J.J. Keller’s PPE Pain Points Study sheds light on the challenges associated with personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance in industries such as transportation, manufacturing, and construction. While it may be tempting to assume that workers who choose not to wear PPE have little regard for their own safety, a closer examination reveals underlying reasons for noncompliance. This article explores the findings of the study and highlights the importance of training, supply availability, and fit, and addresses specific concerns related to PPE usage.
Reasons for Noncompliance with PPE Regulations
In industrial settings, personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for ensuring worker safety. However, the 2022 PPE Pain Points Study that was done by J.J. Keller revealed that more than 90% of all safety experts struggle with getting workers to actually comply with PPE procedures. Many workers refuse to wear personal protective equipment just because they believe it is unnecessary for the work they are doing or because it makes their job more difficult. Some workers simply do not know that PPE is required.
The Importance of PPE Training
One way to solve this problem and increase all around compliance with PPE regulations is proper training. The Personal Protective Equipment Pain Points Study found that half of all the safety experts were of the opinion that workers did not wear PPE because they did not believe it was necessary, highlighting the importance of educating workers on the importance of PPE use. It is also important for the training to emphasize when and where PPE is necessary, where to find it, and how to ensure correct fit.
Addressing Issues with PPE Fit and Supply
Another thing that we learned from the PPE Pain Points Study is that there are also some issues that exist with the PPE fit and supply. 14% of respondents reported that PPE did not fit properly, while 34% struggled to find PPE in the sizes required by their business. Women faced additional challenges, with 35% of respondents reporting difficulty finding PPE that fit properly. OSHA emphasizes the importance of providing PPE in appropriate sizes for women based on their body measurements.
Heat Exposure and PPE Use
J.J. Keller also conducted a study on heat stress and how it correlates with PPE use. Through the study, we found out that 93% of work situations necessitate a certain level of PPE that may actually increase the risk of heat exposure. This, of course, ends up underscoring the importance of providing workers with proper personal protective equipment for their jobs to mitigate heat-related risks.
Finding Solutions to Increase PPE Compliance
In order to increase compliance with personal protective equipment regulations, industrial employers will have to address the underlying reasons behind the worker’s refusal to wearing PPE. Proper training can also help as it will educate workers on the importance of PPE use and when and where it is necessary. Employers should also provide personal protective equipment in appropriate sizes for all workers and ensure a consistent supply of PPE. It is only by prioritizing PPE use and creating a culture of safety, that employers will be able to create safer and healthier work environments.