Personal Protective Equipment: 4 Reasons to Use

Personal Protective Equipment: 4 Reasons to Use Them

Workers engaged in many jobs in different industries are regularly exposed to risks of accidents, injuries, and other hazards. One aspect that can prevent such accidents and protect workers is the use of proper personal protective equipment. 

The use of proper PPE not only keeps the workers safe and healthy but also enhances their productivity and overall profitability of the workplace. The blog discusses the benefits of PPEs, the different types of PPE, and the common challenges in implementing the use of PPE.

Also read: Top 10 PPE Suppliers in UAE: The Leaders of Safety Equipment

4 Reasons to Use Personal Protective Equipment

The following are a few benefits of PPE for employers and employees. 

Reduces Workplace Injuries and Exposure to Hazardous Substances

Correct PPE usage can reduce the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses significantly. It can prevent life-altering mishaps, minor incidents, and other accidents. Further using proper personal protective equipment prevents workers handling hazardous chemicals from getting burns or skin irritation. 

With fewer incidents of accidents, companies will be spending less on medical expenses and other worker compensation claims. Thus, in addition to keeping workers safe, implementation of PPE usage can help companies save time and money.

Improves Overall Safety Culture

The need to wear personal protective equipment in a workplace should be accompanied by regular training sessions for workers to educate them on safety topics, hazard recognition, job-related hazards, and emergency procedures. These sessions should be relevant and engaging to maintain the interest of employees. 

Further, all employees should be informed well about the standard expected of the PPE to feel confident to report any instance of lack of effectiveness of this equipment. A blame-free environment for workers reporting the inefficiencies of the equipment is also to be fostered.

Assures Compliance With Safety Regulations

Employers providing suitable PPE is a practice required by law under many jurisdictions. But in addition to worker safety, employers also benefit from PPE compliance. Providing their workers with proper PPE helps businesses avoid fines and penalties from regulatory bodies.  This improves the reputation of a company and attracts new clients and customers to it.

Increases Employee Morale and Productivity

Personal protective equipment can minimize the physical risks involved in different jobs. Hence, prioritizing the use of this equipment creates a positive work environment for employees. As workers feel more valued their loyalty towards their job and employer also improves. 

This increases the overall productivity and employee retention rates of a company. Further, a safe workplace creates a satisfied workforce and reduces the number of sick days and absentees. 

Also read: PPE in UAE Construction Sector: 4 Reasons to Use

Types of Personal Protective Equipment: A Quick Overview

Workers should wear different types of personal protective equipment to shield against specific types of dangers. The generally used types of PPE to ensure workplace safety are: 

Head protection

• Protects head from penetration hazards and impact

• Include helmets, hard hats, and bump caps

 

Eye and Face Protection

• Protects face and eyes from chemical splashes, harmful radiation, and flying debris. 

• Includes goggles, glasses, welding helmets, and face shields

Hearing Protection

• Protects ears from noises that are loud for ears and could lead to hearing loss

• Includes earmuffs and earplugs

Respiratory protection

• Avoids the inhalation of harmful fumes, dust, gases, and vapors

• Includes masks and respirators

 

Hand and Foot Protection

• Protects hands and feet from falling objects, slippery surfaces, electrical hazards, cuts, chemical exposure, punctures, and extreme temperatures. 

• Includes protective gloves, boots, safety shoes, and other types of footwear.

 

Body Protection

• Protects the body from extreme weather conditions, hazardous substances, moving objects, and more

• Includes aprons, overalls, coveralls, high visibility clothing, harnesses, life jackets.

 

Factors Challenging  PPE Usage and Ways to Overcome Them

• Ensuring Proper Fit and Comfort

Workers often experience discomfort, fatigue, or irritation from wearing PPE that is not of proper fit or comfort. Such personal protective equipment also makes it more challenging to wear them in humid conditions or for long periods. 

Employers must consult with workers to choose PPE that doesn’t interfere with their mobility, vision, or hearing or cause allergic reactions. It is also important to provide workers with different styles, sizes, and options of PPE. You should also allow them to customize the PPE to meet their needs and rest when needed. 

• Addressing Cost Concerns

The cost and availability of personal protective equipment are among the main challenges in implementing workplace safety measures in many companies. During pandemics or other emergencies, these equipment may be difficult to access or in short supply. 

To face such challenges, it is necessary to plan ahead. Companies must plan a budget for PPE and see whether they can source it from another supplier in bulk orders or with negotiable discounts. . 

• Training Employees to Use PPE Properly

It is necessary to give proper training to employees to properly wear, adjust, and fit their personal protective equipment. They should also be trained to handle, clean, and store the equipment after each usage. 

This training should be given using different materials, and methods to suit every different learning style. It is also necessary to assess the learning outcomes and reinforce and update the knowledge with refresher courses.

 

How Border PPE Helps Companies Maintain Workplace Safety

Since 2006, Border PPE Trading LLC Dubai has been committed to bringing high-quality traffic safety products and PPE to all the major corporates in the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Our realization of the importance of personal protective equipment in the workplace goes hand in hand with our dedication to providing PPE and other safety equipment of superior comfort and quality and global standards. This has also earned us several loyal customers from fields as diverse as construction, development, and oil & gas industries. Our wide range of safety aids include: 

 

• Coverall

• Work suit

• Safety shoes

• Safety gloves

• Safety helmets

• Safety glasses

• Ear safety products

• Traffic safety products

• Safety vest

• Fall protection products

• Fire safety products

 

Closing Thoughts

Personal protective equipment ensures the safety and health of workers by protecting them from potential hazards. It is the responsibility of employers to partner with a good PPE supplier in Dubai or other parts, to choose the correct equipment and train their staff to use the equipment correctly. Ultimately, the importance of personal protective equipment in the workplace is not only for workers but also for employers as proper PPE usage helps them meet their ethical and legal obligations. 

 

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