Christmas List: PPE that really rocks

PPE gets a bad rap.

Thought of as clunky, uncomfortable, and uncool much of the time, PPE probably won't make too many Christmas lists. But there might be a few who change their tune after seeing some of the new generation of PPE, which combines comfort, convenience, and style to update older, less-loved versions.

**TT&S as an organization doesn't endorse or receive affiliate income from followed links. We just think this stuff is cool and deserves a look.

Here's a few of the new products that we've learned about recently.

1. ISOTunes - Hearing protection is often not fun to wear, but it's so important to protect your hearing. Unlike many other injuries, hearing loss isn't something that can come back after therapy or treatment. Once it's gone, it's gone.

Enter ISOTunes: an innovative company that's combined hearing protection with bluetooth headphones. Available as earbuds or over-the-ear headphones, these will protect your hearing while providing you with your favorite music or podcasts. Earbuds are everywhere anyway, so why not protect your hearing while you're at it?

Check it out here.

Thanks to Melanie for finding this one.

2. Fire Blankets - While technically not PPE (and not all that new), these fire blankets are very effective at putting out small, contained fires. And they have several advantages over fire extinguishers. They're easy to deploy (just throw the blanket over the fire), you don't have to deal with the cleanup of fire extinguisher discharge, and they're reusable. Anyone should be excited to find one of these in their Christmas stocking.

Credit to Keith for sending this tip our way. Check out this short video on how they work.

3. Xena Workwear - Xena Workwear offers an excellent selection of women's steel toe footwear. You'd never guess their boots are steel toe since they look like a pair you'd buy from any clothing store. Gone are the days clunking around in bulky, hard-to-lace boots. A pair of Xena Workwear boots will take you from the office to the field and back again, keeping your feet protected with every step.

Kyla has a pair of these, and they've been great to wear for safety inspections that take her into manufacturing, shop, or field environments.

Here's the website to take a look.

These are just a few examples. Expect more innovation from the world of PPE, as companies work to provide options that integrate more easily into work and home life.