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Every new worker on a construction site needs the same basic set of workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE). For a crew manager or a subcontractor, getting it right the first time saves time, money and problems at the site entrance. This checklist goes from head to toe and lists the European standards to look for.
The checklist
| Item | Standard to look for | Per worker |
|---|---|---|
| Safety helmet | EN 397 | 1 |
| Safety glasses | EN 166 | 1–2 |
| Hi-vis work jacket (softshell or winter) | EN ISO 20471 | 1 per season |
| Work trousers with knee pad pockets | EN 14404 knee pads where needed | 2 |
| Hi-vis t-shirts or long sleeves | EN ISO 20471 | 3–5 |
| Work gloves | EN 388 (+ EN 511 in winter) | Several pairs per month |
| Safety boots | EN ISO 20345, S3 | 1 pair, winter pair for outdoor work |
| Rainwear | EN 343 | 1 set |
Head: helmet and glasses
A helmet tested to EN 397 is mandatory on practically every site. Add a chin strap for work at height. Safety glasses to EN 166 protect against dust, chips and splashes when drilling, cutting or grinding — choose anti-fog lenses for winter.
Upper body: hi-vis jacket and shirts
Most sites require hi-vis clothing, often class 2 or 3 — see our hi-vis classes guide. In practice workers need a softshell or light jacket for spring and autumn and an insulated winter work jacket for the cold months, plus several hi-vis t-shirts for summer.
Legs: work trousers
Look for reinforced knees, knee pad pockets, holster pockets for tools and stretch panels. Floor layers, tilers and installers should use knee pads tested to EN 14404. Two pairs per worker lets one be washed while the other is worn.
Hands: work gloves
Gloves wear out fastest of all PPE. Plan for a coated all-round glove, a cut-resistant glove for sheet metal and glass and an insulated glove for winter. Our guides on EN 388 ratings and winter work gloves explain how to choose. Browse all work gloves.
Feet: safety boots
Construction sites normally require S3 safety boots to EN ISO 20345: toe protection, a puncture-resistant sole, an antistatic sole and water resistance. Workers outdoors in winter need insulated boots with a cold-insulated sole.
Weather: rainwear
A hi-vis rain jacket and trousers to EN 343 keep the crew working through autumn rain. See our EN 343 rainwear guide and the rainwear collection.
Tips for crew managers
- Collect sizes before ordering. Jacket, trouser, glove and shoe sizes per worker — our size guide helps.
- Order complete kits. One kit per worker is easier to hand out and to track than loose items.
- Keep spares. Gloves, glasses and t-shirts in common sizes for new workers and replacements.
- Brand the kit. A company logo on jackets helps identify your crew on shared sites — ask us about logo printing.
Order a full kit
The TrustGear kit builder lets you put together a complete set per worker — jacket, trousers, boots, gloves and helmet — and order for the whole crew in one go. Companies with an EU VAT number can buy without VAT and receive an invoice. See also our page for companies.