4 December 2025
the wearer knowledge gap: why PPE compliance starts with education
Protective uniforms are designed to save lives. Yet, their effectiveness relies on one crucial factor – whether they’re worn correctly and consistently. However, for many workers in hazardous environments – especially within the utilities sector – this isn’t always the case.
Recent research from alsico revealed that as many as one in five workers don’t know what the risk would be if they failed to wear their uniform properly. It’s a concerning figure that highlights a wider issue: the wearer knowledge gap.
understanding the knowledge gap
Despite the high-risk nature of many industrial roles, a significant number of workers remain unaware of the protective value of their uniforms.
In fact, according to our survey, almost a quarter (23%) said they haven’t been told how to wear their garments to stay safe, and nearly a third (31%) were not given guidance on how to look after them. The knowledge gap appears to be even wider among newer recruits, with 25% of those with less than seven years of experience admitting they didn’t know the risks of non-compliance.
This lack of understanding can have serious implications for safety. When workers don’t know why a uniform is designed a certain way – or what could happen if it’s not worn correctly – they’re less likely to take compliance seriously.
education as a first line of defence
Closing this knowledge gap starts with education.
Employers can make a tangible difference by helping workers understand how protective garments function, what hazards they guard against, and how to care for them properly. This could be through in-house experts, or leaning on knowledge shared from your PPE manufacturers.
making safety accessible
Safety shouldn’t just be a box to tick. It should be embedded in workplace culture and visible in day-to-day operations.
Beyond simply how to wear and know the importance of workwear, employers can work to bridge the wearer gap by providing regular, accessible communication about wider PPE knowledge – from simple maintenance tips to updates on safety standards.
toolkits and resources
Organisations such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) offer toolkits and resources that can be used to keep site signage and messaging up to date. These materials not only make compliance more engaging but also encourage open conversations about safety and accountability.
building a culture of awareness
Closing the wearer knowledge gap isn’t about more rules or stricter enforcement – it’s about creating a culture where everyone understands the ‘why’ behind PPE.
By combining education, visual communication and open dialogue, employers can empower workers to take ownership of their own safety. In the end, the most effective protection doesn’t always just come from the fabric of a garment, but from the knowledge and behaviour of the person wearing it.
working with your PPE partners
One of the most effective always to strengthen safety awareness is by collaborating closely with trusted PPE manufacturers and suppliers. These partners bring deep technical knowledge of protective garments – from fabric performance to care requirements – and can help ensure your teams understand not just how to wear PPE, but why it matters.
By involving your PPE partners in ongoing education, such as on-site training, toolbox talks and digital learning sessions, you can translate product expertise into everyday best practice. This collaborative approach helps embed consistent safety messaging across the workforce, improving compliance and building a stronger, more informed safety culture.
comfort and compliance go hand in hand
Our research also suggests that comfort is a critical part of compliance.
Many workers in high-risk roles – particularly those exposed to live electricity and arc flash risks – admitted to wearing their uniforms incorrectly or not at all due to discomfort. However, nearly half (47%) said they would be more likely to wear their uniform if it were more comfortable.
Softer materials, better stretch and easier fastening systems were among the most requested improvements. When uniforms are designed with comfort and fit in mind, wearers are far more likely to wear them correctly – reducing risk without compromising protection.
protective garments from alsico
At alsico, our mission is to ensure that every worker has access to protective garments that are as comfortable as they are safe. We combine advanced fabric technology, ergonomic design and sustainable manufacturing to create uniforms that meet the highest safety standards – without compromising on comfort or movement.
Our latest innovation from the alsico academy, Kibo - powered by ALSIPRO, reflects this commitment.
Designed for all environments working with electricity, Kibo delivers multi-risk protection in a lightweight, flexible design that moves with the wearer. Its advanced stretch fabric offers increased freedom of movement and breathability, whilst maintaining exceptional durability and resistance to key hazards. The result is a garment that doesn’t just meet safety requirements – it encourages consistent wear by feeling as good as it perform
Beyond Kibo, every alsico garment is informed by real-world feedback and developed through ongoing collaboration with safety professionals. By listening to both wearers and selectors, we’re helping to close the PPE knowledge gap and shape the next generation of protective workwear.
Because when workers understand the purpose of their uniform – and are comfortable wearing it – safety becomes second nature.
To help your team not just stay safe, but also understand the importance of their PPE, talk to our workwear experts today.
learn more about the environments we supply into
Environments
wearer protection
Protection is weaved into every part of alsico, we build it into everything we do and it drives our every decision. Our protective workwear range covers all high-safety sectors.
Environments
healthcare
We are one of the largest healthcare uniform suppliers in the UK, and are the majority supplier for the new NHS National Healthcare Uniform project.
Environments
workwear
At alsico, we have shown excellence in a wide range of work uniforms, ranging from warehousing to global travel companies and from transportation to construction.
Environments
electrification
Our passion for creating innovative fabrics has positioned us as a key supplier in the exciting new sector of electrical safety clothing, from battery companies to aerospace, to all anti-static environments.
Environments
contamination control
We have developed a specialism in cleanroom clothing and uniforms, delivering exceptional performance in highly controlled environments.
Environments
emergency response
We are always honored to be asked to provide workwear for our emergency services teams. We put our trust in them to help to look after us, and we do our very best in return, delivering performance when it matters.
contact us
