Why is PPE Important?

Short answer: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is vital for minimising exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries, illnesses and infections.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in keeping people safe in environments where hazards are part of the job. From construction sites and factories to laboratories and hospitals, workers face risks that cannot always be eliminated through procedures alone. PPE acts as a last line of defence - reducing exposure to hazards that can cause injuries, infections and other long-term health issues. 

PPE Is Important Because It…

Protects Workers from Workplace Hazards

The primary purpose of PPE is to reduce exposure to physical, chemical, biological and environmental dangers and it does this by forming a barrier between the user and potential sources of harm. For example, helmets protect the head from impacts, gloves shield the hands from burns, cuts and chemical exposure, high-vis clothing makes the wearer clear to any machine and vehicle operators and respiratory PPE like masks and respirators prevent inhalation of harmful substances. Without the use of PPE, vital parts of the body will be exposed to hazards, raising the risk of serious and life-threatening injuries.

Prevents Long-Term Health Issues

Using appropriate PPE not only helps to prevent immediate injuries, but also protects the user against long-term health issues. For example, respiratory PPE limits the inhalation of harmful dust, fumes and chemicals that can cause chronic respiratory and lung diseases. By filtering out these substances, PPE helps to keep the lungs healthy and protected. Similarly, ear protection like ear defenders and ear plugs can help to protect your hearing when working in noisy environments, preventing permanent hearing loss caused by exposure to loud noises. 

In addition to this, PPE like safety footwear and body supports can help to reduce the impact of repetitive stress that can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues over time.

Ensures Legal Compliance 

Many industries are required by law to provide appropriate PPE to their workers. Enforcing the correct use of PPE helps both employers and workers meet workplace health and safety laws set out by governmental and regulatory bodies. PPE also ensures legal compliance as it requires proper training and usage. Regulations often mandate that workers are trained on how to correctly wear, maintain, and store PPE, thus helping to ensure that the equipment is used effectively and consistently. This reduces both the likelihood of accidents and regulatory violations.

At SafetyLiftinGear, we stock a wide range of personal protective equipment or PPE. Click the button below to browse our full collection and keep your workers protected from workplace hazards, long-term health issues and legal violations. 

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