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Construction workwear buying guide

8 minute read

Hi-vis workwear

Protective workwear is a must for every construction worker.

From working at height to operating heavy machinery, most tasks completed by construction workers requires PPE and hard-wearing workwear. 

Injuries on site are more likely if your workers aren’t wearing the right kit. 

Not sure what the best workwear for construction workers is? SMI is here to help.

Whether you’re looking for safety helmets or polo shirts, this buying guide will point you in the right direction.

SAFETY GEAR FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS 

Construction sites are full of potential hazards, such as falling objects, uneven surfaces, and loud machinery. 

With so many safety risks, construction workers typically need head to toe protection. 

Protective construction workwear helps prevent: 

  • Hearing loss
  • Impact injuries 
  • Vision damage 
  • Chemical exposure 
  • Slips, trips, and falls 
  • Cuts, abrasions, and puncture wounds 
  • Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

Knowing your workplace risks is one thing, finding the right PPE to prevent them is another. That’s where we come in.

Keep your construction workers safe on site with the following PPE: 

Remember, the type of PPE and workwear your team needs depends on their role, and the hazards they’re exposed to.

Hearing PPE

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT WORKWEAR FOR YOUR TEAM 

We’re here to help you choose the right workwear for your construction team. 

There are several things to think about when it comes to protecting your workforce. Let’s break everything down so you can keep your team as safe as possible.

COMPLIANCE 

Your construction team’s protective workwear must comply with the following safety standards:

Construction workers are less likely to get hurt on the job when their kit is compliant. You’ll also avoid HSE fines by making sure all PPE meets the required safety standards. 

IMPORTANT: Always check your team’s PPE is CE or UKCA marked. Protective clothing without the proper markings doesn’t meet UK safety standards. 

Whether you’re ordering safety helmets or ear defenders, you’ll only find compliant PPE in the SMI shop.

DURABILITY & QUALITY

Construction work is hard work! 

Keep your team protected by providing them with durable workwear that’s up to the job. 

Choose high-quality clothing options designed to withstand wear and tear. Durable materials last longer, saving you time and money on ordering replacements.

Prioritise workwear quality to keep your construction workers safe on site.  

At SMI, we only stock high-quality, compliant workwear.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Not all building sites are the same. 

Always do a risk assessment of the working environment before providing your team with protective workwear. 

For example, team members working in poor visibility areas need hi-vis clothing, and safety harnesses should be worn by anyone working at height. 

Not sure what protective workwear your construction team needs?
Call the SMI team for a chat.

SIZE AND FIT 

Make sure you’re providing workwear in the right size and fit. 

Get measurements from your team before placing an order to keep them safe on site from day 1.

All members of your team will feel comfortable and more productive during their shift when wearing workwear that fits. 

Check out our ladies' workwear collection to find inclusive clothing and footwear options.

Eyewear PPE

BEST CONSTRUCTION WORKWEAR 

We get it, sifting through hundreds of different workwear options online is confusing and time-consuming. 

Want to speed up the process? 

Whether you need head protection or safety footwear, we’ve listed some of the best workwear stocked by us at SMI.

HEAD PROTECTION 

A construction worker without a safety helmet is an accident waiting to happen. 

Providing your team with the right head gear will make sure they’re protected from falling objects and potential impact injuries. 

Head trauma can be fatal, so don’t take chances when it comes to your workforce’s safety.

PPE for head protection: 

OUR TOP PICKS: 

EAR PROTECTION 


Power tools and heavy machinery can cause permanent hearing damage, making ear protection a must-have for your team.

From jackhammers to pneumatic drills, construction workers are exposed to lots of loud equipment.

Reduce your team’s risk of hearing loss with PPE that offers the right level of noise reduction. 

PPE for ear protection: 

OUR TOP PICKS: 

EYE PROTECTION 

It’s not just your team’s head and ears that need protection. Building sites are hazardous environments for your workforce’s eyesight, too. 

Construction workers are often exposed to dust, debris, radiation, and chemicals. Without safety eyewear, airborne particles can cause injuries and permanent vision problems. 

The safety eyewear needed will depend on the job and its potential risks. Always provide eye protection best suited to the task at hand. 

PPE for eye protection: 

OUR TOP PICKS: 

ROKWEAR gloves

HAND PROTECTION

Sharp tools are used to complete lots of jobs around a construction site. Keep cuts and wounds to a minimum by providing your team with cut resistant gloves. 

It’s not just sharp objects that put your workers’ hands at risk. Burns, repetitive strain injury, and crushing damage are all risks you need to protect against. 

PPE for hand protection: 

OUR TOP PICKS: 

FOOT PROTECTION 

Safety footwear is vital for everyone working on a construction site. 

From uneven surfaces to loose nails on the ground, workers are rarely more than one step away from a potential injury.

Protective footwear for construction workers is: 

  • Slip resistant 
  • Water resistant 
  • Impact resistant 
  • Puncture resistant
  • Supportive around the ankle 

OUR TOP PICKS: 

UNIFORM OPTIONS 

As well as protective gear, your team will need a uniform that’s comfortable and hard-wearing.

Construction workers often wear several layers, always keeping their hi-vis kit on top.

Fleeces can be worn underneath hi-vis jackets in the winter for extra warmth. A cool wicking T-shirt or long sleeve t-shirt are comfortable options for summer.

No matter the season and whatever the weather, you’ll find the workwear you need in our large collection.

OUR TOP PICKS: 

Looking for custom workwear for your construction workers?
We offer custom branding!

Workwear

CONSTRUCTION WORKWEAR FOR WOMEN 

Choose an inclusive workwear supplier to protect your entire workforce. 

Ill-fitting workwear puts your team at risk and can impact productivity. Keep all of your construction workers safe from avoidable injuries by providing gear in the right size. 

At SMI, we care about every member of your team. Our ladies' workwear collection includes clothes and footwear designed to enhance the wearer’s comfort and safety.

Explore our ladies' workwear range today. 

PROTECT YOUR TEAM WITH HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION SITE WORKWEAR

Sourcing high-quality construction safety workwear is easy when you partner with SMI. 

From hi-vis waistcoats to weatherproof trousers, we supply all the kit your construction workers need. 

Here are the benefits of a MY-SMI® account: 

  • 97% stock availability 
  • Expert industry advice 
  • Dedicated account manager 
  • Own delivery fleet in key regions 
  • 5PM order cut-off for next day delivery 
  • 2 day delivery for custom construction workwear 

We partner with trusted brands to bring you compliant workwear every time. 

Looking to streamline your workwear ordering process?
Get in touch!

FAQS

What uniform do builders wear?

Builders wear uniforms designed to offer protection and withstand harsh working conditions. 

Construction workers typically wear: 

Builder uniforms can also be customised for added professionalism. 

What shoes do construction workers wear?

Construction workers must wear safety footwear that meets the EN ISO 20345 standard. 

Builders typically need boots with added protection in the toe, and mid-sole area to reduce the risk of impact and puncture injuries. 

People working on construction sites need shoes that also offer anti-slip protection and added ankle support. 

Need help choosing the right footwear for your construction team? This guide to footwear safety standards will help.

What brands do construction workers wear?

High-quality workwear keeps construction workers safe and comfortable while working on-site. Not all protective clothing is made equal, and it’s best to always order from trusted brands. 

At SMI, we partner with reputable brands to bring you the best workwear for construction workers.  

Workwear brands available from SMI include: 

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