Employers who run businesses with hazards must require employees to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). However, cases of employees sustaining injuries due to the lack of PPE have been reported in many industries.
Here are three ways employers can prevent such injuries:
Provide the appropriate PPE
It’s not uncommon for an employer to provide inappropriate PPE or fail to provide it at all. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers must protect employees from workplace hazards by providing appropriate PPE and ensuring its use.
An employer needs to train employees in the use and care of the PPE, ensure they wear PPE that’s in good condition by replacing damaged and ill-fitting ones and stay updated with the rules of the PPE program.
It’s also crucial for an employer to learn about employees’ conditions or characteristics that may make it difficult for them to wear the provided PPE. For example, an employee may be allergic to a material used to make a particular PPE or have religious needs that require an employer to consider alternative PPE options.
Further, employers should inform employees of their responsibilities. These include ensuring they properly wear PPE, attend training sessions, care for their PPE and report ill-fitting or damaged PPE.
Have visual reminders
It’s vital for an employer to have visual reminders to keep employees informed at all times. For example, a well-designed board with clear instructions and images communicating the benefits of PPE.
Lead by example
Employers, supervisors and other seniors not wearing PPE can set a bad example for employees. They may think it is not necessary to wear PPE if the people telling them to do so are not doing so themselves.
Your employer should ensure you are well-informed about PPE and have the right equipment. Still, it cannot prevent all injuries. If you are injured at work, legal guidance can help you receive just compensation.