Summary:
A major player in the contracting and trades industry, with construction sites across the US and internationally, faced critical safety and operational issues with its previous safety workwear rental provider. Incorrect work uniforms exposed employees to potential safety hazards, while poor quality control and inaccurate billing created significant inefficiencies. By switching to UniFirst, the company implemented a professionally managed uniform program that enhanced employee safety, restored billing accuracy, and delivered $20,800 in annual cost savings.Challenge: Critical safety risks and financial discrepancies
The company’s previous uniform program was plagued by a multitude of severe problems that jeopardized employee safety and created financial strain:
- LACK OF SAFETY WORKWEAR
Employees were issued standard cotton uniforms in environments where flame resistant workwear was required by industry safety standards, such as OSHA and NFPA. This not only created a serious risk of workplace injury in the event of exposure to heat or flames but also exposed the company to compliance violations and potential regulatory fines. Equipping employees with inadequate protective gear significantly increases employer liability, especially if an accident occurs. - POOR GARMENT MAINTENANCE
Garments were often returned with minimal or no repairs, rendering safety features like reflective striping and protective fabrics ineffective. Missing name emblems and worn components not only undermined a professional image but also compromised visibility and identification in hazardous work zones. Proper maintenance of safety workwear is critical to ensure that all protective elements function as intended and maintain regulatory compliance. Regular inspection and repair are essential to safeguard employees and to meet industry standards for workplace safety. - INACCURATE BILLING
The company was consistently charged for products that were never delivered and for specialized protective garments that employees did not actually receive. This resulted in significant financial waste, damaged trust in the uniform provider, and hampered operational oversight.
These issues exposed the company to unacceptable risks and undermined operational integrity.
Solution: A safety-focused, managed uniform program
GARMENT COMPLIANCE
UniFirst’s industry experts ensured every employee received the correct type of garment for their specific job functions, including properly fitted flame resistant workwear. These safety garments ranged from FR work shirts and FR work pants, to FR coveralls and FR jackets. All flame-resistant garments offered by UniFirst meet OSHA regulations (such as 29 CFR 1910.132 and 1910.269) and relevant NFPA standards (including NFPA 70E and 2112), ensuring full compliance and peace of mind for the company. This knowledgeable approach immediately resolved FR compliance issues and helped protect the workforce from potential hazards, regulatory violations, and fines.
PROACTIVE QUALITY AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
TRANSPARENT AND ACCURATE BILLING
Impact: Enhanced safety and significant savings
SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE
By outfitting every employee with the correct, well-maintained flame resistant workwear, UniFirst helped the company eliminate a serious workplace hazard and avoid potential OSHA violations and fines. Properly maintained FR uniforms are critical for protecting workers from arc flash and fire risks, ensuring compliance with safety regulations such as OSHA 1910.132 and NFPA 2112. Regular inspections and repairs ensured each garment retained its protective properties, giving both the company and its employees added peace of mind.
Annual Cost Savings
Our comprehensive VIP Cost Analysis Program reduced program costs and streamlined efficiencies. Coupled with accurate and transparent billing all led to a spend reduction averaging $400 per week, totaling $20,800 in annual savings.
IMPROVED PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
With properly repaired and personalized uniforms, the overall image of the employees and the company was significantly enhanced.
STRONGER OPERATIONAL CONTROL
Accurate billing and organized inventory management provided better communication and a more efficient weekly service process.
SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE
By outfitting every employee with the correct, well-maintained flame-resistant workwear, UniFirst helped the company eliminate a serious workplace hazard and avoid potential OSHA violations and fines. Properly maintained FR uniforms are critical for protecting workers from arc flash and fire risks, ensuring compliance with safety regulations such as OSHA 1910.132 and NFPA 2112. Regular inspections and repairs ensured each garment retained its protective properties, giving both the company and its employees added peace of mind.
Annual Cost Savings
Our comprehensive VIP Cost Analysis Program reduced program costs and streamlined efficiencies. Coupled with accurate and transparent billing all led to a spend reduction averaging $400 per week, totaling $20,800 in annual savings.
IMPROVED PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
With properly repaired and personalized uniforms, the overall image of the employees and the company was significantly enhanced.
STRONGER OPERATIONAL CONTROL
Accurate billing and organized inventory management provided better communication and a more efficient weekly service process.
Conclusion:
By partnering with UniFirst, the company transformed its uniform program from a critical liability into a strategic asset. This partnership fortified employee safety, enhanced the company’s corporate image, and drove significant financial savings.
UniFirst’s in-depth knowledge of industry-specific safety and compliance requirements raised the bar on service. Now the company can be confident about meeting evolving regulations and protecting its workforce. This level of specialized expertise goes beyond basic service, providing peace of mind, building long-term loyalty, and driving ongoing operational excellence for businesses operating in demanding environments.
If you’re interested in increasing your service levels while reducing costs, contact us to get started.
