For questions or help: 01 834 0388 | sales@arksafety.ie
HUGE RANGE Thousands of quality PPE and workwear products
REGULATORY KNOWLEDGE We offer unparalleled regulatory knowledge
SITE SURVEY To help determine your detailed requirements
IRISH OWNED Irish owned and managed business
In the fast-paced logistics sector, safety wear for warehouses is essential for protecting workers and ensuring business continuity.
Warehouses carry risks from heavy machinery to moving goods, where accidents can cause serious injury, costly delays, and lost productivity. Prioritising the right gear reduces absenteeism, ensures compliance, and strengthens a culture of safety.
In this article, we explore the key types of safety wear and how to select the right gear for safe, efficient warehouse operations.
Warehouses are high-risk environments where proper safety wear is essential to protecting workers from hazards like heavy machinery, moving vehicles, and frequent kneeling tasks.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) not only ensures compliance but also fosters a strong safety culture, reducing accidents and boosting productivity across daily operations.
Warehouses are dynamic spaces with constant activity involving goods, vehicles, and heavy equipment. This busy environment brings a high risk of slips, trips, and falls, especially where floors are uneven or items are improperly stored. Misplaced or unstable stock can result in falling objects, and workers may need to lift or move heavy loads, increasing the potential for musculoskeletal injuries.
Temperature changes within different warehouse zones add another layer of complexity. In cold storage or poorly ventilated areas, conditions can shift rapidly, requiring adaptive safety wear.
The intensity and pace of warehouse work heighten the likelihood of accidents, making it essential to implement tailored safety protocols and ensure workers are equipped with suitable PPE.
PPE is a core element of warehouse safety. Employers are required by law to provide protective equipment, but embedding PPE use into daily routines shows a deeper commitment to worker wellbeing. When employees are confident in their gear, they tend to work more efficiently, knowing they are protected from harm.
Fostering a strong PPE culture helps build accountability and shared responsibility. Workers who understand the importance of their equipment are more likely to report faults and wear gear consistently. This leads to fewer preventable injuries, reduced downtime, and a more resilient operation overall.
Choosing the right PPE for warehouses means matching gear to specific hazards, ensuring it is durable, flexible, and highly visible. From hi-vis clothing and safety footwear to hand, head, eye, and hearing protection, each category addresses unique risks and together forms a complete safeguard against injuries.
High-visibility clothing is critical in warehouse zones with low lighting or frequent vehicle traffic. These garments ensure workers can be seen clearly by others, reducing the chance of collisions or other accidents involving machinery. Hi-vis gear, such as vests, jackets, and trousers, is designed to catch attention and protect lives.
In addition to visibility, protective clothing includes flame-resistant or chemical-resistant materials, depending on specific warehouse tasks. Layered options allow for flexibility in different temperature zones, and comfort-focused designs prevent fatigue over long shifts.
Work trousers with kneepad pockets are especially useful for protecting the knees during tasks that involve frequent kneeling.
The right clothing helps workers remain visible and protected, no matter the challenge.
Footwear is a critical line of defence in any warehouse. Common features include:
In environments with electrical hazards or temperature extremes, workers may require insulated or anti-static boots. Choosing the correct footwear not only prevents injuries but also improves comfort and endurance during long shifts.
Gloves are essential in preventing hand injuries when handling goods, equipment, or chemicals. General-purpose gloves offer grip and dexterity for everyday tasks, while specialised gloves protect from specific risks.
These include:
Selecting the right glove for each task ensures workers maintain dexterity and safety at all times.
Protection for the head, eyes, and ears is vital in warehouses where falling objects, chemical splashes, and loud machinery are common. Hard hats guard against impact from overhead hazards, while safety goggles protect eyes from dust and debris.
In high-noise areas, ear defenders or plugs help prevent long-term hearing loss. Face shields and combination PPE kits can offer integrated protection, simplifying compliance in high-risk zones.
Providing effective head, eye, and hearing protection not only safeguards workers but also contributes to a safer, more efficient workspace.
Choosing the right safety wear starts with identifying warehouse-specific hazards and selecting PPE that balances safety with comfort and durability. A well-rounded approach ensures workers stay protected, feel comfortable in their gear, and remain compliant with safety protocols.
Effective PPE selection begins with:
Encouraging workers to report near-misses or unsafe conditions helps build a clearer picture of daily risks. Reviewing past incident reports, inspecting high-traffic zones, and routinely evaluating equipment are all key practices in hazard assessment.
Comfort and compliance go hand in hand. If PPE is uncomfortable, workers may be tempted to use it improperly, or not at all. Choosing breathable fabrics, ergonomic fits, and correct sizing helps ensure consistent wear.
Minimising bulk and maintaining mobility are equally important, especially for roles that demand physical agility. Gathering feedback from workers about fit and functionality helps fine-tune equipment selection. When safety wear is both effective and comfortable, compliance rates rise and safety outcomes improve.
High-quality PPE is an investment in safety and long-term cost-efficiency. Proper care, cleaning, storage, and inspections extend its lifespan, but all gear eventually needs replacing.
Set clear policies for:
Durability and maintenance planning ensure that PPE stays effective over time, providing continuous protection for your workforce.
At Ark Safety, we understand that protecting your warehouse team is about fostering a culture of care, confidence, and productivity. That’s why we offer one of Ireland’s most extensive ranges of safety wear and PPE, designed to tackle the demands of warehouse environments.
We supply a full suite of high-quality protective gear, including:
With 95% stock availability, next-day dispatch, and free delivery on orders over €100 ex VAT, we ensure you get the right products when you need them, backed by expert advice and personal service from our experienced Dublin-based team.
Get in touch with one of our safety specialists today to learn more. Work safely; work with us!
