How to increase PPE compliance

July 21, 2021
By Joseph Solheid, QSSP | Director of Safety Sales

Would you wear a hazmat suit to avoid the rain? No, it’s overkill, it wouldn’t be comfortable, and it’s more protection than the situation requires. So, when we talk about ways you can improve PPE compliance, it’s important to understand how big of a deal comfort is.

If you want your team to always wear and properly use their PPE more often, start with comfort. Why? Because many employees forgo PPE if it’s uncomfortable to wear.

It’s no different than the shoes runners wear versus the steel toes on an assembly line. They have to be comfortable for the job.

So if comfort is a good starting point, what’s next?

Involve workers in the selection process
This does two important things. First, it gives them a sense that they're contributing. Now they have a say in what they are going to wear. Second, it guides their reaction. If they picked it, they’ll be less likely to say they don’t like it.

Use vending machines to boost compliance and accountability
Here are five quick reasons why vending your PPE makes sense.

1. Visibility: The software can track each vend and show you exactly what is being used.
2. Point of use: Machines can be placed where the work happens. No time is wasted walking to grab a single pair of gloves.
3. No stock-outs: Your vendor will monitor the product levels in the machines to make sure you don’t run out.
4. Accountability and control measures: Need to cut back on the number of safety glasses wasted? Software can track who is vending items, how often items are vended, and if they're not being used in the right way. (Think eliminating waste!)
5. Compliance: Want a record of all PPE that was used? Vending can do that. 

Offer proper training
PPE can change over time. You might find longer lasting or better products for an application. Because of that, it’s important to know what training looks like and what to expect from it.

OSHA requires employers to train their employees on the hazards that exist and the PPE they must wear. The employees need to be retrained when PPE changes.

Revisit what OSHA requires your team be trained on. If needed, reach out to specialists to collaborate on solutions around training. Together, you can help employees understand why PPE is needed. 

Here's the conversation on PPE

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OSHA requires workers to be trained on:

1. How to use PPE properly
2. When PPE is necessary
3. The limitations of PPE
4. The hazards that exist in the workplace
5. And retraining is needed when PPE is changed 

Questions to ask yourself: 

1. Do the products you provide employees protect against the hazards that exist?
2. When was the last time you conducted a JHA or JSA for the application or hazard?
3. When was the last time you asked your manufacturer or distributor partners for new, different, or innovative products compared to what you’re using today?
4. Are the products you provide your employees comfortable? When did you last ask them about the fit, form, and function of their PPE?
5. Are you relying on visual compliance only? Or do you have a process or technology that allows you to monitor whether or not employees wear the correct PPE?

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