What Exactly is PPE? Explaining Personal Protective Equipment and the Rise of Safety Apparel
The world needs a safety apparel revolution. According to the World Health Organization, 89 million medical masks and 76 million gloves are needed to respond to COVID-19 each month.
These huge numbers are just a fraction of the safety apparel that the world needs. In order to bring the numbers into perspective, you need to understand the extreme importance of safety clothing.
What exactly is personal protective equipment? What is the importance of PPE in an average office space? How can you create a plan to bring equipment into your work environment?
Answer these questions and you can insulate your employees from a range of dangers. Here is your quick guide.
The Basics of Safety Apparel
Safety apparel is clothing and tools that keep workers safe from potential threats. You may have heard the terms, “safety clothing” or “personal protective equipment” (PPE). These terms are interchangeable with each other.
Safety apparel is most common in the healthcare and medical spaces. But nearly every workspace can incorporate safety apparel.
Construction projects involve heavy equipment that produces flammable sparks and throws toxic substances into the air. This makes it important for construction employees to wear respirators and gloves.
Even office spaces can include safety apparel. Colds can spread through an office, especially in common spaces. Wearing gloves and masks can keep employees from getting sick.
How to Incorporate Safety Clothing Into the Workspace
You can’t just buy safety apparel and expect it to work. You have to create a management plan so the equipment can protect you from specific risks.
Start by thinking about some goals. Your first goal should be to protect your workers and clients. You should also comply with all regulations and adhere to your company guidelines.
Many offices put off buying protective equipment so they can save money. Adhering to the budget is an important goal, but it is not nearly as important as others. Most experts say that PPE is inexpensive.
Once you get your priorities in order, you can focus on risk assessment. Think about the different hazards that your employees and work environment face. A flood may damage your office building and cause it to collapse.
As unlikely as a scenario may be, you should prepare against it. To deal with a collapsing office building, you should get hard hats and reflective vests. Buy enough equipment to provide for guests to your work environment.
You then need to educate your employees about what you are buying. Tell them how to put on the equipment, sanitizing their hands before touching their faces.
Why PPE Is So Important
Safety apparel saves lives. Even small articles like face masks prevent a worker from breathing in toxic fumes or air particles.
You can use apparel in any work environment. Viruses and bacteria spread through the air, and masks keep employees from inhaling them.
Prioritize the safety of your employees over everything else. Then think about what obstacles they face while they work. Get all pieces of equipment that will protect them.
Don’t stop reading about what you must do to keep your workers safe and sound. Follow our coverage for more business safety guides.
