Health and safety in the workplace has come a long way. This is thanks to advances in culture and working practice, in large part. But we should also recognise the role played by technology and the equipment we use.
One essential component of workplace safety is Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE. Let’s take a look at it, and why it matters.
What is PPE?
Any kind of safety equipment which protects the wearer from workplace dangers can be considered PPE. Since workplace hazards take many forms, so too does PPE. It might protect you from physical danger, or harmful chemical or biological hazards.
What does the law say?
The relevant law here comes from the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.
The latter places a few duties on employers. PPE must be regularly inspected and assessed to ensure that it is fit for the task in question. It must be stored properly so that it doesn’t risk becoming damaged. Employees must also be provided with training and instruction about how to use it effectively and safely. Misused PPE can be worse than no PPE at all since it might instil an unwarranted sense of self-confidence.
Why is PPE important?
Workplace safety is vitally important for three main reasons.
Let’s start with the obvious. We have a moral duty to minimise the incidence and impact of accidents. Human suffering is bad, and if we can reduce human suffering, then we’re doing a good thing.
Secondly, employers that fail to provide a safe working environment could find themselves vulnerable to legal action. This includes the provision of appropriate PPE, and the training necessary to use it properly. When employees aren’t provided with the right PPE, and they suffer sickness and injury as a result, the employer could be held legally accountable through a workplace injury claim.
Finally, accidents will have a financial impact on the company, driving up absenteeism and driving down productivity. Workers who have suffered injury or illness might be unable to come in to work at their previous level of effectiveness. They might be forced out of work altogether. In some cases, the employer might have to train staff to fill the gap in the interim.
We should also consider how a culture of safety can make everyone in the workplace feel cared for and looked after, which can help bolster morale. By contrast, if you feel like your safety is at risk, and that your employer doesn’t seem concerned about it, then your morale might take a dip. A lack of safety can therefore also lead to high rates of staff turnover.
