PROTECTION • Falling objects • Overhead hazards

HEARING PROTECTION • Noise from sources such as; power tools, machinery and equipment, vehicles, environment, temporary structures

EYE PROTECTION • Flying objects • Dust • Chemical exposure

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION • Dust • Asbestos • Chemicals

WORKWEAR • Low visibility • Environmental conditions • Stretch and reach

HAND PROTECTION • Impact • Cut • Grip • Chemical

HEIGHT SAFETY • Working at height

FOOT PROTECTION • Impact • Chemical • Spill • Punctures • Heavy objects

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IMPACT

Evaluating impacts

The potential for impact-related injuries presents a significant risk, particularly concerning the foot, hand, and head. These body parts often bear the brunt of accidents, emphasising the critical need for stringent safety protocols, comprehensive training, heightened hazard awareness, and protective equipment on construction sites. The foot stands as a vulnerable target within construction zones where heavy materials are frequently transported. Accidents involving dropped bricks, steel beams, or other objects can result in severe injuries, spanning from fractures to crushing wounds. To mitigate these risks, it’s imperative workers wear sturdy boots or shoes with toe caps designed to absorb shock and protect against crushing forces. The hands serve as an indispensable tool in construction tasks, yet they are exceptionally susceptible to injury from impacts. Whether it’s accidental injury from power tools or grappling with machinery, the hands are in constant jeopardy. Impacts to the hands can cause lacerations, crush injuries, or even amputations, with lasting consequences for the worker’s livelihood and quality of life. Hand protection is paramount to the safety of the wearer, acting as a barrier shielding the workers’ hand from potential risks. The head is a primary target for impact-related accidents on construction sites. From falling debris to accidental collisions with overhead structures or equipment, head injuries represent a huge risk to workers. Even seemingly minor incidents can result in concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or worse. Head protection serves as a frontline defence, deflecting or absorbing the force of impacts and reducing the likelihood of devastating outcomes.

FOOT PROTECTION

PROTECTION FROM IMPACT INJURIES: TOECAP PROTECTION • Composite

Non-metallic protective toecaps are ideal in metal-free environments. EN ISO 20345:2022 safety footwear standards require that toecaps are tested to 200 Joules impact resistance. Following impact testing, no delamination or cracking should be present. The minimal clearance between the footbed and internal toecap height should remain uncompromised. • Steel Metallic protective toecaps are widely used in safety footwear. EN ISO 20345:2022 safety footwear standards require that toecaps are tested to 200 Joules impact resistance. Following impact testing the minimal clearance between the footbed and internal toecap height should remain uncompromised. METATARSAL PROTECTION Safety footwear with Metatarsal protection is designed to protect from impacts at the top of the foot, across the metatarsals. Under EN ISO 20345:2022 standard, the footwear is tested for impact resistance, resulting from force distributed over the outsole, the toecap and as large a surface area of the foot as possible. The metatarsal protective component shall be attached to the footwear in a way that cannot be removed without damaging the footwear. The metatarsal component must fit the shape of the footwear at the inner and outer sides and overlap the toecap by a minimum of 5mm.

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HAND PROTECTION

HEAD PROTECTION

PROTECTION FROM IMPACT INJURIES: • Designed to absorb and disperse the force of impacts, reducing the risk of injuries such as bruises, fractures, or crush injuries caused by blunt force trauma • The EN388:2016 impact test measures resistance to a 2.5kg weight impacting on the glove with an energy of 5 Joules • Full coverage to the back of the hand • Abrasion resistance preventing injuries such as scrapes or lacerations when handling rough materials

PROTECTION FROM IMPACT INJURIES: • Protection against falling objects and consequential brain injury and skull fracture • Meets the requirement of EN 397 including shock absorption and penetration resistance

IMPACT PROTECTION THAT STILL PERFORMS • Light and robust • 6-point textile suspension harness

IMPACT PROTECTION THAT STILL PERFORMS • Secure grip on tools and equipment, even in wet or oily conditions • Designed to allow natural hand movement and dexterity

• Size adjustable headband via wheel ratchet system • Compatible with clip-on ear muff & helmet visor holder • Up to 7 years lifetime from manufacturing date (as long as undamaged)

• Wrist strap for secure fitting

• Y-style chin strap for secure fit

• Capable of withstanding repeated use and exposure to harsh working conditions

• Cut level F protection and 100°C heat protection

EXTENDED PRO TECTION

UNEQUALLED COMFORT

MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY

ENHANCED STABILITY

SUPERIOR CUSHIONING

DURABILITY

FIRMNESS &

VIBRATION ABSORPTION

ENTRAPMENT Entrapment is the risk of being trapped or asphyxiated in a confined space with converging walls or a floor tapering to a smaller cross section.

Within the construction industry, “caught in” or “caught-between” hazards rank among the top causes of fatalities and injuries. These incidents involve individuals being squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched, or compressed between objects, including instances where clothing or body parts get entangled in machinery with unguarded moving parts. Exposure to entanglement hazards is prevalent on construction sites with machinery featuring rotating or moving parts, often requiring maintenance. To prevent fatalities, three primary categories of exposure need attention: pinch-points (where parts move together, like pulley and belt systems), crush-points (where machine parts move toward each other, such as hydraulic cylinders), and wrap-points (involving rotating parts like lathes and mixers). Ensuring safety involves proper clothing selection, with workers avoiding loose or excessively long garments and refraining from wearing jewellery. Attention to details like tucking in shirts and tying back hair can prevent entanglement incidents. It is crucial to emphasise the importance of focus on the job, as most workplace accidents occur due to distractions.

How can a company identify and address potential entrapment risks on construction sites? “More fundamentally with regards to the continuous improvement element, companies must consider where technology, innovation, design and working methods can eliminate the risk altogether. One example of this innovation that has been developed at STRABAG is use of Robots to execute manually intensive roles along with eliminating health hazards such as vibration and dust exposure on segment production carousels.”

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ELEVATED ENDURANCE WORKWEAR

ABOUT PORTWEST On celebrating 120 years of peak protection we’ve possessed an unrelenting ambition to produce the world’s most trusted and requested protective wear.

Through the decades, we have continuously proven our dedication to quality, producing world beating safety garments, foot protection, hand protection and PPE, while pushing the boundaries in protection technologies. Technologies that make the workplace a safer place.

120 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN INNOVATION, CUSTOMER FOCUS, SERVICE AND VALUE.

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1904-2024

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PERFORMANCE WORKWEAR

85+ PREMIUM SAFETY WORKWEAR STYLES Scan QR to view the full collection online

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“ We’ve had the safety trainers through vigorous testing and they have outperformed our expectations. We commend Portwest on their ability to build quality footwear using recycled materials. ” Jorge Perez, President of Atlantic Safety

WORKING WITH PORTWEST

Before you work, we create. Partnering with Portwest means more than just acquiring top quality safety and performance solutions—it’s about teaming up with a dedicated company committed to your success. With our collaborative approach, innovative products and unwavering commitment to excellence, we stand ready to empower you and elevate your work. Experience the Portwest difference and discover the power of true partnership in safety and performance.

“Portwest are a long-standing member of the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) and a Registered Safety Supplier who commit on an annual basis to an audit of their quality processes and products they provide by the BSIF. In addition, the customer facing Portwest team have engaged with the Nebosh endorsed Safe Supply Accreditation process managed by the Federation. This provides confidence to end users and specifiers that Portwest can provide, qualified, knowledgeable information and products that are fit for purpose and meet the requirements of the hazards faced.”

Roy Wilders, BSIF

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HIGH VISIBILITY

FLAME RESISTANT & MULTI NORM

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Welcome to your single safety destination. From head to toe, we’ve got you covered, ensuring your complete protection and confidence. CONSTRUCTION

YOUR WORK LIFE IS OUR LIFE’S WORK

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