Cintas Identifies Seven Strategies for Improving PPE Performance

According to BLS data, many injured workers admit to not wearing PPE. Cintas Corp. offers seven recommendations for improving PPE performance:

1. Keep PPE in a central location. The firm recommends investing in a PPE cabinet that is part of a managed program to keep gear adequately supplied and maintained.
2. Ensure that ear plugs fit correctly and comfortably. Often the reason for not wearing hearing protection is that it is uncomfortable.
3. Offer antifog eye protection, particularly in high-humidity environments.
4. Match gloves to hazards and seasons. Organizations should match hand protection to the tasks being performing, conditions of the work and duration of use.
5. Check protective apparel for imperfections. Arc flash gear must be checked regularly for imperfections to ensure that employees are properly protected.
6. Provide hard hats in various types and classes, and make sure that workers know when to use each type and class.
7. Offer safety training to supplement PPE use. Protective gear are only effective when the user is knowledgeable and responsible about the equipment. Workers should complete training that highlight job hazards, the importance of PPE and how to properly wear it.

"PPE protects workers from a wide variety of job hazards and keeps organizations in compliance with safety regulations," says Cintas’s Jay Bruscato. "However, being overprotected is just as hazardous as being underprotected. Organizations should partner with a safety provider that can provide samples, help with PPE selection and ensure PPE best practices are followed."
Photo credit: ©Cintas/Neil Beer