Work gear is essential on many job sites to keep employees safe. Steel-toe boots can prevent toes from accidentally being crushed, while a hard hat protects the head from falling objects.
Reflective vests make it easy to be seen, but a recent trend is making them fashionable and functional off the job site. Many people want to stand out but fail to understand there is a time and place for that. Here are five tips to help you decorate your work gear when you’re ready.
1. Check Workplace Policy
Many job sites have a uniform for a reason, so check the policy before adjusting your work gear. If you’re not sure, ask your supervisor. They can help you understand what the limitations are. For example, some may allow you to change your gear as long as they’re not permanent, while others allow no adjustments.
You may even be turned away from work. Your alterations to the work gear could mean you’re no longer in uniform, and you can lose a day of pay. Trying to stand out and make it your own can have serious consequences.
2. Use Appropriate Material Only
Once you have permission to decorate your work gear, it can be tempting to go overboard. You want to represent who you are, but if your sense of humor is borderline inappropriate, that may not be a good idea.
Only use worker decals and stickers that are safe for work. This means it should be free from discriminatory or derogatory language, including swearing. That doesn’t mean you can’t use stickers or patches on your items that are humorous. It simply means you should use your best judgment on whether it’s appropriate for work.
If you have to guess, your official work gear is not the best place for your items. If you're unsure, ask one of your peers or manager for a second opinion. If you place an appropriate item, ensure the alteration is temporary or removable. Rules change often, so be prepared.
3. Decorate to Support Job Function
One safe way to decorate your work gear is to use items that support your job function. If you want to put decals on your hard hat, place safety certifications, training, and other job-critical skills.
Use motivational stickers to help inspire your peers. If you want to identify yourself, put your name or initials on your hat. Multi-company job sites may also encourage their employees to put the company logo on their hard hats to help others understand what company they work for.
These safe options can help you feel like you’re making your mark instead of simply accepting the basic work gear as it is.
4. Don’t Use Them to Cover Damage
Many people make cosmetic adjustments to cover damage to their protective gear. Do not do this, as it is highly unsafe. Your gear is intended to protect you from harm, so if your items have dents, cracks, holes, and tears, they can not effectively do their job. If you are hit at the wrong angle, it could have potentially fatal consequences.
Ask your manager for a replacement rather than trying to cover up the damage. It is their responsibility to ensure you have safe and effective gear. Job sites often have inspectors to verify the working conditions. You could get fined if they observe defective items covered with cosmetic enhancements.
5. Do Not Cause Damage With the Decor
If you place stickers on hard hats, you must pay attention to the adhesive. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, hard hat stickers must not compromise the integrity of the gear. While the sticker adhesive should not be too strong, the sticker materials could cause damage.
For example, metallic stickers can conduct heat. As a result, the sticker may get hot enough to compromise the integrity of the plastic underneath it. While rare, this can happen, so it's critical that you don’t damage the work item by trying to decorate it.
Conclusion
Each work site is different, so you’ll want to check with your leader if you can decorate your work gear. If so, take care to use appropriate items only. Leave the inappropriate humor at home, as there’s no place for it on a job site.
Consider adding safety indications, including if you have any special certifications or hold a unique role on the job site. This can help others identify you at a glance, which can be helpful in times of crisis. Don’t use them to cover damage on your gear or introduce new defects.
When you’re on a job site, you’re not at a fashion show. Whatever you wear should be within uniform spec lest you risk being sent home. Continuous disregard of rules can result in the loss of your job, and no decoration is worth that.
