The Evolution of Safety Clothing, PPE, and Job Safety Standards

Early Safety Options At Safety Smart Gear, the nation’s most trusted online store for protective apparel, we know that every reflective stripe, flame-resistant fiber, and high-visibility color tells a story of progress. Today’s safety clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) is the result of decades of innovation and workplace safety reform.

From Industrial Origins to Modern Safety Culture

Early industrial workers had few safety protections. It wasn’t until the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created OSHA that PPE became a legal requirement. This sparked widespread adoption of standards developed by ANSI, NFPA, and ASTM, leading to dramatic improvements in worker safety.

The evolution of safety clothing has been driven by the need to protect industrial workers from the myriad risks they face in their daily work. In the early stages of industrialization, safety of workers was often given little thought, with few, if any, safety protections in place. This grim reality persisted until the implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which introduced OSHA and made Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) a legal requirement for the industry. This pivotal legislation contributed to a seismic shift in industry standards across the United States. As a direct response, companies began to widely adopt standards laid out by industry leading bodies such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). This significant move towards prioritizing safety regulations has ushered in an era characterized by dramatic improvements in worker safety, marking a pivotal moment in the history of industrial work and safety clothing.

Modern-Day Safety Standards

Today, PPE is regulated by a network of organizations:

OSHA enforces workplace safety laws.
ANSI/ISEA 107 sets high visibility clothing requirements by class and type.
NFPA 70E & 2112 cover electrical arc flash and flame resistance.
CSA Z96 regulates safety apparel in Canada.

These standards apply across industries—construction, oil & gas, utilities, transportation, and public safety—ensuring that workers have the right protection for the hazards they face.

Head-to-Toe PPE: What Today’s Workers Wear

High Visibility Clothing

Hi-Vis gear has become essential for jobs near traffic, equipment, or low-light conditions. We offer:

T-Shirts & Long Sleeves – Lightweight, breathable options for warm environments.
Safety Vests – ANSI Class 2 & 3 styles, including zippered, breakaway, and surveyor.
Work Pants – Rugged protection with reflective striping.
Jackets & Sweatshirts – For cold, wet, and extreme conditions.
Safety colors include Hi-Vis Yellow, Lime, and Orange, often enhanced with reflective material and two-tone contrasting trim for 360° visibility.

Available in sizes for men and women, ranging from XS to 6XL.

Flame Resistant (FR) Clothing

We offer FR shirts, FR coveralls, FR jackets, and more that comply with NFPA 70E & 2112, protecting workers from arc flash and flash fire hazards.

Cooling Gear for Heat Stress Relief

As extreme heat becomes more common, our evaporative cooling vests, towels, and headgear help prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Hard Hats, Eye Protection & Accessories

Hard Hats – Full brim, cap-style, and vented options.
Safety Glasses – ANSI Z87.1-compliant eye protection.
Gloves, Gaiters & More – High-grip, cut-resistant, and weather-rated styles.

Inclusive Safety: For Men and Women

Safety Smart Gear is committed to inclusivity and fit. Many of our garments come in a broad range of sizes, and we stock styles specifically designed for women in the trades. Whether you're gearing up a large crew or outfitting a single worker, we make it easy to find what fits—and what complies.

Why Choose Safety Smart Gear?

As a leading supplier of PPE and safety clothing online, we are proud to offer:

Trusted name brands and certified gear
Fast shipping across the U.S.
Volume discounts and wholesale pricing
Exceptional customer service

Whether you need one vest or 1,000 jackets, Safety Smart Gear is your one-stop shop for everything protective.

Primitive Protective Gear to Modern Safety Apparel

The journey from primitive protective gear to modern ANSI Class 3 reflective jackets and FR coveralls is a testament to how far workplace safety has come. At SafetySmartGear.com, we’re not just outfitting workers—we’re helping protect lives.

From Hi-Vis shirts and flame-resistant pants to cooling gear, hard hats, and accessories, we offer everything today’s workforce needs to stay safe, visible, and compliant.

Call: (508) 248-3141

Jun 16th 2025 SSG