RFD inflatable PFD1 vests for the workplace

According to RFD's state manager, John Hay, employers are becoming ever more aware of their duty of care.

"Having your employees wear a PFD 1 lifejacket in a work situation is not mandatory in the same way that hardhats are," said Hay.

"But it is only inevitable that such legislation mandating lifejackets as a work-safe requirement is on its way. This is not a matter of if, but when," he claimed.

RFD said it continues to supply numerous customers with bulk shipments of the 150N and 11A inflatable lifejackets, including construction companies building jetties and wharves, commercial fishing fleets as well as the Australian Customs Service.

The RFD 150N is a quality, high-end product generally aimed at recreational boaters, competition sailors and blue water game fishermen, available in both manual and auto inflation models, said the manufacturer.

RFD said the 11A PFD has all the same features of the 150N, the principal enhancements being that it is fitted with an automatic light and a harder wearing Proban fire retardant valise. The company said the 11A is specifically manufactured for commercial use and for serious recreational boaters who take to the water frequently.

"There are a growing number of enlightened companies who recognise that they have a duty of care to their employees who work on or above the water," said Hay.

"These are organisations that equip their workers with PFD 1 lifejackets and some who go even further and issue a personal locator beacon (PLB) type EPIRB as well," he said.

As an added service, RFD said it has also screen printed the valise with the customer's company logo for ease of identification and product security.

For further information, visit www.rfd.com.au