Clothing for a truck driver

26 November 2024

What does a truck driver wear?

How should a truck driver dress? If a truck driver handles unloading, transhipment and loading, he needs an essential set of protective clothing.

The right work clothing keeps the driver safe, comfortable and protected from adverse weather conditions.

What should be included in a driver’s equipment?

Here are some examples of equipment that ensure the comfort and safety of a driver.

Driver’s equipment - food transport

Protective overalls/jacket

• Should be made of material that is easy to wash and disinfect.
• It should cover the entire body to minimise contact with food and protect it from contamination.

Work trousers/gardeners

• They should be comfortable, functional and fitted. Trousers with knee pockets where the professional driver can stow the necessary small items will work well.
• It is essential to ensure that the trousers have no loose parts with which the worker could snag on equipment or surfaces in the transport space.
• When choosing their properties, look out for dirt-resistant trousers, preferably those in darker colours - light colours will get dirty more quickly.

Headgear

• Hair should not come into contact with the food being transported, so also equip the worker with a baseball cap or other headgear.

Disposable/multiple-use protective gloves

• This is one of the personal protective equipment that the driver must have with him/her in case of direct contact with food.
• Disposable gloves will ensure the highest level of hygiene, as they must be changed after each loading and unloading.

Work footwear

• Footwear should be characterised by its slip and dirt resistance. As with workwear, it is worth opting for a model that is easy to clean.
• If drivers work in cold stores, ensure adequate thermal comfort. Choose insulated, non-slip footwear.

Antibacterial liquid or hand disinfectant wipes

• Provide drivers with antibacterial liquid, or wipes, so that they can regularly disinfect their hands before any contact with food.

Protective goggles with UV filter

Protective masks (optional)

Driver’s equipment - transport of building materials

• Work suit/ trousers and jacket
  • Choose a fabric with high resistance to dirt, especially when frequently exposed to dust, mud and substances such as oils or grease.
• Long-sleeved work fleece
  • Will keep you warm and provide extra protection for your skin against accidental scratches, abrasions and when coming into contact with dirt.
• Rain jacket or waterproof overalls (if working outdoors)
  • A jacket made of waterproof fabric (e.g. PVC-coated polyester) will protect drivers from getting wet.
  • The jacket should also be windproof to protect against open-air weather conditions.
• Reflective vest/reflective elements on clothing
  • A reflective waistcoat is one of the indispensable personal protective equipment a driver must have.
  • Choose a waistcoat in a bright colour with sewn-in reflective markings.
• Work trousers/gardeners
  • Choose work trousers made of durable fabric that is resistant to abrasion, abrasion and dirt. Trousers with cargo pockets for storing essentials or hi-vis trousers, which will ensure the driver's visibility thanks to reflective elements, can work well.
• Work gloves
  • Choose work gloves that are abrasion and cut resistant.
• Safety glasses with UV filter
• Protective helmet

Ensure that all items of equipment are washed or replaced regularly. 

What is the best footwear for drivers?

If the driver is actively working with unloading and loading, footwear should meet set safety standards.

Work footwear for drivers transporting foodstuffs

Provide drivers with lightweight, non-slip and waterproof shoes that allow them to work comfortably and safely, especially in cold or wet conditions.

Work footwear for drivers transporting building materials

Equip your drivers with shoes with a metal toe cap, non-slip, oil-resistant sole and puncture protection. Such shoes will keep them safe on uneven and demanding construction sites.

Work footwear for drivers transporting articles for industry

Provide drivers with shoes with extra reinforcements. Such boots protect well against mechanical injuries and chemicals.

Why do truck drivers wear reflective waistcoats?

Wearing a reflective waistcoat is a simple and effective way to keep a trck driver safe when working outside the vehicle, such as when loading, unloading or making emergency repairs.

What do most truck drivers wear?

In addition to health and safety clothing, truck drivers like to wear soft tracksuits, cotton t-shirts and sweatshirts on the road. In such a set-up, the hundreds of kilometres travelled can be, at least a little more comfortable.

Do truck drivers have specific clothing?

The driver's own clothing should be comfortable and convenient, and the driver's work attire provided by the employer should be safe and meet health and safety standards.

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