Protective workwear plays an important role in helping workers stay safe in demanding working environments.
Different industries expose workers to different risks including low visibility, rain, cold temperatures, heat, chemicals, and hazardous working conditions. To help ensure protective clothing performs correctly, workwear products are tested and certified against recognised European safety standards.
Understanding workwear certifications can help businesses and workers choose suitable protective clothing for specific working environments and job roles.
This guide explains some of the most common workwear safety certifications and what they mean.
Why Workwear Certifications Matter
Workwear certifications help ensure garments meet tested safety and performance standards for specific working conditions.
Certified workwear may help provide:
- Improved visibility
- Protection against rain and cold weather
- Better durability
- Increased workplace safety
- Compliance with workplace safety requirements
Choosing certified workwear helps workers stay protected, comfortable, and compliant in demanding environments.
What is EN ISO 13688?
EN ISO 13688 is the general European standard for protective clothing.
This standard outlines the general requirements that apply to protective garments, including:
- Comfort and fit
- Ergonomic design
- Safety labelling
- Sizing
- Durability
- Material performance
EN ISO 13688 is commonly used alongside other protective clothing standards rather than as a standalone certification.
What is EN ISO 20471?
EN ISO 20471 is the European standard for high visibility clothing.
This certification applies to hi-vis garments designed to improve wearer visibility in low-light, poor weather, or hazardous working conditions.
EN ISO 20471 is commonly required in industries such as:
- Construction
- Roadwork
- Rail
- Warehousing
- Logistics
- Transport
- Utilities
The standard is divided into three visibility classes:
Class 1
Provides the lowest level of visibility protection and is suitable for lower-risk working environments.
Class 2
Provides a medium level of visibility and is commonly used for roadwork, warehouse work, and delivery operations.
Class 3
Provides the highest level of visibility and is often required for high-risk environments such as highways, railways, and airports.
The classification depends on the amount of fluorescent and reflective material used on the garment.
Understanding Hi-Vis Garment Combinations
Some hi-vis garments can be combined to achieve a higher protection class.
For example:
- A Class 2 hi-vis jacket combined with Class 1 trousers may achieve Class 3 protection
- Matching garments can help improve overall visibility compliance
Always check the garment labels and certification information to confirm compliance.
What is EN342?
EN342 is the European standard for protective clothing designed for cold environments.
This certification applies to garments intended to protect workers against:
- Cold temperatures
- Wind chill
- Humidity
- Cold outdoor working conditions
EN342 certified workwear is commonly used in industries such as:
- Cold storage
- Agriculture
- Fishing
- Forestry
- Outdoor construction
- Winter maintenance
The standard includes testing for:
- Thermal insulation
- Air permeability
- Water resistance
Higher insulation values generally indicate better protection against extreme cold.
What is EN343?
EN343 is the European standard for protective clothing designed for rainy and wet weather conditions.
This certification measures how well garments protect against:
- Rain penetration
- Moisture
- Wet weather conditions
- Water vapour build-up
EN343 certified garments are tested for:
- Waterproof protection
- Breathability
- Durability
- Water penetration resistance
The standard uses classifications to measure waterproofing and breathability performance.
EN343 certified workwear is commonly used in:
- Construction
- Utilities
- Agriculture
- Logistics
- Outdoor maintenance
- Transport industries
Industries Where Certified Workwear Is Commonly Used
Certified workwear is widely used in industries where workers face environmental or workplace hazards.
Common industries include:
- Construction
- Roadwork
- Warehousing and logistics
- Rail and infrastructure
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Manufacturing
- Utilities and maintenance
- Transport and delivery
- Cold storage operations
Different industries may require different certifications depending on workplace risks and safety requirements.
How to Check Workwear Certifications
Workwear certifications are usually displayed on the label inside the garment.
Labels may include:
- EN ISO certification numbers
- Protection classes
- CE markings
- Wash limitations
- Manufacturer information
Always inspect workwear regularly and replace garments that are heavily worn, damaged, faded, or no longer compliant.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Workwear
Choosing the wrong workwear can reduce both comfort and protection.
Common mistakes include:
- Choosing the wrong visibility class
- Using non-certified garments in hazardous environments
- Ignoring waterproof or cold-weather protection requirements
- Wearing damaged or faded hi-vis clothing
- Not replacing worn garments
- Incorrectly washing technical workwear
Understanding certifications helps ensure workers wear suitable clothing for their environment.
FAQs About Workwear Safety Certifications
What does EN ISO mean?
EN ISO standards are internationally recognised safety standards adopted across Europe.
What is EN ISO 20471?
EN ISO 20471 is the European standard for high visibility clothing.
What does EN343 mean?
EN343 covers waterproof and breathable protective clothing for wet weather conditions.
What does EN342 mean?
EN342 relates to protective clothing designed for cold environments.
Why are workwear certifications important?
They help ensure protective clothing meets tested safety and performance standards for specific working environments.
Can workwear lose certification over time?
Yes. Damage, excessive washing, wear, fading, and poor maintenance can affect garment performance and compliance.
Choosing the Right Certified Workwear
Understanding workwear safety certifications helps businesses and workers choose suitable protective clothing for different environments and job roles.
Whether you need high visibility clothing, waterproof protection, or insulated cold-weather workwear, choosing garments that meet recognised safety standards helps improve workplace safety, comfort, and compliance.
