Page 50 - OHS, April/May 2023

ELECTRICAL SAFETY garments altogether. ThThis can lead to potentially expensive non- compliance issues and could result in a safety incident. A choice program, on the other hand, allows workers to choose from a reasonable array of comfortable fabrics that all meet your company’s protective, budget and company image needs. When workers have a choice and feel good in what they’re wearing, you’ll see employee comfort rise—and satisfaction, safe- ty and compliance along with it. Access to Innovation Today’s consumer is informed and accustomed to having access to limitless selection outside of the workplace. By extension, they expect this same access and choice in their AR/FR clothing pro- gram—especially because innovative AR/FR clothing is available. In fact, stiff, boxy, hot and industrial-style AR/FR clothing is a thing of the past; the last 10 years have seen a revolution in AR/ FR fabric and garment options, and manufacturers are constantly introducing innovations in style, comfort and protection. With recent advancements in AR/FR clothing style, workers are increasingly expecting their protective clothing to offer the same comfort, characteristics and fit as their favorite everyday clothing. Yet, no-choice programs, which typically have contracts lasting three to five years, limit wearers to a single color, fabric and garment style, severely restricting the ability to leverage innova- tion both upfront and as it occurs during the life of the contract. Choice programs, by contrast, are designed to allow real-time access to more comfortable, stylish or innovative garments as they come on the market, delivering important benefifits to the worker and to your company alike. Increased Employee Morale Companies are often motivated to boost employee morale be- cause it allows them to take advantage of several benefits that oc- cur as a result: increased productivity, satisfaction and a positive attitude toward the company. The trick is figuring out how. Luck- ily, choice programs can help. While no-choice programs can lead to challenges related to comfort and compliance with safety requirements—leading workers to blame the company for their discomfort and dissat- isfaction—choice programs deliver a creative and cost-effective pathway to improved morale. Choice programs allow workers to shop from a selection of comfortable, stylish clothing instead of being told what to wear by the company. Employees are empowered to purchase preferred items from a company-approved catalog, which features a wide variety of garments that meet company safety and image require- ments. The best thing about being comfortable while working is that you don’t have to think about how you’re feeling. Instead, em- ployees can focus on their professional priorities, resulting in HARDWORKING GLOVES ORDER BY 6 PM FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING 1-800-295-5510 uline.com SECUPRO MERAK The most efficient safety knife for pallets, cardboard, film and more. Protect your products and employees with MARTOR cutting tools. martorusa.com | info@martorusa.com 50 Occupational Health & Safety | APRIL/MAY 2023 www.ohsonline.com