PPE solutions for the UK defence sector
Protecting people, supporting operational excellence
The UK defence sector demands uncompromising protection, consistent performance and assured compliance. From aircraft assembly and armoured vehicle production, to shipbuilding, electronics and munitions handling, every task relies on dependable PPE that fits well, wears comfortably and performs in real world conditions.
At uvex, our mission is protecting people. We design and manufacture advanced personal protective equipment that combines high protection levels with ergonomic design and long term comfort. Our integrated head to toe solutions help defence organisations improve safety outcomes, support productivity and standardise compliance across multiple sites.
Beyond protection, PPE plays a vital role in maintaining productivity and meeting regulatory requirements. Defence contractors operate under strict health and safety standards, where compliance is non-negotiable. High-quality PPE ensures workers remain safe and comfortable during long shifts, reducing fatigue and improving efficiency. Investing in advanced PPE solutions is not just about safety - it’s about operational excellence and protecting the workforce that powers the UK’s defence capabilities.
Potential hazards in defence manufacturing
| ⚠ Hand injuries Cuts, abrasions, and crush injuries from handling sharp or heavy materials. |
| ⚠ Head injuries Risk from falling objects, moving machinery parts, and overhead hazards. |
| ⚠ Eye injuries Exposure to flying debris, dust, sparks, and chemical splashes. |
| ⚠ Hearing damage High noise levels from machinery and production lines. |
| ⚠ Foot injuries Heavy objects dropping, sharp debris on floors, and slippery surfaces. |
| ⚠ Ergonomic strain Manual handling of heavy loads; requires supportive PPE like gloves with grip and anti-fatigue footwear. |
PPE acts as the first line of defence, reducing risk and enabling employees to work confidently in demanding environments.
Why defence organisations choose uvex
- Head to toe PPE systems designed for industrial environments and extended wear
- Consistent quality, traceability and robust supply chains
- Sector specific guidance through the uvex academy and WEARABILITY fit clinics
- Practical trials and implementation support for primes and sub-tier suppliers
- Selection tools and technical documentation to simplify decision-making
Hand protection for precision and heavy-duty tasks
Handling sharp metal components, chemicals, and tools requires gloves that combine dexterity with durability. uvex cut-resistant gloves protect against mechanical risks, while chemical-resistant options safeguard against oils, solvents, and cleaning agents used in defence manufacturing.
Selection, fitting and correct wearing
Even the highest performance PPE only delivers its intended protection when it is correctly selected, fitted and worn. The uvex academy provides practical training across all major PPE categories, tailored to defence environments and job roles. Our WEARABILITY fit clinics give teams hands on guidance to achieve precise fit, reduce adjustment related interruptions and increase the likelihood of continuous wear during long shifts.
Chemical glove expert system
Our extensive online chemical database and advisors are here to help 24/7, providing all the information you need to select suitable safety gloves for handling hazardous substances.
Safety gloves that fit like a second skin
While it is important to choose the correct safety gloves for your specific task and work environment, it is equally important to ensure your safety gloves fit properly.
Cutting-edge technologies
From the patented Bamboo TwinFlex® for superior cut resistance and climate control, to Xtra Grip coatings for reliable handling in oily environments, our gloves are engineered to meet the demands of modern workplaces.
Head protection for manufacturing environments
In assembly and heavy engineering, head injuries can occur from falling tools, overhead cranes, and confined spaces. uvex industrial safety helmets offer robust impact resistance and compatibility with face shields and hearing protection - ideal for complex manufacturing environments.
Safety eyewear for protection from flying debris, and welding hazards
Manufacturing processes like welding, grinding, and cutting expose workers to sparks, flying debris, and chemical splashes. uvex safety eyewear for defence manufacturing includes anti-fog coatings, high optical clarity, and models designed for welding applications.
uvex eyewear fit programme
Our highly successful fit programme ensures that even your hardest to satisfy employee will find a safety spec or goggle that is best suited for them. Our experts will work alongside you and your employees to ensure they find suitable eyewear that really fits them.
Permanent lens coatings
uvex is the world leader in lens coating technology, delivering coatings that are permanently bonded to the lens and so do not wash or wear off, even after extended wear or repeated cleaning. Get help choosing the right solution for your working environment.
Choice of lens tints
Properly tinted safety eyewear can have a dramatic effect on the wearer’s vision, comfort and energy levels as well as concentration and productivity. Contrast-enhancing tints significantly improve depth perception with full signal colour recognition guaranteed.
Hearing protection in high noise environments
Production areas often involve high noise levels from metal fabrication, power tools, and heavy machinery. uvex industrial hearing protection, including earmuffs and earplugs, provides optimal attenuation while maintaining communication capabilities for team coordination.
uvex xact-fit test system
The uvex xact-fit test is a fast, reliable, and user-friendly solution to deliver accurate, real-world attenuation results, it helps ensure that each worker receives the protection they need.
Discover WEARABILITY
Ear canals vary in size and shape just like the rest of our body, so it’s important to choose adequate and suitable hearing protection that is the correct size to achieve a good fit.
Real Active Listening
RAL (Real Active Listening) technology reduces harmful noise to safe levels while amplifying speech and ambient sound, allowing clear communication and detection of warning signals.
Foot protection for industrial defence settings
Workers in assembly facilities often navigate slippery surfaces, metal debris, and heavy loads. uvex safety footwear for defence manufacturing offers steel or composite toe caps, penetration-resistant midsoles, and slip-resistant soles - ensuring stability and protection in demanding environments.
uvex footwear fit clinics
The uvex footwear fit clinics support employees with the correct fitting of safety footwear and ensures employees find the correct size (length) and width for their boots or shoes.
Discover WEARABILITY
Properly-fitting footwear can make a significant difference to comfort, concentration levels and the avoidance of accidents. We understand that the design and quality of materials also have a bearing on wearer experience.
Safety footwear technologies
With advanced materials including recycled PET uppers and abrasion-resistant TPU outsoles, uvex shoes offer breathable, water-resistant protection that supports every step, safely and sustainably.
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