Common PPE Mistakes in the Workplace

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is integral to workplace safety.

Making mistakes with the selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) can have severe consequences, including increased injury or illness risks, reduced productivity, potential enforcement action and reputational damage. You can face legal repercussions for failing to provide adequate PPE and enforcing its use.

Staff may wear PPE incorrectly for various reasons, including:

• Uncomfortable or poorly fitting PPE – This can discourage employees from wearing PPE correctly. It is good practice for employers to engage staff in the PPE selection process and to also offer comfortable, appropriately sized PPE options and address employees concerns regarding any discomfort associated with the wearing of the PPE.
• Misunderstanding of risks – Some employees may underestimate or not understand the risks involved or not fully comprehend the importance of wearing PPE correctly. Employers must train staff on the use of their PPE, provide information on the hazards that they are exposed to and communicate importance of using suitable PPE for each task.
• Using the wrong or inappropriate PPE – Employees may be unaware of the hazard, and so therefore, use the wrong protection. Employers should raise awareness of workplace hazards and ensure that employees select the correct PPE for each situation.
• Non-compliance or apathy – Workers may intentionally wear PPE incorrectly due to non-compliance with safety processes or due to taking shortcuts. Employers should ensure adequate training and supervision is provided and address non-compliance with safety processes.
• Using damaged, worn, faulty or expired PPE – Employees may feel their PPE has been carefully selected and worn appropriately, however, it could be putting the user at risk as it may be damaged. PPE should be subjected to regular inspections to identify damage, expiry dates and wear and tear. Employees should be given clear instructions with regards to replacing PPE equipment as and when necessary.
• Failing maintain PPE – Poorly maintained PPE could significantly reduce its effectiveness. Employees should be trained on the cleaning and maintenance guidelines to ensure that PPE remains effective. Provisions should also be made for adequate storage.

There may be organisational factors or Employer contribution to the errors that play a part in enabling staff to use PPE incorrectly, including:

• Lack of training – Workers may not receive adequate training on the correct use and fitting of PPE. Employers must ensure that workers understand which PPE is appropriate for each specific hazard and train their employees on how to wear, clean and store the PPE correctly.
• Equipment availability – If Employers do not make the correct PPE readily available or easily accessible, employees may resort to using whatever is to hand, even if it is not suitable. Employers must ensure that the necessary and appropriate PPE is readily available at various workstations and locations to eliminate barriers to proper usage.
• Non-compliant wearing – If you, as an Employer, tolerate non-compliance of safety processes and rule breaking when it comes to PPE, e.g. wearing a high-visibility jacket tied around the waist, then you are condoning and potentially contributing to its incorrect use. Strict guidelines should be implemented and consequences imposed for non-compliance to ensure that employees use PPE correctly.
• Lack of regular inspections – Routine inspections should be completed to verify that employees are wearing PPE correctly and address any issues promptly.

Common PPE errors include using inappropriate or damaged equipment. Most errors could be reduced through collaboration between the Employer and the Employee, thorough training on the importance of PPE, how to wear it correctly, etc., thereby protecting your workers and your business from costly accidents or ill health.

For more information, please check out our newsletter on Controlling Noise at the Source or contact us to discuss your businesses health and safety needs!