Five Must-Have Workwear Items For The Agriculture Sector

Men or women working in the agricultural sector need to make sure they are dressed appropriately. Not only will the right workwear protect them from weather conditions, it will also keep them safe around the many hazards they face every day. 

Here are some essential pieces they should not start the working day without. 

Wellingtons

Heavy duty Wellington boots, such as JCB wellies, are a must whether you are working on a farm, or as a vet, a soil scientist, or agricultural inspector. 

Uneven, muddy land means you need shoes that have plenty of grip on the base to avoid slipping over. 

As they are water-resistant and extend to the knee, this will keep your feet and lower legs dry. If they are wet for a considerable amount of time, this could lead to problems such as trench foot, which can affect nerves and circulation. 

In serious cases, this might result in feet getting severe blisters, ulcers, or permanent nerve damage. There might also be tissue loss and it can affect your ability to walk. 

Therefore, keeping feet dry when you are wading through puddles and mud all day, every day, is important. 

Waterproof jackets

Fingers crossed there will be dry, sunny days on the farm, but British weather is so unpredictable, it is important to always have a waterproof jacket nearby. 

Even in the summer the heavens can open, and spending a whole day in soggy clothes is not only unbearable but can be detrimental to your health. 

If the temperature is cold, this can increase your risk of getting ill, as the damp can encourage bacteria to grow. In fact, being cold and wet together means you are more likely to develop hypothermia, chilblains and infections, as well as lower your immune system. 

This is why it is vital to have a waterproof jacket that can shield you from rainy weather when you have no choice but to be outside. 

Farmers’ hat

Another essential piece of clothing for someone in agriculture is a hat – woolly for the winter and peaked for the summer. 

Ideally, you would have a farmer’s tweed hat, as this not only keeps the head warm, but also shields the face from sunlight. 

However, as long as your head, face and eyes are protected from the weather and sunshine, this is all that matters. Therefore, a beanie is more than fine during cold conditions and a sports cap will do when the sun comes out in force. 

A wide-brimmed hat will also protect necks and ears from UV rays, making this a good option for those out in the sunlight everyday.

It is also sensible to get one in a bright colour, as this can protect agricultural workers even more. As brightly coloured hats make it easier to spot the wearer, this means they are more likely to be found quickly should they have a fall.