Top Excuses For PPE Non-Usage and the Best Responses

“How do I get every employee to use personal protective equipment all the time?” It’s one of the top challenges safety professionals face in the workplace.
Here are the common excuses given and the solutions to ensure regular usage:

1. "It does not fit"
“It doesn’t fit right,” or “it’s uncomfortable” are the reasons 30% of safety professionals hear most often when they ask workers why they aren’t wearing their PPE.

Solution: Get workers involved in PPE choice. Ask what the comfort and fit issues are with their safety gear. Work with a few select employees to order several different trial samples of regulatory-compliant gear.
Then have these employees test it. If there isn’t a consensus, note whether people with certain physical characteristics prefer certain types. You may have to order more than one type to satisfy your workers.

2. "I didn’t know"

Some workers will try to put the blame for their lack of PPE on someone else – many times their supervisors or trainers.
“I didn’t know I needed safety gear” was the top reason heard by 10% of safety professionals.

Solution: When safety gear training is given, have workers sign a paper stating that they’ve received and understand the training. To make this policy work, supervisors will have to follow up with disciplinary action when workers don’t wear PPE.

3. Time factor
“I didn’t have time,” or “it takes too much time” are the main reasons 18% of safety professionals hear as excuses from workers without PPE.

The first step to solve this problem: Ask workers why and listen carefully to their answers. You may have a conflict between production and safety. In that case, ask production supervisors to emphasize that work doesn’t start until safety gear is on.
You may also find out these workers weren’t properly trained about donning PPE. Another possibility is that workers are rushing to get to their stations on time because of tardiness. Disciplinary measures may be necessary in those cases.

4. They are invincible
“I won’t get in an accident” is heard most often by 8% of managers.
Oddly enough, this sentiment is expressed by two very different groups.
Young workers often think they’re invincible, that nothing bad will ever happen to them. If they haven’t been exposed to a serious injury, it may seem to them like “that only happens to other people.”
More experienced workers who have gone their entire career without a serious workplace injury adopt this rationale: I’ve always done it this way and haven’t been hurt so far.

Solution: Show them how it has happened. Invite someone who suffered a serious, and possibly debilitating, workplace injury to speak to an all-hands safety meeting.
Ask the person to explain in detail how the injury has affected his life, how everyday activities others take for granted are now much more difficult for him.
Another tactic: Tell employees to put an arm behind their back. Now, ask them to perform a simple task such as tying their shoes.

5. Memory lapse
The rest, 34%, say “I just forgot.” Check first if fit, comfort or time is a factor before accepting this excuse.

Solution: This is where a strong safety policy comes into play. Each workplace has to decide how often it’s acceptable for someone to “just forget” and what will happen to the employee each time. Universal enforcement, up to dismissal if appropriate, will send a strong message to others to always wear their PPE.

What’s the biggest excuse you hear from employees when they don’t wear their PPE?

SERIOUS AND FATAL WORKPLACE INJURIES - WARNING: Graphic Content

1. Eye injury
While using the grinder in the workshop, a worker had one of the loose metal fibres lodged in his eyeball.

           ....this would have been prevented with the use of a eye goggle

2.Fatal head injury
While roof work was ongoing, one of the tiles fell off...

...and landed on the head of one of the workers. The outcome was a fatal head injury!

                                                                  A Hard Hat would have prevented this fatality.

3. Lathe accident

While working on a lathe, the operator wore loose fitting clothes...he was drawn in and the outcome was gruesome.

                           This would have been prevented if he wore a proper fitting overall.

Every accident - if it is predictable, then it is preventable.

Skin Infection From Use of Hard Hat

Incident

Skin Infection

Suspected cause: Dirty Safety Hat

The use of hard hats has undoubtedly saved hundreds of lives in recent years. However, it was recently reported that an employee of a major contractor developed a severe skin infection on his head, called cellulitis. The most likely cause was storing dirty / soiled gloves within the individual’s hard hat.

Causes & Risk Factors of Cellulitis?

The skin normally has many active bacteria's living on it. Healthy skin is an effective barrier which stops skin bacteria from entering & growing inside the body. However, when there's a break in the skin, bacteria can easily enter the body & grow there, causing a bacterial skin infection & skin inflammation. The infected skin area becomes red, hot, irritated & painful. Treatment is usually by use of antibiotics, oral or topical.

Prevention & Lessons To Be Learnt:
 1. Do not store dirty or soiled gloves inside your head protection. 
 2. Check your skin for cuts & abrasions regularly. 
 3. Cover any cuts or abrasions with a suitable plaster or other dressing. 
 4. Check your PPE regularly! Look at the condition of your hard hat.
 5. Look at the condition of your gloves. If they are heavily soiled or contaminated, replace them.

RULES FOR SAFE STORAGE AND HANDLING OF CHEMICALS

1. Know the hazards and characteristics of the chemicals you use, and how to   deal with them. Consult the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of each chemical.

2. Segregate all incompatible chemicals for proper storage of chemicals for hazard class codes. In other words, store like chemicals together and away from other groups of chemicals that might cause reactions if mixed.

3. Flammable materials should be stored in an approved, dedicated, flammable materials storage cabinet or room.

4. Label and date all chemicals, solutions, wastes, and dispose of all chemicals properly.

5. Liquids should be stored in unbreakable or double-contained packaging, or the storage cabinet should have the capacity to hold the contents if the container breaks.

6. Wear proper personal protective equipment like aprons, lab coats, gloves, safety goggles and face shield when handling hazardous chemicals.

7. Be aware of all emergency procedures including spillage, fire fighting and building evacuation plans.

8. Wash promptly when a chemical has contacted skin or eyes. Use emergency eyewash and/or shower whenever necessary immediately.

9. Chemicals should be stored no higher than eye level and never on the top shelf of a storage unit.

10. Shelf assemblies should be firmly secured to the walls to prevent any kind of collapsing or tumbling.

11. Look for unusual conditions in chemical storage areas, such as:

    * Improper storage of chemicals

    * Leaking or deteriorating containers

    * Spilled chemicals

    * Temperature extremes (too hot or cold in storage area)

    * Lack of or low lighting levels

    * Blocked exits or aisles

    * Lack of security

    * Waste accumulation

    * Smoking or open lights or matches

    * Fire equipment blocked, broken, missing or due for service

    * Lack of safety signs (e.g. No Smoking, Flammable Liquids, Corrosives, etc.)

Inspections of chemical storage areas on a routine basis will help to correct deficiencies and prevent accidents. Any hazardous conditions or anomaly found should be corrected immediately.

KEY FACTS ABOUT CONFINED SPACES

What Is A Confined Space?
A confined space is one which is both enclosed, or largely enclosed, and which also has a reasonably foreseeable risk of fire, explosion, loss of consciousness, asphyxiation or drowning. 

A confined space exhibits these types of characteristics:

1. Is large enough and configured such that an employee can bodily enter and perform work

2. Has limited openings for entry and exit;

3. Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy;

4. Has the potential for a hazardous atmosphere that may include the lack of or too much oxygen, and/or the presence of toxic or explosive vapors or gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane; and/or 

5. Has physical safety hazards such as machinery, sources of electrical shocks, liquids (drowning or fires), steam (burn hazard), or loose, unstable materials that can cause employees to be trapped, crushed, or buried.  

Examples of confined spaces include but are not limited to: fuel tanks, manholes, water reservoirs, sewer pipes, pumping stations, boilers, silos, storage bins, tunnels, ballast tanks, grit chambers, utility tunnels, crawl spaces under floors, holding tanks, pits, and sumps.

Why Are Confined Spaces Deadly?

Confined Space Entry is one of the most dangerous jobs around. Confined spaces are deceiving and often appear to be harmless. Danger signs are often not apparent and the space may have been entered before without incident. Never assume that conditions have not changed and that the space is safe for entry at all times.

Entering a confined space without following all required procedures and having an effective emergency rescue plan can result in serious injuries or death.  More than 60% of confined space fatalities occur among would-be rescuers. 

When is Atmospheric Testing Required?

Atmospheric testing is required using a multi-gas tester every time an employee enters a permit required confined space containing, or having the potential to contain an atmospheric hazard. 

Confined or enclosed spaces should be tested for oxygen content, for flammable gases and vapors, and for potential toxic air contaminants to ensure that the parameters are within defined safe limits before entry permit is approved.

Regulations on confined space require all employers to have:

i. A written confined space plan, including recognizing and marking all confined spaces on site

ii. Procedures to test and monitor the air inside confined spaces before and during all employee entries

iii. Procedures to prevent unauthorized entries and to have an attendant outside the space at all times

iv. Effective controls of all existing atmospheric or safety hazards inside the confined space

v. Employee and supervisor training on safe work procedures, hazard controls, and rescue procedures

          vi. Effective emergency rescue procedures

SAFETY TIPS FOR A NIGHT OUT

- Always plan your going out with people you know and stay in the company of trusted friends.

- Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from a stranger. If a drink tastes unusual or smells odd do not drink it. Keep your thumb over your bottle neck between sips.

- Keep your possessions, mobile phones and other devices securely in your pocket or handbag.

- Don’t be pressured into drinking, especially if you are to drive back home. If you must drink, then know your limit and stay within it. Don’t get drunk, your judgement would be impaired.

- On the road, try not to draw attention to yourself by looking lost.

- Don't walk home alone. Stick to the main roads and try to avoid shortcuts and dark areas.

- Be aware of what’s happening around you and don’t use your earphones on the way home.

- Always make sure you have enough money for a taxi home, don’t spend it on that last drink of the night.

- When you get out of the taxi, always check the seat where you’ve been sitting, something precious could be left behind.

- Remember to lock all doors behind you on your way in – it’s easy to forget.

THE BENEFITS OF RISK ASSESSMENT

1. Optimal Productivity- If a positive safety culture exist in an organisation where hazards eliminated and employees are provided with proper workings tools to safely complete tasks, productivity and the quality of the work completed will be higher. Employees should be properly trained on how to do their jobs safely in order to ensure optimal productivity.

2. Creating Awareness - Assessment of risk would enhance health and safety awareness and minimise risks. Working practices can be changed or updated in line with modern developments to make them safer and minimise risks. The assessment might indicate the need for more relevant training to update the skills of employees.

3. Employees Satisfaction- Providing a safe, healthy and stress-free workplace will result in positive employee attitudes, and a stronger commitment to the goals of the company. Safety at work is a major concern for employees.

4. Competent Employees- When people make their decisions regarding where to work, organisations that are known for their commitment to safety in the workplace are likely to be more attractive options for employees.

5. Cost Saving - Fewer injuries lead to fewer costs. Fewer incidents lead to a lesser chance of law suits, fines or penalties from regulatory authorities. Accidents and ill-health inflict significant costs, often hidden and underestimated.

6. Positive Image- Staying away from negative publicity will put you in the good books with the public, but it also increases opportunity for your company. When an organisation is seen as committed to safety, other businesses will want to be associated with your brand.