The Overlooked Risk: Lower-Body Injuries in Industrial Work

When workplace safety is discussed, the focus is usually on gloves, eye protection, and hard hats. But in industries like glass manufacturing, metal fabrication, and heavy construction, one of the most exposed areas is often ignored  - the upper leg and thigh.

Workers regularly:

• Carry sharp glass or metal sheets against their body

• Brace materials on their thighs for leverage

• Move through tight spaces with protruding edges

• Work around shards, scrap, and unfinished components

It only takes one slip or shifting panel to cause a serious laceration. And unlike minor hand cuts, upper-leg injuries can result in significant blood loss, lost work time, and major medical costs.

Why Standard Workwear Falls Short

Traditional work pants are built for durability and they are not cut resistance. Denim and canvas can tear instantly under sharp stress and provide no measurable protection level. Kevlar is heavy and outdated.

In high-risk environments, lower-body PPE should include:

• High ANSI cut resistance (A8/A9)

• Reinforced frontal protection

• Wrap-around coverage

• Adjustable fit for mobility

• Replaceable high-wear areas

Without these features, leg protection is incomplete.

Raising the Standard

More companies are recognizing the need for advanced lower-body protection, especially in industries handling sharp materials daily.

Solutions like the GXB81 Chaps with Front Panel from Guard Performance Wear are designed specifically for these risks, offering ANSI Cut Level A8/A9 protection, a double-layer A9 front panel, wrap-around leg coverage, and replaceable high-wear panels.

Because real safety doesn’t stop at your hands.

It protects the whole worker.