Survey: Why workers don't wear PPE

Safety managers know it too well: Workers don't like wearing PPE. But, a new survey offers specifics on why workers don't wear the gear when they should.

The survey by Kimberly-Clark Professional uncovered that most safety pros see workers not wearing PPE when it's needed. Although only 119 pros were surveyed, they were all responsible for selecting and purchasing PPE at their company. 

Among workplace injuries, eye injuries are the most prevalent. Three out of five eye injuries occur when a worker isn't wearing eye protection.

Better emphasize PPE use

So why don't workers wear PPE?  Nearly 70% think PPE isn't necessary. They also consider it uncomfortable, unattractive or too hot. Given the statistics, it's important to show workers why PPE is crucial. The EHS professionals surveyed revealed their most successful strategies for encouraging PPE compliance:

• increase monitoring of employees
• invest in more comfortable and more stylish PPE
• tie in compliance with individual performance reviews, and
• develop incentive programs to encourage workers to wear PPE.

Reprinted with permission from:

Compliance Safety Alert

9/22/11