It is common to walk past a construction site in the summer and see workers wearing shorts and hi-vis vest with no t-shirt or trousers for working outdoors in, but is this safe? There are some sites that have issued citations for employees wearing shorts who work with hot tar and have sustained burns. According to the The PPE at Work Regulations, your workers must wear what will protect them from hazards on site.

Whilst the use of short or long trousers for working outdoors should be determined by your site’s health and safety policy, there are many benefits to wearing longer trousers. These are protecting your skin from UV rays, all the way to preventing cuts and burns or deep cuts that can get easily infected. As a result, that bit of extra protection can make all the difference. Here you will find how to keep your workers safe with trousers when working outdoors.

Cargo Trousers

Quality cargo trousers are made from strong fabrics. Also, they have reinforced pockets and belt loops for added storage. For example you are working on site. You can easily store your pencils, tape measures, and other basic tools in your cargo pockets. Also, many of these trousers offer additional knee reinforcement to provide you with a longer wear.

Some examples include:

Portwest DX4 Workwear Cargo Pants

  • 4-way stretch fabric for ease of movement and added comfort
  • Free pair of kneepads included with this trouser
  • Lightweight flexible HiVisTex Pro segmented reflective tape for increased visibility
  • Reflective piping for increased visibility 11 pockets for ample storage
  • Two tier knee pad pockets allowing two positioning options
  • Top-loading knee pad pockets for quick and easy access
  • Multiple side zip compartments for secure storage
  • Rule pocket
  • Large back zip pocket for multiple storage options
  • Shell Fabric : Kingsmill Polyester Stretch: 93% Polyester, 7% Elastane 270g
  • Additional Contrast Fabric Info : Contrast Fabric: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton Ripstop Weft Stretch 235g
  • Knee Reinforcement: 88% Nylon, 12% Elastane 275g
Man wearing a pair of work trousers from the DX4 range
DX4 Work trousers with Cargo Pockets by Portwest

Uneek Ladies Cargo Trousers

  • Poly Cotton blend for comfort (65% / 25%)
  • Reinforced belt loops
  • Metal button at the waist
  • Thigh pockets with velcro flaps
  • Rear and Side pockets with velcro flaps
  • Flat front
  • 2 colour options
Uneek Ladies Cargo Trousers
Uneek Ladies Cargo Trousers

Work Coveralls

If you work in a mechanic shop or a factory, work coveralls will protect your entire body from harm. As a result, you will need a lighter pair of coveralls for summer and a padded pair for winter. Some coveralls are designed for warmth and others breath ability. Also, others are designed for protection so you will need to determine what will work best for you industry.

Examples of high-quality coveralls:

Portwest Orkney Lined Coverall

  • Top performing Kingsmill fabric with polyester wadding liner
  • Protects against the coldest conditions
  • Full length quilt lining
  • Smart phone pocket
  • Rule pocket
Portwest Orkney Lined Coverall
Portwest Orkney Lined Coverall

Dickies Redhawk Economy Stud Front Overall

  • Concealed stud front
  • Full back elasticated waistband
  • Multi-pockets
  • 4 colour options
Dickies Redhawk Economy Stud Front Overall
Dickies Redhawk Economy Stud Front Overall

Portwest Euro Work Polycotton Coverall

  • Durable
  • Two chest pockets
  • Rule pocket
  • Concealed stud front
  • Elasticated waist
  • 65% polyester and 35% cotton
  • 5 colour options
Portwest Euro Work Polycotton Coverall
Portwest Euro Work Polycotton Coverall

Hi Vis Trousers

Hi-Visibility clothing is perfect for those who work outdoors at dusk, dawn, or at night. The extra visibility of the reflective tape and fabric ensures additional safety. Hi Vis trousers are perfect for those in construction, those who work on the railways, those who work at airports, and those building and repairing roads. Quality Hi Vis clothing meets EN ISO 20471:2013 standard.

Examples of Hi Vis trousers:

Portwest Hi Vis Xenon Trousers

  • 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton
  • Elasticated side waist
  • Hammer Loop
  • Adjustable leg length
  • Triple stitched seams
  • EN ISO 20471 Class 1
Portwest Hi Vis Xenon Trousers
Portwest Hi Vis Xenon Trousers

Portwest Hi Vis Traffic Trousers

  • Designed for rail and other industries
  • Side leg zips
  • Can be worn over trousers or jeans
  • 100% Polyester
  • PU coated
  • EN ISO 20471 Class 2
  • GO/RT 3279 Issue 8
  • EN 343 Class 3:1
Portwest Hi Vis Traffic Trousers
Portwest Hi Vis Traffic Trousers

Result Safeguard Hi Vis Trousers

  • N471 specification, Class 1 approved
  • Conforms to 89/686/EEC directive
  • Outer: Polyester with PU coating
  • Waterproof, windproof
  • Taped seams
  • No outside leg seam
  • Elasticated waist with drawcord adjuster
  • 2 side access pockets and 1 back key pocket
  • 50mm sewn on tapes incorporating 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective materials
  • 2 colour options
Result Safe Guard Hi Vis Trousers
Result Safeguard Hi Vis Trousers

Safety Trousers

Safety trousers are made from durable fabrics. They are used for general purpose working conditions. Also, they are comfortable to wear and depending on the fabric weight provide warmth and cold. Lighter fabrics are best suited for summer. However, it is important to remember that if they are too light in weight they will not offer the correct protection.

Some examples of safety trousers:

Regatta Pro Trousers

  • Part elasticated waist
  • Knee patches
  • Belt loops
  • Multi pocketed with concealed zips
  • 2 front large pockets with hem bellows
  • Right side zipped pocket with welt covering
  • 2 back pockets, one zipped one welt covering
  • Durable water repellent finish
  • Warm scrim lining
Regatta Professional Lined Action Trouser

Uneek Action Trouser

  • Four Slanted front pockets
  • Two Side Zipped Pockets
  • Two thigh pockets with Hook Loop fastened opening
  • Two rear pockets, one opened, one zipped
  • Zipped Knee pad pockets with bottom opening Hook Loop fastening
  • sealed mobile phone pocket
  • Metal rivet button fastening at waist
  • Twin belt loops reinforced for extra strength Wide belt loops
  • Washable at 60 Degrees
Uneek Action Trouser
Uneek Action Trouser

Regatta Lined Action Trousers

  • Part elasticated waist
  • Knee patches
  • Belt loops
  • Multi-pocketed with concealed zips
  • 2 front large pockets with hem bellows
  • 2 back pockets, one zipped, one welt covering
  • Durable water repellent finish
  • Warm scrim lining
  • 2 colour options
Regatta Professional Lined Action Trouser
Regatta Lined Action Trousers

Waterproof Trousers

Waterproof trousers are often used as an additional item. You can wear them over your normal work trousers to keep you warm and dry in bad weather. Also, certain hi-visibility trousers are waterproof. These are perfect for keeping you dry but making you visible.

Some examples of waterproof trousers:

Yoko Hi Vis Waterproof Over Trouser

  • Approved for railway industry
  • 100% waterproof Polyester with Oxford PU coating
  • Two 5cm wide reflective bands around lower legs
  • Elasticated waistband
  • Stitched and taped seams
  • Snap buttons on the bottom for adjustment
Yoko Hi Vis Waterproof Over Trouser
Yoko Hi Vis Waterproof Over Trouser

Conclusion

There are many different types of workwear trousers for working outdoors you to choose from. Each has a different purpose however they are all designed to give you the best protection available.