Set yourself up for success this year by ensuring your shop and workers are safe. One of the easiest and most important ways to stay safe is using personal protective equipment (PPE).
Using PPE will help minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.
Depending on the industry, the type of PPE your shop needs can vary. Once you have the correct type of PPE, you need to routinely inspect it. Regular PPE inspections are vital to ensure it remains effective in protecting workers.
Here are some things to keep in mind when evaluating your shop’s PPE:
Wear and Tear
Regular wear and tear of PPE is inevitable in just about any workplace. Between its constant use and exposure to the elements, PPE can degrade and become ineffective. Damaged equipment may fail to provide adequate protection, putting workers at unnecessary risk.
Make sure to check all equipment for cracks, tears or holes. Replace the equipment or have it repaired if it shows signs of deterioration.
Fit
Check to see how the PPE in your shop fits your workers. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, PPE should fit comfortably and encourage worker use. If the personal protective equipment does not fit properly, it can make the difference between them being safely covered or dangerously exposed.
Additionally, workers should be educated on the correct way to wear and adjust their PPE. This attention to detail enhances workplace safety.
Parts Intact
Each part of PPE serves a specific purpose, and incomplete gear exposes workers to potential risks. Check to make sure all components of PPE are intact and working properly. This can include filters, straps, buckles, fasteners, etc.
Kimball Midwest offers a wide selection of safety equipment for many industries. From head and ear protection to gloves and safety glasses, we have many ways to keep you and your workers safe this year.
We also have first aid kits in case an accident were to happen. Kimball Midwest offers first aid kits that meet the most up-to-date requirements for workplace first aid kits set by the American National Standards Institute and the International Safety Equipment Association.
If you need additional PPE or want to update what you have, your Kimball Midwest sales representative can help. They can also help you determine what other equipment you may need. If you don’t already have a rep, we can help you