Working in civils and groundworks means facing challenging conditions, from heavy machinery and moving vehicles to harsh weather and hazardous materials. The right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential—not just to meet safety regulations but to ensure comfort throughout long shifts.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best PPE for civils and groundworks workers, ensuring you stay protected and productive on-site.

1. Safety Boots – Essential Foot Protection

Your feet take a beating on construction sites, so investing in durable, site-approved safety boots is a must.

✔️ EN ISO 20345:2011 S3-rated boots – these meet industry standards for impact, slip, and penetration resistance.
✔️ Steel or composite toe caps – protect against falling objects.
✔️ Midsole protection – prevents punctures from sharp objects like nails and rebar.
✔️ Slip-resistant soles – essential for working on wet or uneven surfaces.

Comfort Tip: Choose lightweight composite toe boots for better flexibility and reduced fatigue over long shifts.

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2. Hi-Vis Clothing – Stay Seen, Stay Safe

With plant machinery, vehicles, and other workers constantly moving around, visibility is critical.

✔️ EN ISO 20471-compliant high-visibility clothing is required on all UK sites.
✔️ Orange hi-vis for rail & specific projects, yellow hi-vis for general civils & groundworks.
✔️ All-weather hi-vis gear – waterproof, thermal, and breathable options for year-round protection.

Comfort Tip: In warmer months, opt for hi-vis moisture-wicking shirts to keep cool while staying compliant.

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3. Hard Hats – Protecting Against Head Injuries

Falling objects, low ceilings, and swinging equipment make hard hats a non-negotiable piece of PPE.

✔️ EN 397-certified helmets – impact-resistant and heat-resistant.
✔️ Chin straps – required on certain sites to prevent loss of protection.
✔️ Vented hard hats – improve airflow to reduce heat build-up in summer.

Comfort Tip: Attach a sweatband or cooling pad inside your hard hat for added comfort during long shifts.

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4. Safety Gloves – Protecting Your Hands Without Sacrificing Dexterity

From handling rough materials to using power tools, hands are constantly at risk on civils and groundworks sites.

✔️ Cut-resistant gloves (EN 388-certified) – essential for handling sharp materials.
✔️ Waterproof & thermal gloves – ideal for wet and cold conditions.
✔️ Anti-vibration gloves – reduce strain when using vibrating power tools.

Comfort Tip: Keep multiple pairs of gloves for different tasks—one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to hand protection.

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5. Safety Glasses & Goggles – Preventing Eye Injuries

Eye injuries from dust, flying debris, and chemical splashes are common in civils and groundworks.

✔️ EN 166-certified safety glasses – impact-resistant and anti-scratch.
✔️ Wraparound styles – provide better side protection.
✔️ Anti-fog coatings – essential for cold and humid environments.

Comfort Tip: If working in extremely dusty areas, opt for foam-sealed safety glasses or full goggles for better protection.

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6. Hearing Protection – Reducing Noise Exposure

Groundworkers are exposed to loud machinery like excavators, dumpers, and compactors, which can exceed safe noise levels.

✔️ Ear defenders (EN 352-1 certified) – protect against high-decibel noise.
✔️ Foam earplugs – a lightweight and comfortable alternative for lower noise levels.
✔️ Electronic hearing protection – allows you to hear site instructions while blocking hazardous noise.

Comfort Tip: Custom-molded earplugs provide better long-term comfort and fit than standard foam plugs.

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7. Respiratory Protection – Keeping Dust & Fumes Out

Dust, fumes, and airborne particles can pose serious respiratory risks in groundworks and excavation projects.

✔️ FFP3 masks or half-face respirators – essential for working with concrete dust or hazardous materials.
✔️ P3-rated filters – protect against fine particles, asbestos, and silica dust.
✔️ Fit-tested respirators – ensure a proper seal for maximum protection.

Comfort Tip: Choose a respirator with an exhalation valve to reduce heat buildup and make breathing easier.

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8. Weather-Appropriate PPE – Adapting to the Conditions

UK weather is unpredictable, so PPE should be suited to both hot summers and freezing winters.

✔️ Thermal base layers – for warmth without bulk.
✔️ Waterproof outer layers – essential for wet weather.
✔️ Moisture-wicking fabrics – prevent sweat build-up in hot conditions.

Comfort Tip: Layering is key—wear multiple thin layers rather than one thick one for better temperature control.

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Final Thoughts: PPE is More Than Just Compliance

The right PPE isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about keeping yourself and your colleagues safe while staying comfortable on-site. Investing in high-quality, well-fitted safety gear ensures you’re protected without compromising on performance.

Get in touch to access our extensive database of pre-vetted, qualified operatives ready to start work immediately.

Get in touch with Ryan Clarke – ryan.clarke@weareventure.co.uk

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