Across all industries where protective clothing is essential, organisations carefully consider both function and comfort in selecting the right gear for their teams. While the primary purpose of protective clothing is to keep wearers safe, comfortable designs help new users adapt more easily, encourage compliance, and support focus. The OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Guide recognises this importance by stating "Employers shall take the fit and comfort of PPE into consideration when selecting appropriate items for their workplace."
At BitePRO®, we recognise that many of the professionals in education and healthcare may not be used to wearing specialised protective clothing. With input from specialists in the healthcare and education sectors, comfort is a careful consideration in the design and features of BitePRO® clothing. Our goal is to help support their transition to regular use of protective clothing and enhance their safety without compromising comfort.
Encouraging Compliance
Organisations implement protective clothing policies to comply with legal requirements, minimise liability, and safeguard staff. Even without specific policies, an organisation's provision of protective clothing to their staff implies an expectation of its use. When protective clothing is uncomfortable, employees may be tempted to adjust it, wear it improperly or remove it entirely. Resistance to the clothing is magnified when the wearer’s perception of risk is misaligned with the actual level, leading to unnecessary safety issues. Comfortable protective clothing helps to close the gap between policy requirements, expected use, and actual user behaviour. The OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Guide, reiterates that comfort impacts compliance by stating "PPE that fits well and is comfortable to wear will encourage employee use."
Adaptation for New Users
For all professionals that wear protective clothing, there is inevitably a time when wearing it is new and something that requires getting used to. During this period, any impact the clothing has on the person will be heightened and feeling restricted or over-encumbered will make this adjustment more difficult. Comfortable protective clothing helps to offset these initial reactions and encourages a positive first impression, paving the way for consistent, proper usage.
Impact on Focus
Professions that use protective clothing often involve dynamic environments where distractions can increase the risk of accidents or escalation. Distraction caused by discomfort can draw attention away from the immediate needs of the situation and in roles like healthcare, education, and caregiving, situational awareness and responsiveness are important. Without the right protective clothing, professionals may face constant concerns for their personal safety during challenging interactions. We strongly believe that protective clothing should help relieve, rather than add to, the mental load of those who wear it.
Supporting Staff Wellbeing
Lastly, providing comfortable, industry-specific protective clothing can display a level of support and respect for employees by the organisation. Providing comfortable protective clothing both meets the safety needs defined by the organisation, and shows understanding and consideration for the staff who will wear it. This consideration enhances employee satisfaction and can lead to increased loyalty and productivity, setting a positive example within the industry.
At BitePRO®, we are dedicated to providing specialised protective clothing that prioritises both safety and comfort for healthcare and education professionals in demanding roles. We invite you to explore our full range and contact our team to learn more about how BitePRO® can support the safety and wellbeing of your team.
