| Cover Story Apparel basics By Mike Schmidt, Managing Editor When investing in work apparel, remind technicians that what they are purchasing should enhance their safety and keep them comfortable while they are in the shop and on the job. Therefore, quality and purpose – because protective work apparel is becoming more socialized – should be top of mind. High-quality shop apparel is designed to hold up in a work environment where technicians regularly come in contact with tools, equipment, chemicals and other items that could cause them harm. In addition to embracing best practices and following appropriate safety protocols, technicians need to concern themselves with what they are wearing while conducting vehicle maintenance and repairs. Furthermore, advises Alex Barnes, marketing manager, Adenna, it is important that technicians remain aware of the various risks from their work environment. For example, their use of various solvents and chemicals can have an effect on their health down the road if the correct protective apparel is not worn. Adenna is a provider of hand protection products for a variety of industries (www.adenna.com). INJURY COSTS Understanding the importance of safety in the workplace is critical, says Cory Houston, marketing, Mechanix Wear, a provider of work gloves for a variety of applications (www.mechanix.com). He says that, according to the data compiled by the National Safety Council, the average cost of a hand injury is $20,000 or $21,000 in medical costs and missed time from work. “That’s a hefty cost and, when it comes down to it, a pair of gloves is a pretty low-cost safety measure,” he adds. FOOTWEAR As with other protective apparel, proper footwear also provides signifi cant benefi ts for technicians. Charlie Arroyo, general manager, Redback Boots USA, a provider of work boots and safety footwear (www.redbackboots.com), says the average technician spends anywhere from 10 to 14 hours a day on his or her feet. If footwear doesn’t fi t properly, it adversely affects comfort and productivity. “Good footwear does not make you tired,” he notes. “A tired technician can make mistakes and that can cause workplace injuries. A good choice of footwear will provide comfort, safety and durability.” In maintenance shops, where fl oors may be oily or wet, footwear with anti-slip properties can improve technician safety by helping to prevent falls. Photo courtesy of Wolverine Posting warning signs can help to reduce accidents by alerting people before they get to hazardous areas like steps they might not notice or irregular fl oors. Photo from iStock Alumilight Series Aluminum Hybrid Landing Gear Lightest landing gear on the market! • Only aluminum leg in the industry. • Available in all standard mounting configurations. • Exclusive JOST internal gear train. • Available with 5 or 10 year maintenance packages. • Completely sealed to keep out moisture. • Has a 3/8” x 2” reinforcing strap for superior strength. • 6061-T6 extruded aluminum upper leg. • Specialty finish on HSLA steel lower leg. • Requires no additional painting or coatings. www.jostinternational.com 800-253-5105 sales@jostinternational.com VehicleServicePros.com/10120715 12 FLEET MAINTENANCE ❚ OCTOBER 2016 ❚ VehicleServicePros.com
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