Issues related to personal protective equipment (PPE) represent a significant workload for the HSE department. In our company, we dedicate a large portion of our daily schedule to their selection and believe that every type of PPE should have at least 3-4 alternative options. Personnel highly value the individual attention shown in this regard; after all, by selecting comfortable footwear, workwear, and gloves, it becomes much easier to build a constructive dialogue regarding safe behavior principles and hazard reporting. And if you remember the workers' names and use them during interactions, it already guarantees success in future cooperation.
Workwear
We often hear from new employees: "Do you actually issue workwear, and even multiple sets? And they are even laundered and repaired??" It is no secret that not all enterprises fully respect modern standards and care for employees as they should. We use a full-service workwear rental service that includes repairs, maintenance, and laundering. This is cost-effective and practical; the right sizes are always available for new hires on their very first day. It also allows for easy exchanges and ordering additional sets.
When selecting PPE, we start by matching it with the types of work and their hazards based on risk assessment results. If chemicals are involved, we also study the MSDS (Safety Data Sheet). Comfort in using PPE is extremely important; otherwise, an employee will either not use it at all or only nominally during inspections by managers and the HSE department. Furthermore, this can lead to their early resignation as a result of feeling that the "voice of the working class" is not being heard. The appearance and colors of workwear also affect the mood and psychological state of the team. For instance, you could dress an employee like an actor, or you could consider that they perform dirty work and choose black clothing. Warehouse staff can be relieved from wearing hot high-visibility vests by being provided with bright orange high-visibility workwear instead.
Safety Footwear
Receiving positive feedback about lightweight and comfortable safety footwear is a path toward gaining an employee's trust. For many, switching to a new, more comfortable, lightweight model after testing is almost like a holiday. Sufficient perforation (if there is no risk of chemical burns), a weight of 400g, a massage insole, no laces, a non-slip sole, and an attractive appearance are the foundation for energetic and efficient work. Safety shoes should be like slippers — you walk and forget you're even wearing them. We occasionally encounter nuances in foot structure — wider, narrower, toe placement, etc. If our standard models cannot be used, we provide staff with the addresses of our partner stores for individual selection with subsequent reimbursement. It is vital to maintain a culture of safe behavior on-site and prevent the unauthorized use of footwear that does not meet impact load requirements and, consequently, lacks the appropriate certification.
Safety Glasses
Achieving 100% usage of safety glasses by all personnel in all necessary situations is a pain point for many HSE departments. People do not feel the danger of dust when using compressed air or washing with chemicals — no matter how much you explain, post reminders, or record unsafe behavior. We offer a choice of 5-6 options so that they are comfortable, fit the face shape, are inconspicuous, and do not add discomfort. Moreover, they must be well-maintained and clean during use. In my opinion, fines for non-use are not a panacea, nor is 100% mandatory use for the entire shift according to internal documentation, even when there are essentially no hazards.
Safety Gloves
Safety gloves should correspond as closely as possible to the type of work and the nature of the hazards, provide the best tactile sensitivity, and offer sufficient protection — for example, when contacting high temperatures. They should not be too hot during prolonged use. Abrasion resistance and color are also important factors.
Earplugs and Earmuffs
The use of earplugs and earmuffs is perceived by many as a formality and something extra that interferes with comfortable work. Many do not even hear industrial noise or are indifferent to it, failing to notice changes even after, for example, modernizing protective guards on production equipment and improving noise absorption. It is necessary to demonstrate how to wear these PPE items correctly, provide various options to choose from, and explain that wearing them will not leave employees in a daze — they will still hear the fire alarm and colleagues' work-related communications.
RPE
Many realize the importance of using respiratory protection when working with high dust levels or chemicals only after developing allergies, experiencing blurred vision, or other unpleasant conditions. They must be issued even if they are not required by state standards, provided there is use of various flammable liquids, combustible liquids, acids, and alkalis, and a direct instruction in the Safety Data Sheet. Half-masks with filters and respirators must be correctly selected; you must show how to wear them and communicate the nuances of storage and health preservation regarding vapors.
If the PPE meets their preferences, people begin to share positive feedback with one another, trust the equipment, recommend it, and set the example we need for others. We show videos to draw attention to PPE use and its correct application as part of our training.
We always link the use of PPE with a reminder of the employee's personal life values — health, family, and career.