Some workplaces are more dangerous than others. The manufacturing and construction industry has far more hazards than an office environment. There is often heavy machinery, hazardous substances, uneven ground and heights. Personal protective equipment is required to keep workers safe and protected from the hazards around them.
Factory workers need PPE due to the nature of their job. However, PPE is only effective when fitted and maintained properly. It is your employer’s responsibility to provide high-quality PPE throughout your job. You need to be trained on how to wear PPE correctly. For example, you need to know what PPE to wear for different jobs and machines. Some factories deal with toxic substances that require eye protection and a face mask. You should be thoroughly trained on health and safety in your workplace.
Common types of PPE
Your PPE will depend on your role in the factory. You might need a respirator to breathe safely when dealing with dangerous particles, dust and chemicals. You will also need safety glasses to stop fragments of material and dust from getting into your eyes in these conditions. You need to protect your eyes, nose and lungs from any toxic substances. You need to be trained on which substances are hazardous and how to manage the risk.
Headphones are needed for noisy environments to prevent hearing damage. Many construction workers report loss of hearing after using loud machines for months on end. Wear earplugs and headphones to protect your ears at work.
Skin and hand protection is also required through gloves and hazmat suits. Skin protection is needed if you are handling corrosive or poisonous substances.
Finally, working at a height causes the most injuries in the construction and manufacturing industry. You need a harness to protect you from any injuries if you fall at a height.
Your employer should do a risk assessment
During your health and safety training, you should be made aware of the risks in your workplace. Your employer should do a risk assessment to identify the hazards in the workplace. For example, they may identify a patch of uneven ground that could cause people to fall and injure themselves. These hazards should be well marked with warning signs. Workers should only enter their workstations when they are wearing the correct PPE. It is the employer’s responsibility to teach their team the proper health and safety guidelines.
PPE can help keep you safe at work.
