In every job, there are inherent risks that must be accounted for to keep workers safe. The first steps should always be to minimize the risk at the source, but sometimes Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required when hazards remain.
No worker should ever have to worry about not clocking out at the end of the day to go home to their family due to an injury or death. Knowing what PPE is, why it’s essential, and receiving comprehensive safety training can save lives.
What is PPE?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are safety items that protect the wearer from hazards and safety risks on the job. This can include the obvious like a safety vest or hardhat, but it can also be earplugs, gloves or spill kits. When all other controls have been put in place, and PPE is the only option to keep workers safe, it’s vital that the right equipment is worn and used correctly.
The use and distribution of PPE is governed by the HSE, and it’s vital that both workers and employers understand what their legal rights and responsibilities are.
Workers must understand when they need to use PPE on their jobs and how to use the equipment correctly. Employers must provide PPE equipment at no cost and provide training on how to ensure equipment is well-fitted and maintained to the correct standards at all times.
Why is PPE Important?
In Great Britain, over 1.6 million working people are suffering from a work-related illness. In 2019 according to the Labour Force Survey, 693,000 people sustained an injury at work. This resulted in 111 workers tragically killed while on the job, along with £16.2 billion estimated costs of injuries.
All of these injuries were preventable.
The most common injuries that can happen at work are related to breathing contaminated air, head and foot injuries from falling objects, damage to eyes or skin, as well as dealing with extreme heat or cold. When hazards remain in a workplace despite controls being put in place, PPE is required to be the last line of defence for workers and potential injuries.
A study produced by Manchester University found that 90% of all eye injuries could have been prevented. The evidence showed that, most commonly, people were not wearing eye protection or were not wearing it correctly. This was attributed to rushing, not understanding when PPE is necessary, or not being trained on adequately wearing the device.
Who is the PPE Online Training For?
The PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Online Course is a short 2-3 hour course covering the regulations surrounding PPE, the responsibilities of employers and employees, and how to use PPE effectively.
This online safety course is for anyone who works in a high-risk environment or who engages in activities at work beyond standard health and safety procedures where PPE is required. This online PPE course is also for supervisors and employers responsible for overseeing workers in a high-risk environment so that they understand what is required of them and their staff to ensure that everyone is safe at work.
Buy now for just £25 plus VAT; it could save your life.