The safety of the employees should be the first priority of every company, especially if you are in the manufacturing business or any industry that involves the use of sensitive equipment. Employers must invest in the right personal protective equipment to ensure that employees and others are adequately protected. While there are a plethora of safety gadgets and tools available for businesses, choosing the most appropriate ones that not only comply with industry standards, but also meet your budget can be quite overwhelming.
As the employer, it is your responsibility to know the specific dangers involved in your employees’ jobs. If your employees operate complex manufacturing tools and other such machinery, it is essential they wear the right apparel and safety gear for maximum security. Here are a few steps you must follow for choosing the best safety gear for your company.
Consider the climate
Fail to wear the right kind of PPE puts employers at significant risk of accident and injury. Consider the environment and the climate your employees work in, and choose the equipment that offers a high level of comfort while minimising the risk of accidents. For example, safety gear for staff working in hot temperatures must be lightweight so that they don’t overheat or get exhausted by wearing heavy clothes. Likewise, safety gear for cold winter temperatures needs to be bulky and thick.
For companies where the employees have to work indoors and outdoors, the best PPE is gear that can be zipped, and unzipped for that matter. This allows employees to adjust their safety wear according to the climate, without compromising on safety.
Threat factor
Every worker in the manufacturing, chemical, and similarly sensitive industries is exposed to a different level of risk. As a supervisor, you need to understand the danger and risks involved for your staff members.
For example, if an employee has to move heavy glass and other sensitive objects frequently from one location to another, that’s something that involves a high level of danger. The glass could break and cause injuries, as well as the risk of injury related to lifting heavy objects. In this case, you should supply your workers the safety gear that offers cut protection as well as training them on how to lift properly.
Safety versus comfort
The major issue with the PPE is balancing comfort with safety. The best safety gear guarantees a high level of protection without compromising on the employees’ level of comfort. The chance of accidents is higher when workers don’t feel comfortable in their safety gear. In addition to that, employee morale and general wellbeing will drop significantly when they are uncomfortable.
That’s why you need to find safety equipment that offers the right balance between the comfort and safety. The higher the safety rating of the gear, the heavier the equipment is. So, consider your requirements as well as risks involved with your business and operations before investing in PPE.
Forklifts and vehicles
Forklifts and vehicles can cause injuries in setting such as warehouses and construction. If your employees work with forklifts, heavy tools and machinery, then it is important to consider this as a factor when choosing the safety gear for your business.
For employees working in airports and companies with dimly-lit areas, the use of hi-visibility tape is mandatory to improve the visibility. These reflective tapes are designed to save lives by making vehicles and people visible at night or in a low-light environment.
Size and fitting
Safety gear doesn’t have to be oversized and baggy. You must never take a one-size-fits-all approach to safety wear, especially if your employees need to execute manual tasks. It is important to choose comfortable gear that fits each individual well. Loose clothing can keep your workers safe, but if it’s too loose or baggy, gear might get stuck in a vehicle or machinery, which could result in serious injuries.
Having said that, PPE does not necessarily have to fit perfectly, but certain elements are more important depending on the tasks your staff carry out. For example, if employees work around glass-related tools, their PPE collar must completely cover their neck to ensure adequate protection.
Cost
Although the differences in price are not generally huge, some brands of safety gear do cost more than others. It all comes down to the material the gear is made of and how it is made, as well as the size. While cost is always a consideration for profitable businesses, but don’t let it be the only factor you take into account when choosing safety gear for your business. Hiring a professional service like PHS Besafe for expert cleaning and maintenance will help to extend the life of your PPE and make the most of your investment.
As an employer, it is your responsibility to take preventive measures to secure your asset and guarantee protection to your employees. If you take this responsibility seriously, you will take the time and effort to invest in the best safety gear for your staff.
Featured image: James Glen/Pixabay
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