The Importance of PPE in the Workplace

Protective gear is essential in the workplace because it protects from potential accidents. Keeping employees safe should be the top concern of management and owners. Learning about the different types of protective equipment and their importance is essential for employers. 

Types of PPE

When considering PPE, gear will fall into one of two categories. Complex PPE is for protecting against fatal risks, and simple PPE protects against non-fatal risks. The following are the most common types of PPE in the workplace. 

  • Skin protective gear
  • Eye protective gear
  • Respiratory protective gear
  • Hand protective gear
  • Body protection
  • Head protective gear

One of the most significant issues leading to injuries in the workplace is a lack of protective equipment. In addition to not having access to protective equipment, employees can also suffer injuries because they do not wear the gear correctly. Employees must be instructed on how to don protective gear so they can protect themselves fully. 

Why Is Protective Gear So Critical in the Workplace?

There are multiple reasons employees need access to industrial protective gear that offer protection against accidents and injuries. Manufacturers should consider the following reasons so they can understand the ramifications of having no protective gear. 

PPE Provides Protection Against Accidents

One of the top reasons for using protective equipment is to prevent accidents. PPE protects against workplace and environmental hazards that could lead to injuries or death. Safety regulations determine the use of specialized protective gear, depending on the working environment. Protective gear proves beneficial to workers on the job and for many years to come because they are not exposed to environmental hazards that will affect them later in life. 

Protective Gear Provides Protection Against Workplace Liability

When employees are injured or sick because of workplace accidents or exposure, they can sometimes be proven liable if they did not wear their protective gear appropriately. Employees can greatly reduce or even eliminate their liability for workplace injuries if they consistently wear their PPE as instructed. Wearing PPE is the only effective method of avoiding sickness and injury liability in the workplace. 

PPE Training Is Essential

PPE training instructs employees on how to use PPE properly. The following are some of the aspects of PPE training employees will discover. 

  • When PPE is necessary and when it proves unhelpful
  • Types of PPE available to employees and how to wear each type for protection
  • Proper care and maintenance of various types of protective gear
  • How long personal protective gear offers protection and when it needs to be replaced
  • How to inspect personal protective gear for signs of damage

Employers must offer this training to their employees to ensure each knows how to wear and maintain their PPE correctly. Ongoing training is also essential as new PPE is brought into the workplace and changes occur to operations. 

In the training sessions, employees will learn about how each type of PPE offers extensive protection. The following are some of the key points discussed in training. 

  • Head PPE protects against head injuries caused by blows, fires, and electric shock. Head protection is required in many industries, including construction. 
  • Face and eye PPE includes face shields, safety goggles, and ear protection. These protect against spills, loud noises, and light. 
  • Protective clothing shields vital organs from injuries. Clothing PPE also offers protection against temperature extremes that could be damaging. 
  • Hand and arm protection include finger guards, gloves, and forearm protection. Those who work with chemicals need these kinds of protection to shield them from exposure. 
  • Footwear includes protection against slipping. Rubber footwear from an industrial rubber company protects workers against catastrophic accidents that can lead to serious injuries and death. 

Get Additional Information

Protective gear is required in many industries, including construction and manufacturing. Proper gear shields employees against accidents and exposure. Workplace injuries are one of the leading causes of production issues. Employers that provide their employees with PPE will find fewer injuries and illnesses. 

Companies must find the right supplier to help them with their personal protective gear needs. Offering PPE to employees and making sure they receive training on how to use it properly is essential. 

With protective gear in place, workplace accidents and exposure will be greatly reduced and can often be eliminated. PPE must be replaced as it becomes worn and no longer offers the intended level of protection. 

Here at California Industrial Rubber Company, we have been proudly serving California and Nevada since 1958. We have eight full-service locations, providing the best rubber and plastic products to our customers. We are a family-owned business focusing on providing our customers with the highest level of service. 

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