Hard work takes its toll. From pressure on your knees to hours in the sun, you can protect yourself against the risks that creep up unnoticed with the right workwear from Carhartt.
Construction work demands a lot from your body. Long hours kneeling, bending, lifting and working outdoors in all weather conditions come with the territory. But while most tradespeople are well aware of the obvious risks like heavy lifting and sharp tools, it’s easy to overlook two hazards that can cause long-term harm: joint strain and sun exposure. Both can creep up gradually but the effects over time can be serious. Fortunately, with the right approach and the right workwear, it’s simple to reduce the risk and stay safer on site.
Whatever your trade, there’s no avoiding time spent on your knees. Unfortunately, repeated kneeling, crawling and squatting takes its toll on the knee joints, often leading to injuries over time. According to the HSE, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most reported injuries in the industry, with lower limb and knee problems particularly common.
Repetitive strain, pressure on hard surfaces, awkward postures and constant movement can lead to conditions like knee bursitis, meniscus tears and even osteoarthritis. The problem is, many workers accept knee pain as part of the job, soldiering on until the damage becomes too hard to ignore. But long-term damage isn’t inevitable. Simple preventative measures, particularly proper knee protection, can make a significant difference. Using high-quality kneepads helps spread pressure evenly, reducing strain on the joint and protecting against sharp objects or hard surfaces.
Carhartt’s Interoperable Kneepads offer a practical solution. Certified to EN 14404-4:2024, they’re strong and comfortable, made from lightweight polyethylene foam to cushion the knees without restricting movement. They slot easily into a range of Carhartt’s Steel Pants and Dungarees to give secure, reliable protection throughout the day. Investing in proper kneepads keeps joints protected and reduces the risk of more serious injuries developing over time so you can stay on the job without discomfort holding you back.
Joint strain may be more immediately noticeable, but working outdoors carries another risk that is often underestimated – UV exposure. Many construction workers spend long hours outside, year-round, often without realising how much UV radiation they are absorbing.
The issue isn’t confined to hot days or clear skies. Despite our often dreary or cool weather, UV rays in the UK are still strong enough to cause skin damage from early spring through to autumn, even when it’s cloudy. These rays penetrate cloud cover and can cause serious skin damage over time; long-term exposure increases the risk of premature ageing, skin cancer and other health issues. For anyone spending regular hours outdoors, protecting skin is as important as any other PPE.
Fortunately, preventing sun damage is straightforward. The first step is to apply sunscreen – it should be part of every outdoor worker’s routine. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 offers good protection, but it’s important to reapply regularly, particularly after sweating or wiping dust and dirt away. Hydration is also important. Working under the sun, even in cooler temperatures, leads to fluid loss which can affect concentration and overall wellbeing. Drinking water regularly throughout the day helps counteract this.
Clothing obviously plays one a really important role in protecting skin but not all fabrics offer the same level of UV protection – a typical cotton T-shirt has a sun protection factor (UPF) of just 5, allowing a large amount of UV radiation to pass through to the skin. Long-sleeved tops, high-neck shirts and long trousers offer good coverage, especially when made from tightly woven fabrics that block more UV rays than looser weaves. But this kind of workwear can feel heavy, restrictive or too hot.
It’s important to find clothing that balances protection with comfort and Carhartt’s Sun Defender™ range is specifically designed to address this balance. Offering UPF 40+ protection, the range includes lightweight, breathable long-sleeved tops, t-shirts and trousers. Sweat-wicking Force® technology and FastDry® quick-drying fabrics keep you dry, comfortable and reduce the chance of odour throughout long shifts.
UV rays don’t just harm the skin, they can also contribute to cataracts and other eye conditions over time. Choosing sunglasses or safety glasses with high UV protection will help prevent long-term damage. Wraparound designs with built-in UV filters offer the most effective coverage. Carhartt’s range of wraparound safety glasses, available in various lens colours to suit different site conditions, are made from lightweight polycarbonate that naturally blocks nearly the entire UV spectrum and provides reliable protection for your eyes throughout the day.
Health and safety measures on site are second nature when it comes to hazards like heavy machinery or working at height. But safeguarding yourself against gradual, long-term risks is just as important. Protecting your joints with the right kneepads, using sun-safe clothing and sunscreen and staying hydrated are straightforward steps that can prevent injuries and illnesses and keep you fit for the job both now and in the years to come.
To see the Carhartt range, visit www.carhartt.com.
