This is a new world that we live in. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is more important than ever! Not only do we need to continue wearing the PPE we are used to wearing on site, but we will need top wear PPE in our “after work” lives as well. This includes masks, hand sanitizer and bleach/lysol type cleaners, etc. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised our awareness of how PPE can protect us.
Wearing PPE is not an option on our sites. It is your last defense against hazards that exist on site and now in the world around us.
PPE What?
OSHA defines Personal Protective Equipment as “equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, or coveralls, vests and full body suits.” We also know that it now includes things to protect us from pandemics. Who knew??
Follow the Rules
1- It’s your duty – wear it!
Magleby has to provide it. You have to wear it. Period.
2- Wear it like you mean it!
Be sure your PPE fits and it works with whatever else you’re wearing. Don’t wear your hard hat too loose or your safety vest on the inside of your coat. If your PPE isn’t serving to protect you then what’s the point of wearing it?
3- If it doesn’t fit, tell us!
PPE is supposed to fit to work properly. If it doesn’t fit, don’t just take it off. Being too loose, too tight, or just plain uncomfortable isn’t cool. Let us know and we’ll get you something that works for you.
4- Wear the right stuff!
If your PPE isn’t protecting you from hazards, what’s the point? Wear the right PPE for the job at hand.
5- Don’t let your PPE put you at risk!
If your PPE is causing more risk than it’s protecting you from, there’s a problem. If using your PPE puts you in an awkward position or prevents you from making a quick escape, report it.
6- PPE abuse is just plain wrong!
Throwing your hard hat on the floor weakens it. Using old, dirty dust masks isn’t helpful. Don’t use PPE that’s not in usable condition. Damaged PPE puts you at risk so why use it?
7- Keep PPE on site!
If you’re not supposed to take it home, don’t. Leave PPE on site when required.
8- Know how to use it!
If you don’t know how to use your PPE in the right way, ASK! A hardhat or vest is easy to figure out. But do you know how to use your lanyard or harness? Be sure you’re trained.
9- Maintain it!
Keep your PPE in working order. If it’s worn out, broken, missing parts, dirty, etc. report it and get it replaced. Don’t “band-aid it” to make it work.
10- Be sure it all works together!
PPE should all work together to protect you. Be sure your ear protection fits with your hard hat, etc. If you are wearing multiple PPE items, make sure they are compatible.
It Could Be Worse
We all think wearing PPE is bad…until we have to wear more of it and it gets worse!
