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Formula 1 inspires new Laing O’Rourke workwear
Neil Gerrard Associate editor
Laing O’Rourke workers showcase the new workwear, created with Jermyn Street Design, at The Whiteley Building, London (Image: Bronac McNeill)
Laing O’Rourke has introduced new workwear for its employees, inspired by Formula 1 pit crews.
The contractor said the new workwear offers improved fit, functionality and comfort, while reflecting the professionalism of workers across construction.
Laing O’Rourke employees will receive their own ‘kit bag’ of items. They include high-visibility red polo shirts, softshell jackets, and charcoal grey cargo trousers.
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The new workwear is tailored to fit both female and male employees.
Image: Bronac McNeill
Laing O’Rourke partnered with London-based Jermyn Street Design (jSD) to design the clothing. Jermyn Street Design has created uniforms for Eurostar, Dyson, Ocado and Jet2.
Attracting and retaining talent
The contractor said it wanted to use the new workwear to attract and retain talent. In particular, it wants to encourage more women to join the profession. Laing O’Rourke and jSD therefore created a range of items for women, rather than adapting the men’s clothing.
Laing O’Rourke conducted six wearer trials across several locations, with more than 50 wearers in multiple job roles, giving the people who would be using the workwear the opportunity to drive the design process. Employees tested versions with different lengths of sleeves or trousers, and even two different collar styles. The company adopted the most popular in each instance.
The workwear looks nothing like the usual clothing worn on building sites, reflecting the company’s move from trades to technicians.
In parallel with the new uniform roll out, Laing O’Rourke has installed new recycling points across its projects, depots and manufacturing facilities, allowing its employees to responsibly dispose of PPE.
Image: Bronac McNeill
‘Trades to Technicians’ agenda
George Mosey, head of health and safety for Laing O’Rourke Europe, said: “Construction industry workwear has suffered from a lack of investment for decades, and consequently lags behind other professions. We wanted to completely turn that around by developing a range of workwear that supports our ‘Trades to Technicians’ agenda. The move from trades to technicians is fundamental to safer and healthier modern methods of construction.
“This workwear will also underpin our new inclusion and wellbeing health and safety programme, recently launched in the Europe Hub.
“The new look will certainly make Laing O’Rourke’s sites stand out against other more traditional projects, with hi vis red polo shirts and softshell jackets replacing the more commonplace hi vis fluorescent safety vests teamed with jeans or jogging bottoms and t-shirts and sweatshirts.
“The new workwear has been designed to comply with PPE standards and to be suitable for all conditions; with UV properties in the fabrics for the summer to layers for warmth and waterproof protection during bad weather. All items are designed to make everyone feel comfortable, safe, smart and, most importantly, included.”
Carol Williams, head of procurement, Europe, at Laing O’Rourke added: “The trousers were designed to fit a female shape and leg length, and graded into female sizes. Importantly, the pockets (designed to carry necessary tools) are the same size in the ladies’ range as they are in the men’s. Moreover, the range is not yet complete – with Laing O’Rourke planning to introduce a maternity range in the future.”
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