Why PPE Must Fit Correctly
- Written by NewsServices.com
In many workplaces, PPE is essential. Businesses use everything from goggles and face masks to gloves and even harnesses to keep their employees safe and to help them to do their jobs. But PPE is an expense, and in the past, plenty of workplaces have been guilty of cutting corners and providing staff with cheap, poorly fitting PPE instead of investing in better quality, well-fitting equipment. Here are some of the reasons why PPE must fit correctly.
PPE That Fits is More Comfortable
If PPE fits, it’s more comfortable. Trying to work in poorly fitting PPE can be uncomfortable and even painful, it could lead to things like blisters, and make it difficult to enjoy work. Well-fitting PPE is more comfortable and generally more pleasant to wear. This can boost productivity in the workplace and boost morale, which in turn can reduce staff turnover and save money.
Poorly Fitting Shoes Can Cause Trips and Slips
Shoes can be an important element of PPE. Supportive shoes can protect our feet and ankles and enforced toecaps can prevent injuries to toes caused by things being dropped. If these protective shoes don’t fit properly, they can lead to trips and slips.
Badly Fitting Gloves Can Make Employees More Clumsy
Gloves are another key element of PPE and one that’s used in a huge range of workplaces. Many businesses opt for a large size, which will fit everyone. But when someone with small hands wears a large glove, they can find it hard to grip and will be more likely to make mistakes and have clumsy accidents.
Men and Women Aren’t the Same
If your business uses any kind of safety harness, it’s important to recognise that a woman’s body is very different to a man’s. A man’s harness might fit a woman, but it won’t provide the same support or safety features.
Shoes, gloves, masks, and even goggles should also be bought in both men’s and women’s varieties.
Incorrectly Fitting Eyewear Can be Dangerous
We wear goggles and other protective eyewear when we work with anything that could cause injury to our eyes or damage to our vision. Incorrectly fitting eyewear, however, leaves gaps. If our eyewear doesn’t fit well and sit flush on our faces, we risk getting things in our eyes and permanent sight problems.
Too Big Hard Hats Can Restrict Vision
Hard hats are common everywhere from warehouses to building sites. They are an easy addition to PPE that can provide excellent protection. But only if they fit. If hats are too large, they can restrict vision, which can compromise balance, increase the risk of trips, reduce mobility, and limit our range of motion if we’re having to use one hand to hold them on.
Poorly Fitting PPE Can Lead to Long Term Conditions
For our employees, poorly fitting PPE can lead to permanent and severe conditions including sight loss, hearing loss, and musculoskeletal issues. As a business, this can leave us open to legal action and compensation claims.
From a business point of view, investing in properly fitting and high-quality PPE helps you to look after your staff, which can save you money down the line by increasing productivity, reducing turnover, and maximising loyalty.
