OUTDOOR PROTECTION AROUND MOVING VEHICLES
Occupations in the transportation and logistics industry often require outdoor work in high-risk environments and extreme weather conditions. The potential hazards vary from slip-and-fall accidents to impacts with moving vehicles or falling objects to cold-related injuries or heat stress. To achieve optimal safety and comfort on the job, employers are responsible for providing appropriate PPE to the employees, which includes face, head, and neck protective equipment suitable for use in the particular workplace.
The most important transportation industry PPE feature is high visibility. Port and dock workers, forklift operators, freight shipping handlers, longshoremen and stevedores, airport ground crew, road and railroad workers, and other transportation and logistics industry personnel without proper high reflective equipment are at a much higher risk of impact with vehicles or heavy machinery and other serious accidents at the worksite. Health and safety regulations at these workplaces require the use of high visibility reflective materials. Daytime visibility is enhanced with fluorescent clothing and accessories, while nighttime operations call for PPE with reflective elements.
Additionally, outdoor employees must be protected against cold and heat. PPE layering is important for maintaining the body temperature in cold weather, with layers that offer moisture management, insulation, and wind and water protection. Headwear and neckwear that provide thermal insulation and wick away moisture allow for cold risks to be minimized or avoided. Hot weather and exposure to direct sunlight can result in heat stress. In these cases, proper work safety measures include appropriate clothing that offers both comfort and sun protection.
The most important transportation industry PPE feature is high visibility. Port and dock workers, forklift operators, freight shipping handlers, longshoremen and stevedores, airport ground crew, road and railroad workers, and other transportation and logistics industry personnel without proper high reflective equipment are at a much higher risk of impact with vehicles or heavy machinery and other serious accidents at the worksite. Health and safety regulations at these workplaces require the use of high visibility reflective materials. Daytime visibility is enhanced with fluorescent clothing and accessories, while nighttime operations call for PPE with reflective elements.
Additionally, outdoor employees must be protected against cold and heat. PPE layering is important for maintaining the body temperature in cold weather, with layers that offer moisture management, insulation, and wind and water protection. Headwear and neckwear that provide thermal insulation and wick away moisture allow for cold risks to be minimized or avoided. Hot weather and exposure to direct sunlight can result in heat stress. In these cases, proper work safety measures include appropriate clothing that offers both comfort and sun protection.
