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When you are shopping for your next pair of safety footwear, you will often see the terms "ESD" and "anti-static" being used in the descriptions, but do you know what they mean?  While they both relate to managing electricity, they're not interchangeable. Let's break down the key differences between ESD and anti-static safety footwear.

Anti-Static Footwear Minimises Charge Buildup

Anti-static footwear typically has a moderate level of electrical resistance.  It is also designed to reduce the buildup of static electricity on the body. It allows static charges to dissipate slowly and safely, preventing sudden, uncontrolled discharges.

• How it works: Anti-static footwear allows charges to flow through the sole to the ground at a controlled rate, preventing a large static buildup.  It protects you from injury from medium levels of electricity (usually between 0.1 and 1000 MO).
• Purpose:

Introducing Lavoro Safety Footwear

Workline Safety is excited to announce the arrival of a new range of high-performance safety footwear from Lavoro.  Renowned for their innovative designs and uncompromising safety standards, Lavoro boots and shoes are built to keep your feet protected and comfortable on even the toughest jobs.

Who is Lavoro?

Based in Europe since 1988, Lavoro is known for its high-quality safety footwear designed for both men and women.  With a focus on comfort, safety, and style, each pair of Lavoro safety footwear is handcrafted to the highest standards.

Why Choose Lavoro?

• Unmatched Safety
  Lavoro footwear meets and exceeds all relevant safety standards, including EN ISO 20345, offering protection against impact, penetration, and abrasion.
• Superior Comfort
  With their ergonomic designs and advanced cushioning

Disposable boilersuits are vital in protecting workers from various hazards on a wide range of work sites. To ensure adequate safety, these garments must adhere to specific European standards, and understanding these specifications is important to help you choose the right suit for the right job.

There are 3 common ‘Types’ of disposable boilersuits:

• Type 4 boilersuits provide resistance to liquid chemical sprays so are useful in scenarios such as chemical handling and industrial cleaning.  They comply with EN 14605.
• Type 5 boilersuits are designed to limit the penetration of dry particles and contaminants, usually dust and fibres, making them appropriate for tasks like asbestos handling.  They comply with EN ISO 13982-1. 
• Type 6 boilersuits offer limited protection against light sprays of non-hazardous liquids so are best for general maintenance and light industrial

Happy 2025!  As we head into the new year, we thought it was a good time to look at what changes the workwear industry is set for in the year to come. We predict a focus on comfort, safety, and sustainability – all largely due to the advancements in technology throughout the industry.

For instance, in work gloves, there are thinner and more dextrous cut gloves now on the market which are very popular with our customers.  Workwear fabrics are also improving, allowing for advancements such as lightweight safety footwear that doesn’t compromise on performance.

But that’s just the beginning - here are some key trends to watch for:

1. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing:

• Eco-Friendly Materials: We expect to see a continued focus on workwear made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel.
  Fair Labour Practices: We also predict that our customers will continue

Good to Go Safety is a simple but powerful system that helps you keep track of your equipment safety inspections. With their easy-to-use checklists, you can quickly and efficiently inspect and track a wide range of equipment, from forklifts to ladders to scaffolding.

Regular equipment inspections are crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. By spotting potential issues early on, you can take corrective action before they escalate into bigger problems. This not only saves you money on costly repairs and downtime but also protects your employees and your business.

How Does It Work?

1. Quick and Easy Inspections
   Good to Go checklists are designed to be user-friendly, so even non-experts can conduct thorough inspections.
2. Visual Confirmation
   Once an inspection is complete, a durable status tag is attached to the equipment. This tag clearly indicates the inspection date and any issues found.
3. Peace

Workwear isn't just about looking professional; it's about staying protected, especially when the elements are against you. Waterproof workwear is essential for outdoor jobs, ensuring you stay dry, comfortable, and productive, no matter the weather. But how do you know which level of waterproof protection is right for you?

Understanding Waterproof Ratings

EN343 is the European standard for protective clothing against rain. It classifies garments based on their waterproofness (protection against rain) and breathability (moisture permeability).

Protection against rain:

• Class 4: Highest level of protection, suitable for extreme weather conditions.
• Class 3: High level of protection, suitable for heavy rain and wind.
• Class 2: Medium level of protection, suitable for moderate rain and wind.
• Class 1: Lowest level of protection, suitable for light rain showers.

Moisture

Keeping your workers safe on the job is critical, especially when working in environments with fire hazards. For welders, flame retardant boilersuits are an essential piece of PPE.  However, with different classes available, choosing the right one can be confusing. So here’s a quick guide from the Workline Safety team to help you make the right choice.

The Breakdown: Class 1 vs. Class 2 Boilersuits

Flame retardant boilersuits come in two main classes, each offering a different level of protection:

• Class 1: Designed for less hazardous welding activities with low heat and minimal metal splashes. These suits are ideal for cutting, light grinding, and welding activities that don't involve high heat or frequent exposure to molten metal.  
• Class

Staying warm and comfortable while you work is important, but bulky traditional jackets can restrict movement and make it difficult to get the job done. So that’s where heated workwear comes in.

Heated jackets and gilets offer a comfortable and innovative solution to staying warm in cold conditions. They are perfect for those who work outdoors or in unheated environments, such as construction sites, warehouses, or cold storage facilities.

Benefits of Heated Workwear

Heated jackets and gilets offer a number of benefits over traditional workwear, including:

• Improved comfort and warmth: Heated garments provide targeted warmth to your core body, keeping you comfortable and focused on the task at hand.
• Increased productivity: When you're warm and comfortable, you're more likely to be productive.
• Enhanced flexibility: Unlike bulky jackets, heated garments allow for a greater range of motion, making it easier