How to choose the right workwear?

When we talk about Safety at Work we refer to a whole series of European standards, provisions and apparatuses that can protect the worker.

People think of safety shoes, helmets, etc., but they do not think that clothing is also of fundamental importance, because the more it is designed and targeted for a specific use-which goes through strict selection criteria and controls-the more the wearer acquires freedom of movement and functionality.
And this, along with all other Personal Protective Equipment, reduces the risk of accidents at work.

Think of those who, like the mechanic and the tire mechanic or the tiler and the palletizer are prone, in the course of their work, to kneel and crouch frequently; to need tools that must be within easy reach, etc.:
If the work clothes used are not practical, functional, sufficiently stretchy and comfortable, working becomes even more tiring-a stress, psychologically and physically, that is completely unnecessary.

Is this also the case for you?

Let's take a look with Dr. Michele Montagna at what characteristics work clothing should have.

1. ACCIDENT PREVENTION CLOTHING: HOW IMPORTANT IS THE ERGONOMICS OF WORKWEAR




2. WORKWEAR PANTS: ATOMS, THE WORK PANTS FROM THE PERFORMANCE RANGE/ASSORTMENT




3. ACCIDENT PREVENTION WORKWEAR: PLUTON WORK JACKET

U-POWER has, since always, been extremely attentive to issues related to safety at work and is committed through constant research to propose technologically advanced solutions that meet the needs of workers. It is thanks to this policy of investment, linked to research, that U-POWER has become a reference point on the national and international market.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION CLOTHING: HOW IMPORTANT IS THE ERGONOMICS OF WORKWEAR

Today, we have the pleasure of having with us Michele Montagna: Doctor of Motor Sciences, UNC Kinesiologist N.14307 - National Union of Kinesiologists, Consultant and Lecturer in Work Ergonometry, Prevention and Treatment of MSDs(musculoskeletal disorders at work) and Certified Trainer of Occupational Health and Safety (Legislative Decree 81/2008).

U-POWER

"Good morning Michele, what exactly isErgonometry about and why is it important?"

Michele

"Ergonometry is a multidisciplinary science that deals with the study of functions and interactions between human
equipment and the environment.
Theequipment, i.e., everything the worker wears, must ensure at the same time psychological factors that facilitate the relationship of one's anthropometry, i.e., body measurements, with the perception of theexternal environment used to perform thework activity, including all the physical parameters that characterize them: temperature, humidity, ventilation, etc.
In essence, if one wears functional clothing, which takes into account all the aspects I have told you about, the person feels comfortable and enters a psychological and cognitive condition, understood as an information-rich mental load, that is easier and more concrete.

Kneeling, climbing, flexing on oneself, etc., are movements that, day after day, overload the body with tensions that manifest themselves in myofascial contractures, that is, hardening of the connective-fibrous bands interposed between the muscles."

WORKWEAR PANTS: ATOM, THE WORK PANTS FROM THE PERFORMANCE RANGE/ASSORTMENT

U-POWER

"Michele, U-POWER asked you to test its workwear and, specifically the Atom work pants and the Pluton jacket. What did your testing reveal?"

Michele

"The Atom style pantsuse U-POWER 4 way stretch technology that is designed against work posture intolerance. The fabric is designed giving a fit that is above expectation for work pants.
They turned out to be soft and comfortable because of the semi-elastic fabric that provides full freedom of movement, even under difficult conditions such as handling loads.
I tested the pants with different movements and under different conditions and could ascertain a total lack of stress, even on the knees, one of the most stressed areas.

The U-4 technology allows for more efficient physical and psychological functionality-which translates into greater concentration and focus-thatcan improve resistance to physical exertion, with reduced risk factors related to injury in the short term and, at the same time, improved peripheral circulation during work and vehicular travel."

U-POWER

"What are the peculiar aspects that influenced the result of the test you conducted?"

Michele

"First of all, the fabric, U-POWER 4 way stretch, which moves in four directions to adapt to movement and facilitate it with minimal bulk; durable and soft against the skin.

Next, the knee area:

• The popliteal cord-at the back of the knee, which has a softer weave to promote minimal bulk during leg bends, aiding blood circulation;




• while on the front, in the areas most subject to stress from wear and rubbing, there are ultra-durable inserts made of 600D poly-oxford; these inserts are on both the knees and the heel pad.

The functionality and richness of the pockets :

• Two large pockets for knee pads;




• Two side pockets;




• Two front pockets;




• Two rear pockets;




• One toolpocket with a concealed sidebadge holder.

The constant temperature and microclimate provided by the fabric that is water-resistant, breathable and also quick-drying.

The comfort, given by the adjustment at the waist with concealed elastic and the back yoke for added lumbarcomfort.

And then, atom besides having a perfect fit, it also has a very young and modernslim range/assortment; but this is a personal opinion that goes beyond the test..."

ACCIDENT PREVENTION WORKWEAR: PLUTON WORK JACKET

U-POWER

"What about the pluton style jacket?"

Michele

"I have to start with an important premise.
Arms and shoulders, for a worker, are the most concrete tools with which to exercise their daily tasks. But, sometimes, antalgic postures, if not attended to and in the absence of proper clothing - I am referring to workshoes, work pants, jackets, etc. - lead in the short to medium term to psycho-physical stress and structural and organicdysfunctions.

It is essential to remember that the use of rigid work jackets that do not conform to the morphological structure induce the fixing of flawed postures without being fully aware of them, but automating themselves. Therefore, a series of symptoms without apparently manifest causes will occur.

The semi-elastic U-POWER 4 way stretchfabric , soft and comfortable, of which the Pluton jacket is composed , provides full freedom of movement to the scapulohumeral girdle reducing risk factors related to cervicalgia brachialgia, paresthesia, etc.

Here, then, Pluton accompanies the functional effectiveness of one's workforce by reducingfatigue and general tiredness in favor of endurance and concentration.
By reducing injury risk factors at unpredictable times, the quality of blood circulation and the supply of oxygen and nutrients to muscles, joints, tissues andorgans benefit and quality of life is improved. "

U-POWER

"Michele, I must admit that I had never considered a jacket-or more generally, a piece of clothing-from a health perspective; and I am quite impressed with your analysis."

Michele

"You are not the only one, believe me!
It is quite common to evaluate a piece of clothing "only" on the basis of taste and functionality. But I assure you that once you become aware of the importance of an evaluation from a more technological and deeper point of view, you never go back, because the advantages, at the level of freedom of movement and quality of life are such that they are obvious.

And in the aspect of functionality, too, Pluton, has passed the test with flying colors, because it is packed with important details such as windproof cuffs and an adjustable hood - both concealed -; reflex inserts in the front and on the sleeves to ensure maximum visibility; and many pockets: two in the front, two inside and a cell phone pocket."

"In short, the microclimate is guaranteed and the garment is water-resistant, breathable and quick-drying; while the U-4 fabric moves in four directions to accommodate arm, shoulder and neck movement without interfering and with minimal bulk: it's comfortable, durable, soft on the skin and bell!"

U-POWER

"Michele, how can we help our readers figure out which U-POWER workwear best suits their needs?

Michele

"In order to understand which piece of clothing is the most suitable, it is necessary to make an analysis of the personal case and work situation. Therefore, the only system is to provide specific advice and for this U-POWER, has prepared a small step questionnaire in which different work cases, conditions of use, etc. are offered , answering which ,I will be able to provide the most appropriate advice. Of course, it is a completely free advice, offered by U-POWER to its readers and, of course, the data provided is completely subject to privacy.
The answer will be provided directly by e-mail to the mailbox that will be indicated.
In this way, confidentiality is guaranteed and safeguarded."

U-POWER

"Michele, I thank you once again for your valuable help and all that remains is to invite our readers to fill out the form so as not to miss this fantastic opportunity!"

And, of course, good work...with U-POWER!