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A cornerstone of workplace safety, PPE ensures personal protection for workers in hazardous or risky environments. But even the best personal protective equipment can fail to keep workers safe if misused or improperly managed. Here, we look at five common mistakes workforces can make when it comes to PPE—and how to avoid them.
1. Using Damaged or Expired PPE
PPE is only as effective as its condition allows. Putting on expired or damaged equipment, such as cracked face shields, torn gloves or helmets with damaged straps, significantly hinders personal safety and increases the risk of injury. Over time, wear and tear can compromise the structural integrity and effectiveness of your safety gear. Keep in mind, too, that damage may not always be obvious to the naked eye.
Avoid it by...
- ...regularly inspecting all PPE products for visible damage or signs of wear.
- ...checking expiration dates for safety supplies such as respirators or chemical protection suits and replacing them as needed.
- ...implementing a replacement schedule to ensure worn-out gear is retired before it poses a risk.
2. Wearing PPE Incorrectly
Wearing PPE correctly is imperative to ensuring workplace safety. Not only does an improper fit fail to provide adequate protection, but it can even create additional hazards. An oversized hard hat or a poorly sealed respirator, for example, can compromise personal safety, increase risk and even lead to workplace injuries.
Avoid it by...
- ...holding training sessions on donning and doffing procedures to ensure workers know what wearing PPE correctly looks and feels like.
- ...performing fit testing for respirators and ensuring all PPE is available in a range of sizes to accommodate workers.
- ...regularly reminding employees of the importance of proper fit and correct usage via safety briefings and/or signage.
3. Selecting the Wrong Type of PPE for Specific Hazards
Not all protective equipment is created equal, and the wrong PPE selection can leave workers exposed. For instance, a dust mask won’t protect against hazardous chemicals, and welding glasses won’t suffice for certain tasks requiring a full face shield.
Avoid it by...
- ...conducting thorough risk assessments to understand the workplace hazards present in each environment.
- ...developing a safety checklist to ensure the correct PPE is selected for specific risks and scenarios.
- ...training workers on the limitations of different PPE products and when specialized equipment is necessary.
4. Improper Storage or PPE Maintenance
Poor maintenance and/or improper storage can degrade your personal protective equipment over time, rendering it ineffective. For example, safety goggles stored in a humid environment may develop fogging or scratches, while welding helmets left in direct sunlight can weaken and crack.
Avoid it by...
- ...establishing a regular maintenance schedule to clean, inspect and repair PPE safety equipment as needed.
- ...training workers on proper storage practices, such as keeping equipment in dry, temperature-controlled areas.
- ...appointing a safety officer to oversee PPE management and ensure compliance with maintenance and industry standards.
5. Not Replacing PPE Products When They Need Replacing
PPE that’s past its prime—whether that’s due to regular use, damage or expiration—can no longer offer the level of protection required for workplace safety. Prolonged use of worn-out PPE, such as a respirator with clogged filters or gloves with thin spots, increases the risk of workplace accidents.
Avoid it by...
- ...scheduling regular safety audits to identify and replace defective PPE or outdated safety supplies.
- ...training workers to recognize signs that PPE needs replacement, and empowering them to request new gear without hesitation.
- ...streamlining PPE procurement processes to ensure replacement gear is readily available.
Stay Protected with NorthSky
By recognizing these common PPE mistakes, businesses can help protect their workers, reduce costs and maintain a safe and enjoyable work environment overall. Investing the time and resources into proper PPE selection, storage, maintenance and training is not just a compliance measure—it’s a commitment to the health and safety of your workforce.
Looking to secure PPE products for your business? Protect your team and preserve your budget with our Olympia safety equipment, designed for those who demand high standards of protection without compromising on cost-effectiveness. At NorthSky, we're your ally in creating a safer, more efficient workplace.
