Construction continues year-around. The weather brings mud and rain and can create difficult conditions, but work needs to continue. Waterproof construction workwear can make a big difference for safety and efficiency.
It’s important to understand that staying dry goes beyond comfort. Clothing that gets wet can easily reduce worker safety and make them less productive. Below, we outline the reasons waterproof workwear is essential on the job site and why it’s a worthwhile purchase for your construction team.
Keeping Workers Dry and Comfortable
The most immediate and obvious advantage to waterproof construction workwear is worker comfort. Workers that aren’t soaked are more likely to stay focused on the task at hand. Clothing that soaks through rain quickly becomes distracting and uncomfortable.
Waterproof workwear causes crews to be less interrupted and helps the overall crew be more productive because damp weather doesn’t affect them as much.
Protecting Health and Safety
Waterproof gear is essential for your health. Clothing that becomes damp can pull away your body heat which can lead to health issues in the cold. The damp clothing can also contribute to becoming fatigued.
Soaked clothing can also restrict movements that can make activities difficult. Waterproof construction workwear keeps workers dry, and helps make difficult tasks safer because it helps make sure workers can move freely.
Boosting Productivity on Site
Work productivity decreases because of weather. Rain can cause workers to have to stop and that causes a lot of financial loss. Waterproof workwear helps to reduce that loss.
Waterproof workwear helps workers stay dry and helps them continue working while others may have to stop because of the weather. This helps keep the project on schedule, and helps the site manager come up with a good plan to be more on schedule with the project.
What Makes Workwear Truly Waterproof
Not all workwear that is waterproof is completely waterproof. Knowing what to look for can help you find the workwear that is truly waterproof. The fabric, coating, and construction play a huge part in workwear being truly waterproof.
The following are the features that make up quality waterproof construction workwear:
- Waterproof Coatings — Waterproof construction workwear is made with fabrics that waterproof coatings are applied to.
- Waterproof Seams — Either sealed seams or taped seams ensure waterproof construction workwear does not allow water to seep through the seams.
- Waterproof Breathable Membranes — Breathable Membranes allow water vapor to escape while blocking rain.
- Abrasion Resistant — Construction workwear should be tough enough to withstand the demands of the work environment.
- Adjustable Hoods and Cuffs — Hoods and cuffs that can be sealed allow for protection from the wind and the rain.
Breathability vs Waterproofing
Breathability and waterproofing are equally important. This is something that first time buyers note once the product is in hand. If a product is made to withstand full waterproofing, it is fails to trap moisture and therefore internal dampness is the result.
The best waterproof workwear is made to balance protection and breathability. Breathability allows the worker to keep dry and comfortable even during vigorous activities.
The Best Waterproof Workwear
The best waterproof workwear is suited for the environment and the type of work. For example, workwear used on a construction site that deals with heavy rain should be of a stronger waterproofing rate than a workwear that sees only a light drizzle. The best workwear does not require frequent replacement. Cheap workwear fails to protect and personnel even at the hidden costs of replacement. Custom workwear is a good investment to protect workers and keep them happy.
Final Thoughts
Waterproof construction workwear goes beyond merely being a weather accessory. It protects health, supports safety, and maintains productivity in the face of adverse conditions. The investment becomes especially worthwhile for construction crews.
Waterproof, durable, and breathable construction workwear is difficult to find. If you want assistance in creating workwear solutions for your crews, Eco Jersey guides you through the options and features of custom workwear solutions.
FAQs
Why is waterproof workwear important on construction sites?
To keep crews productive and focused, waterproof workwear helps workers maintain comfort in the rain. It also helps protect health from the cold and damp conditions that create fatigue and illness.
What makes construction workwear truly waterproof?
There are several interdependent features that truly make workwear waterproof. Fabrics that have waterproof coatings provide a seamless rain barrier. A breathable, waterproof fabric that has sealed seams allows for moisture vapor to escape.
Can waterproof workwear still be breathable?
Yes, there’s a wide variety of breathable waterproof workwear. Breathable fabrics allow sweat to escape to improve comfort and help workers avoid the damp feeling that occurs during strenuous work. Quality workwear strikes the balance between waterproof and breathable.
How do I know which waterproof construction workwear is appropriate?
Consider your job site and your work. The protection you require will depend on how heavy the rain is, and how tough the work is on the protection. The more durable the construction workwear is, the longer the protection will last, which saves you money in the long run. Durable, waterproof workwear protects better and is a better investment than cheaper alternatives.
