Many industries can be rather scary to work in. For example, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, about 230-530 million tons of waste are produced in the U.S. by the construction and demolition industries. If you work in these fields, this debris might be hazardous to your health without safety gear like steel toe boots. Here are a few ways you can keep your safety apparel safe as you work.

Get Training in Using It

Many of the most common safety gear issues occur because people don’t understand how to use it properly. For example, you might use the wrong kind of gloves on certain jobs and wear them down more quickly. High-quality training can ensure that your gear stays strong and supportive.

Inspect It Regularly

Beyond training, you also need to regularly check your gear to ensure that it’s strong. At the end of the work day, look over all your safety apparel and make sure it’s not wearing down. When the week’s over, talk with your crew manager about any maintenance steps for these items.

Clean Your Gear Regularly

Few people understand that dirty safety gear can wear down quickly and even put you at risk. For example, stained steel toe boots may wear down more quickly and potentially put your feet at risk. Cleaning up your items at the end of the day can keep them stronger and safer.

Store Your Gear Safely

At the end of every workday, put your gear somewhere safe and make sure it’s locked up. While it might seem excessive to lock up your boots, you want to keep other people from using them without your permission. This step also keeps your gear from getting stolen and minimizes wear and tear.

Know When It’s Time to Replace It

We understand that replacing your safety gear can be tough because you might get attached to it. Even worse, you might find your boots or gloves comfortable and hate getting rid of them. However, replacing your safety gear at least once a year (or more) can keep you protected.

These simple steps will keep safety items like your steel toe boots strong and prevent long-term damage that might cause problems. Reach out to A5 Western today if you have safety gear that needs replacement or repairs. Our team of professionals will work directly with you to ensure that you get the high-quality support that makes sense for your needs.