Safety in the workplace matters for several reasons. First, it directly reduces the likelihood that we’ll suffer health problems as a result of workplace activities. Second, it drives up overall productivity. Third, if done right, it boosts workplace morale, and thereby improves staff retention.
The methods we use and the procedures we follow both contribute to safety. But so too does the equipment we used.Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE plays a pivotal role in some workplaces. But what is it, and why does it matter?
What is PPE?
Personal Protective Equipment is an umbrella term used to describe any equipment that workers use to protect themselves. Where a risk assessment shows that a particular item of PPE is required, employers are obliged to provide it, free of charge. But the exact shape of the equipment will depend entirely on the work being performed.
Types of PPE
The types of hazards involved in the job will determine what equipment is necessary.
In a building site, where falling objects can inflict catastrophic injury, a helmet might be mandatory. Steel-capped (and soled) boots, gloves, goggles and ear defenders might all be placed into the same category. They exist to form a barrier between the source of the hazard and the wearer.
High-vis vests might also be considered PPE; they ensure that the wearer is visible, even in low-light conditions. Finally, there are facemasks, which come in many different types, and are often used in a medical context. Pay attention to the class of the mask being worn; certain hazards, like airborne asbestos, require a very different approach than others.
The Importance of PPE
If an employer has performed a risk assessment, and concluded that PPE is necessary to reduce the risk of injury or illness, then they are often legally obliged to supply that PPE. To ensure that the PPE being provided is as effective as possible, workers should also be given adequate training in its use. In the absence of this training, the PPE might actually cause more harm than good, as it might lead to a sense of confidence and safety that is actually unwarranted.
Employers that fail to meet this standard could be held accountable via a workplace injury claim, or through several other legal means. As we’ve mentioned, however, there are also financial and economic incentives to be proactive in this area. According to data from the Heath and Safety Executive, the total costs for Britain of workplace illness and injury in 2019/20 were around £18.8 billion. If PPE can drive down this bill, then it’s worth insisting upon.
Conclusion
PPE plays a critical role in the modern workplace. For certain industries, like construction, it can vastly reduce the rate of injury and death, and ensure that workers enjoy a long and productive working life.
