Proforma Safety Blog

How to Improve Chances Your Workers Will Use PPE

Posted by proforma on August 2, 2010

Providing personal protection equipment (PPE) is mandatory, but too often companies find their workers avoiding its use. In this article, the president of Hub Industrial, Gabriel Curry, attributes blame (in part) to misguided and inflexible safety programs and offers common sense advice for how to ensure your workers use PPE.
Regardless of your safety policy, says Curry, it’s essential to go the extra step and make sure your PPE choices reflect the latest advances in comfort and utility. If workers are happy with their PPE, they’re more likely to use it; similarly, if it’s “one size fits all,” you’re guaranteeing that most workers will resist wearing it. Properly fitted gloves avoid hand fatigue and susceptibility to snagging. Ear protection and glasses should suit the individual’s size and style preference. Personal choice can result in improved employee attitudes.
“Let’s face it,” says Curry. “None of us like to look like dorks. Even in the down and dirty work environment, people take a certain pride in their appearance and will balk at wearing equipment that makes them look like Jerry Lewis in The Nutty Professor. Performance always should be the rfirst consideration, but any PPE that has a stylish appearance will assist in its acceptance.”