British police officers currently wear traditional uniforms of helmets, white shirts and black ties. However, times have changed and new challenges have arisen in terms of modern policing in urban environments. In the US, officers often adopt military-style workwear which gives them flexibility and a high level of protection during their daily duties. Therefore, some British police forces have decided to introduce new workwear which is intended to give officers the edge in the fight against crime.

Durham Police recently unveiled plans for new military-style workwear. Officers operating around Peterlee and east Durham are trialling the new workwear of black cargo trousers, short sleeve shirts and high vis jackets in a bid to modernise their approach. The traditional helmet will also be exchanged for a baseball cap, similar to those worn by tactical police teams in America. John Stoddart, the force's chief constable, said that many people still favour the tradition uniform. However, he pointed out that "we have moved on - and have got to move on."

"I have a duty to make sure operational front-line officers are well looked after, well led and well kitted out," explained Mr Stoddart. "This review is timely."

"Some forces use the combat trousers and black shirts together with helmets and they look ok. It is a case of seeing how the trials go," he continued. "At the minute we have an unhappy match of modern and old. Everything is now open to challenge but any change has to be for the benefit of the officers themselves - as long as they can be recognised and be distinct as a police officer."

Police in Berkshire could also soon be using new workwear under a similar trail scheme. Thames Valley Police are currently investigating the replacement of traditional long sleeve shirts, trousers and helmets for baseball caps, short sleeve shirts, high vis jackets and black cargo trousers. The force believes that the workwear is more suitable for the rigors of modern policing.

Some officers have previously pointed out that the traditional police uniform tie can sometimes inhibit protective body armour and that the heavy helmets not only cause headaches but are also impractical on foot chases. Chief Inspector Dave Parker, project co-ordinator, said that "front-line policing is a physically demanding job which necessitates officers having a practical, comfortable uniform".

"The current uniform appears not to have kept pace with what officers need it to do and it is believed the new uniform will meet officers' requirements," he added.

Police officers perform such an essential yet dangerous role in society. Therefore it is important that they are given every possible resource to stay safe and effective while on the job. The new workwear which is being considered by various forces in the UK could play an important role in giving officers the best chance to protect the public, keep order on the streets and also remain fully protected in the process.

All employers have a duty to ensure that every employee has the most effective workwear and corporate clothing to perform their jobs safely and efficiently. This includes employees using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in particularly hazardous tasks. Therefore, the government has created a short guide which documents what employers must do to ensure that they are operating to optimum workwear standards.

The Health and Safety Executive-produced guide covers the recommendations and requirements of the 1992 Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations. This piece of legislation covers everything surrounding workwear which is defined as:

"All equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects him against one or more risks to his health or safety."

This includes eye protection, safety helmets, safety footwear, safety harnesses, gloves, aprons, lab coats and high vis clothing. However, effective hearing protection and respiratory protective workwear is not covered as this is dealt with by separate legislation. Cycle or motorcycle helmets worn by employees on the road are also not covered in the regulations.

The core requirement of the PPE at Work Regulations is that effective corporate clothing such as ladies overall and cargo trousers must be supplied and utilised wherever there is an undue hazard or risk to health and safety. Therefore, personal protective equipment must be properly assessed to ensure that it is suitable to the task and must also be stored and maintained correctly to prolong its effectiveness. Moreover, work coats and overalls must be accompanied with the right instructions for employees on how it should be used safely and correctly.

Consulting with suppliers of high vis jackets and aprons is advisable when selecting the correct type of personal protective equipment. The British Safety Industry Federation (BISF) can also advise on the most effective lab coats and aprons for each particular task. The main point employers must consider is balancing the comfort and adjustability of the corporate clothing for users against the dangers presented by the job they are doing. The main areas of risk are borne by: Eyes, which can be protected with eye goggles, visors or faceshields, the Head, which hats and helmets can protect, Breathing, which is where respirators or breathing apparatus are effective, the Body, which can be covered in a work coat, overall and cargo trouser, and the Feet and Hands, which can be covered by gloves and work shoes.

The guide also stresses the importance of effective training to inform employees why effective workwear is required and how to use it properly. This should be backed up by regular inspections to ensure that the regulations are being maintained. Safety signs are an important tool in this regard, alongside regular safety checks on the quality of the cargo trousers, overalls and aprons. It is also important that all workwear carries the CE marking which denotes that it meets certain basic safety requirements.

More regulations are contained in the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002, the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999, the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended), the Noise at Work Regulations 1998 and the Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989. All of these pieces of legislation ensure that workwear and corporate clothing enables employees to work effectively and safely at all times.