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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationProtection for everyday heroes
Protection for everyday heroes
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Gabrielle Chariton
Content Writer
Stay safe with Peak Protection
Residential construction workers are the people who will build the homes of tomorrow and help address the current housing crisis. Which is why Portwest is dedicated to keeping them safe with workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) that offers Peak Protection.
While workplace safety is an important consideration in every industry, stringent safety protocols are non-negotiable in residential construction. The risks are many and varied – from UV exposure, handling heavy or unwieldy components, using power tools or machinery, and the unpredictable environment of the building site.
High-quality workwear and PPE are a key element of any onsite safety plan, says Zoran Durdev, HIA’s National Safety Manager. ‘Using appropriate PPE prevents many minor injuries, making workers more productive and helping them feel more confident with the work that they do.’
Portwest, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of workwear and PPE, offers a comprehensive range of products tailored to the specific requirements of the building site. ‘We listen carefully to our customers and continuously improve our product ranges to meet their needs,’ says Paul Giles, Portwest’s Regional Sales Manager.
‘Over 120 years, our product designers have developed a deep understanding of what tradies need when it comes to safety. This helps us develop solutions to the specific risks HIA members face each day, enabling them to perform at their best, while staying protected.’
Protection against common injuries
Perhaps unsurprisingly, cuts, lacerations and wounds account for more than 40 per cent of workplace injuries on a building site, Zoran says. ‘These are often the result of being hit by a moving object, such as a saw blade or drill bit; bumping into sharp things such as metal bracing; or stepping on a nail.’
The first line of defence against such accidents is eliminating or removing the hazard altogether by maintaining ‘good housekeeping’ practices, to keep the workplace as free from hazards as possible. Additionally, ‘things such as good work gloves are almost essential to prevent those sorts of minor cuts and lacerations when handling sharps or jagged objects,’ Zoran says.
Look for gloves that offer maximum cut protection without compromising dexterity, such as Portwest’s CT Series. ‘Manufactured using innovative fabrics and production techniques, these gloves are comfortable, ultra-light, breathable and flexible,’ says Paul.
Complications arising from sun exposure is another significant risk for builders, and appropriate PPE to manage exposure to UV radiation, such as Portwest’s range of UPF-rated workwear and sunglasses, is critical if you're working outside.
‘Our technically proficient and durable workwear is designed to withstand the elements, particularly in the harsh Australian sun,’ Paul says. ‘Tradies need workwear they can trust, which is why ours is compliant with AS 4399 UPF30 industry standards, blocking out 96.7% of UV rays.'
Safety is not one-size-fits-all
Zoran says that other essential onsite gear includes appropriate workboots, along with hard hats, high-vis vests, and eye and ear protection. Importantly, he says, PPE must be selected and worn in accordance with the assessed risk level, as well as WHS legislation and regulations.
‘Not all PPE is for all situations, and the selection of PPE should be based on the type of risks and hazards that you're trying to minimise in association with other controls,’ he says.
To ensure workers remain safe and compliant, all of Portwest’s PPE products are available in a range of hazard classifications. ‘Different jobs have different hazards, so it’s important to choose the option that’s going to provide the protection that’s needed,’ Paul explains.
Peak Protection you can trust
Because Portwest controls every stage of their manufacturing process, the quality of their products is guaranteed, Paul adds. ‘Our products are rigorously and independently tested, and we offer 339 different clothing, footwear and PPE products that meet AS/NZS standards and what tradies need to keep building the homes Australians need.’
Find out more about Portwest’s specialist safety gear and locate your nearest stockist.
Brand promotion: This article was compiled with contributions from Portwest.
First published on 16 April 2025.