OSHA stresses the need for rest, water and shade to help protect employees from heat hazards. Employers and businesses should also understand that clothing is an important factor when it comes to working in a hot environment. The right workwear can provide protection and assist the body as its mechanisms operate in reaction to heat and dehydration. The wrong workwear can hinder proper heat exchange, with potentially disastrous effects.

For example, most of us understand that the purpose of perspiration is to cool the body. But the fact is, sweat must evaporate for cooling to take place. And evaporation can be hampered by factors such as humidity, air temperature, wind, and the thickness of the clothing being worn. The importance of sweat evaporation goes far beyond comfort. If sweat doesn’t evaporate, the body will not be able to maintain the proper body temperature, and this can lead to heat-related illnesses. Importantly, it can also cause impairments that can lead to injury on the job.

Luckily, fabric technology today offers workwear and work gear choices that help protect workers from heat-related illnesses and heat-related injuries. For example, garments constructed from heat gear and microfiber wick moisture away from the body and also dry quickly. Getting control of these two factors offer appreciable protection when working in a hot environment. And for workers who must wear solid protective gear with no air flow, like hardhats and insulated gloves, there are liners to add breathability and assist with heat exchange.

Whether your employees wear company-issued uniforms or workwear of their own choosing, it’s a good idea to assess your work environment, then explore the choices available and educate your workers on how they can protect themselves. It’s good for your employees and good for your business, too.

Ultra-light is a manner of personal taste in juice, beer, yogurt and other edibles, but when it comes to a light on your feet at work feeling, there’s nothing but Thorogood athletic work shoes with GENflex2 Tactical VGS Sole Technology to guarantee that feeling, day after hard pounding days on your feet.

The GENflex2/VGS Technology combines premium materials with an exclusive, net fit flexible welt construction for maximum comfort.  Like walking on Cloud 9 (or more), it’s because Thorogood’s work shoe and sole technology comprises 11 layered components to create the outsoles and mid-layers of their footwear.

Closest to your foot is high density polyurethane removable footbeds; under this is a high density EVA footbed for added comfort, which is further supported by GENflex2 board with double EVA cushioning (yes, more of the good stuff!) and GENflex2 flexible forefoot cushioning.  The Thorogood Footwear technology takes into consideration movement, stationary position, weight and pressure, and other featured layers include a flesible insole rib, a welt channel cushion (more!), the layer containing the InterActive Visible Gel Syste (VGS) in the heel that won’t break, a built-in composite shank, and a molded EVA midsole flex channel.  Rounding off that Cloud 9 Plus feel is the oil and slip-resisting rubber outside and the multi-directional traction lug designed bottom.  No wonder the Thorogood tactical footwear is all about comfort!

Even when you primarily work outside, there are times when it’s necessary come into the office or even a client’s home.  When you reach that doormat, however, you realize your dilemma. Do you walk in with wet, muddy work boots and risk tracking in dirt?  Or, do you remove them only to reveal your sweaty socks?

Weinbrenner has the solution to this seemingly no-win situation with the Shoe In.  The Weinbrenner Shoe In is an overshoe designed to be worn indoors over dirty shoes and boots so you can enter a home or office without having to worry about appearing unprofessional, getting the floor dirty, or both.

The Shoe In is made with lightweight, durable EVA rubber.  They feature two slip-resistant rubber pads and patented gripper teeth that keep your shoes locked in.  They are completely hands-free so you can get in and get out with ease.  Adding to their convenience, there is no left or right distinction and they can easily be rinsed clean.  Shoe In overshoes also include an easy-to-open backpack for storing them when you’re on the move.

Shoe In overshoes come in Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large and can fit over most work boots and shoes up to size 16.  They are available in different colors such as blue, green and black and there are a few different style options.  There are Open Toe and Closed Toe versions as well as the Shoe In Safety Toe which includes a steel toe for additional protection.  For when you need to wear your overshoes in icy conditions, Weinbrenner also offers the Shoe In Ice-Ts which include metal studs on the sole for added traction.

Weinbrenner Shoe In overshoes for men and women are available at Working Person’s Store.  Pick up a pair today and save yourself for making another footwear faux-pas!

Workingperson.com is happy to introduce a new addition to our rewards program: a military discount through TroopID.  We proudly honor those who serve and we aim to do our part to make sure that veterans, active duty military, retirees and military spouses receive a well-deserved discount as well as rewards points when choosing to purchase our products.

To instantly earn rewards points and receive an automatic 10% discount on all orders, you must first verify your military affiliation through the rewards program.  Simply visit your My Working Person Rewards Dashboard and click the “Verify Military Affiliation” widget on the left side.  This can also be done on the My Working Person Rewards Settings page.

Military affiliation verification is managed by TroopID.  In order to receive the 200 rewards points and military discount on all future orders, you must create an account with TroopID and provide them with your proof of military affiliation.  You can give them your social security number and dates of active duty, proof of a USAA military bank account, government forms DD214, DD256, DD257 or ORB or your .mil email address.

Once verified, you will receive your 10% discount on all future orders and there is no limit at this time to the number of orders you can place.  However, this discount cannot be used with other coupon codes.  If a coupon code is entered, the military discount will be removed.  But, if the coupon code is removed, the military discount will be restored.  This information is outlined in the updated Terms and Conditions page located under the discount section.

We encourage all military affiliated customers to take advantage of our new military discount program and we hope that it will help you get the things you need for both work and fun.  It is our way of saying “thank you” for all that you do for this great country!

One way we can protect ourselves from workplace hazards is by wearing the proper safety footwear.  Safety shoes and boots can help workers avoid the dangers of chemicals, flames and slipping while on the job.  Most would agree that wearing the proper footwear is essential to a job where there are safety risks involved, however, we often fail to realize how our safety footwear can become a hazard itself.

Looking at industrial footwear as a subcategory of footwear as a whole, industrial footwear is subject to greater wear and tear at a faster rate than other types of footwear, namely the degradation of the midsole and outsole.  This is mainly due to the tasks being performed while wearing safety footwear and the hard surfaces which it is used on.  When the shock absorbing midsoles and outsoles (usually made out of polyurethanes) wear down, shock absorption, balance and motion control decreases significantly, causing more muscle fatigue and pain.

For these reasons, it is recommended that all types of industrial shoes and boots be replaced every six months.  For safety footwear that is impact-, compression-, chemical- or slip-resistant, this is especially important as these types of footwear are worn in workplaces where health and safety is a major concern.

According to The National Safety Council’s “Selection and User Guide for Protective Footwear”, there are some situations where safety footwear must be replaced sooner.  Safety footwear should immediately be replaced in the event that physical damage is evident in the toe area of impact- and compression-resistant shoes.  For shoes with metatarsal guards, it is recommended that the be replaced immediately after an impact has occurred of the metatarsal guard is exposed.  If the footwear’s’ steel midsole or shank guard is showing, it should also be immediately replaced.

Extra precautions should be taken with waterproof or chemical-resistant footwear that is made with rubber or PVC.  If the rubber or PVC becomes separated or cracked, it should be replaced immediately.  Similarly, if the tread on slip-resistant shoes becomes worn down and smooth, it is time for a new pair.

To lengthen the life of your industrial footwear and reduce pain and fatigue, often a replacement insole can do the trick.  Insoles should be made from a soft foam or gel, such as memory foam, with a contoured arch support and deep heel support.  Working Person’s Store carries a wide variety of insoles that can help you get the most out of your safety shoes and boots.

To ensure that your safety footwear fits properly and is always working for you and not against you, keep the six-month rule in mind and always immediately replace if extreme damage has been done.  If you’re in need of a new pair, don’t wait, check out Working Person’s Store today.

Good news for workers in the oil and natural gas industry: production in the U.S has increased dramatically, creating more and more jobs.  Since 2003, actively drilling rigs has increased by 92 percent.  The bad news, however, is that workplace injury and fatality rate among oil and natural gas workers has also increased, according to a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study.  In fact, the fatality rate has increased to 27.1 per 100,000 workers during 2003-2010.

In response to these frightening numbers, NIOSH has begun to research the major causes of injury and illness in the industry.  Motor vehicle crashes actually account for the majority of the fatalities, mainly because worksites are remote, workers have long hours and driving often happens in extreme weather.  Using these findings, a publication titled “Implementing an In-vehicle Monitoring Program: A Guide for the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry” has been developed.   This guide includes step-by-step instructions for implementing an In-vehicle Monitoring Program.

In addition, elevated levels of silica exposure during hydraulic fracturing operations are also a concern as silica exposure can lead to lung cancer and other serious respiratory problems.  NIOSH is working closely with the industry to control silica and has developed new control technology, the Mini-baghouse Retrofit Assembly.  The Mini-baghouse Retrofit Assembly reduces the amount of silica dust released from sand moving machines during hydraulic fracturing operations.  A document titled “Respirable Crystalline Silica Focus Group” has also been designed to help companies understand and prevent silica exposure.

Other concerns that NIOSH is looking into are falls, fires and explosions during drilling and well servicing operations.  In order to prevent injuries and fatalities in the oil and natural gas industry, NIOSH has recognized the importance of collaborations with industry partners and is dedicated to releasing practical training materials and information to workers so that they can learn how best to protect themselves by following appropriate safety guidelines.

Workers have now great opportunity to make them comfortable and alert while working, as the Timberland PRO boots are providing historically the best work boots. The Timberland PRO boots and their Helix collection make you feel comfortable on your feet even when you work long hours. While wearing these work boots, you can focus on work instead of your feet all the time. This collection has specially designed to make you feel safe at workplace by keeping you off the ground with great comfort. This is the care factor, this collection has brought for all the workers that work really long hours.

The Timberland PRO Helix collection provides you with a variety of footwear styles including rugged 6-inch boots that ensure quality and comfort for the wearer. These work boots will not weigh you down as the best lightweight materials are combined with Timberland PRO’s exclusive Anti-fatigue technology to absorb shock and help you feel comfortable and support you through long hour jobs.

These work boots are providing you with lots of best features that you desire. Timberland PRO exclusive anti-fatigue technology has been incorporated in these work boots by the features like, molded, inverted cones that support, collapse and return in key pressure zones, providing higher energy return and resulting in all day standing comfort and support. Its flexible and soft leather outer covering provides you with both comfort and durability at a time, so these Timberland PRO boots will not leave your feet blistered or sore. This feature also lets these work boots to conform to shape of your foot. Working long hours often make your foot become sweaty, smell bad and catch different fungal and microbial infections. If you want to get rid of this problem, then Timberland PRO boots are for you, as a mesh lining with Agion microbial treatment for odor control is incorporated in this collection. Some of its styles also feature a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry.

Apart from all of the above mentioned comfort features of these work boots, the security feature are also worth buying these Timberland PRO boots. The active heel lock in these safety work boots secures your heel for optimal fit. It posses TiTAN alloy or composite safety toe in order to provide you with lightweight protection and a roomy fit.

You can have these Timberland PRO Helix styles in a wide range of sizes 7-12, 13, 14, 15 M/W, which are equipped with the Timberland PRO PowerFit comfort system for ergonomic fit and maximum support. Buying Timberland PRO boots, will get you the customer satisfaction with a 30-day comfort guarantee.

All the aforementioned features of Timberland PRO boots are an awesome fit for all the workers out there, who wants to feel safe and comfortable at the same time. Visit WorkingPerson.com to get one such pair of Timberland PRO Helix 6”, for yourself.

The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer.  Finally, it is time to get ready for some outdoor activities and get rid of that cabin fever for the season.  We’re sure you have a long list of tasks and recreational activities that you’re just itching to embark on and, for many of us, that list includes enjoying your All Terrain Vehicle (ATV).

ATVs can be a great asset to the workplace as well as a fun way to get out and enjoy the outdoors.  They are currently used in several industries such as agriculture, emergency services and land management.  They are cost-efficient as well as versatile which makes them an ideal vehicle both on the job and off.  However, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has released statistics revealing that ATV injuries are on the rise and ATV accidents are to blame for the deaths of 41 workers in the U.S. in 2010.

At Working Person’s Store, we want to make sure that you can get the most out of your ATV, while still staying safe.  By keeping in mind a few simple safety rules, you can be riding safely in no time!  First, you need to outfit yourself in the proper protective equipment.  Always wear a helmet, gloves, long sleeve shirts, long pants and safety footwear like over-the-ankle boots.  These items and more can be found at Working Person’s Store.

ATVs are meant for off-roading.  Never operate your ATV on paved roads or highways – except to cross them safely.  Stick to designated trails and maintain a safe speed.  Never carry an extra passenger on an ATV or allow a child to use ATV meant for adults.  Always supervise riders that are younger than 16.  Lastly, never operate an ATV under the influence of alcohol of drugs.

ATVs can be a fun way to experience the outdoors when used properly.  To learn more about ATV safety, you can visit ATVSafety.org or look into a local ATV safety class.

Home Of Reebok Safety, Rockport Works, Florsheim Work Shoes and Iron Age Boots

Over the past year, Warson Brands has gone through a significant transition in their brand portfolio.  After fifteen years as a licensee of the Converse Safety Footwear for the industrial, duty, and uniform markets, they have shifted their brand allegiance and have signed a multi-year license agreement with Reebok Safety.

The Converse brand, at their election, has decided to exit the occupational work, duty, and uniform markets, focusing their attention on their core customer base; the young lifestyle brand. 

Warson Brand is very excited about their new partnership with Reebok, the third largest sports brand in the world!  Under the agreement, they will be developing, manufacturing, and marketing all the products you have relied on under the Converse brand, as Reebok.  As a leading athletic footwear brand in the world, Reebok provided Warson with a foundation steeped in athletic performance and fitness.  Reebok sees their brand pillars as providing the foundation for Warson to deliver to their customers new, innovative, and performance oriented footwear that is “fit for work”.

To speed the transition, Warson has made “running changes” on all of their leading styles, converting their brand identification over to the Reebok brand.  Additionally, they have launched a number of new and exciting styles, rich in athletic tradition with the durability and comfort that you can trust for long hours on the job.  For fifteen years you have counted on Converse from the Warson Brand.  Rest assured, the name has changed, but the quality, dependability, comfort, and safety that you have counted on remains the same.

Warson also carries brands such as Iron Age, Florsheim, Grabbers, and Rockport Works.  For more information about all of Warson’s products, please visit our website at www.WorkingPerson.com.

No matter the precipitation or wind – spring, summer, or fall – Tingley’s Phase 3 High-Visibility Soft Shell Jacket (J25022) could be the most versatile outer wear for work that you could own. Water resistant, windproof, and with high visibility fluorescent yellow-green color for day-time, it includes 2-inch reflective silver tape strips on arms, mid-section, and shoulders for dusk and night-time outdoor work safety. The Phase 3 jacket uses a techno-competent-stretch-fabric with high shoulder design for complete freedom of movement during all your required tasks.  And it meets ANSI 107 Class 3 compliance.

Besides the obvious safety construction with the high visibility color and reflection, sporting this Tingley Phase 3’s soft-shell jacket you will be dry and warm from the attached fleece inner layer (and you know working long outdoors in whatever elements are there that layering is the key warmth).  The hi-vis Tingley jacket’s multi-layer protection in a single layer provides superior breathability – to ASTM E96 — with its top layer and insulating fleece.  At 5.5 oz. in material weight, it is 39 milliliters thick.  And who doesn’t appreciate the advantages of freedom of movement that come with a little stretch in fabrics – especially when you most need to both move and be safe?  Wearing high-visibility clothing can enhance the mobility of any work demand you might have – working on power lines, cutting trees, climbing in and out of and driving construction vehicles — the athletic design and performance are adaptable to all kinds of athletic-like endeavors you could imagine your job necessitates.

Critical thinking and usage went into all the design features of this multi-layer protective high-visibility softshell jacket that can also be zipped into the Icon (J24122) outer shell as well.  Zippered cording around waist at back cinches out cool winds.  A right outside zippered security pocket stores keys and other valuables, like cell phone and debit card.  And for cold hands or other storage options, there are the hand-warmer pockets with zip closures. The longer back on the hi-vis jacket provides coverage from rain, while the Velcro sleeves can tighten around gloves.  The extra coloring of grey reflective striping is in all the right places – on cuffs and part way up sleeves and on the lower front of the jacket – it’s been well-thought out to conceal dirt in the very places where jackets and hard work attract it the most!  And it can double for athletic endeavors when it’s not in use for day-to-day work needs!  Get your own Tingley jacket or browse more high-visibility workwear at WorkingPerson.com.