Health & Safety Update (March 2009)
Cutting back on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
According to a new survey, the current recession is leading some
construction companies to spend less on Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE). The findings come despite the fact that the
industry is already struggling with high levels of accidents and
ill health and is one of the most dangerous sectors to work in.
The survey – Safety in Construction – conducted for PPE product
manufacturer, 3M, was conducted in November and December 2008. The
report showed that 8% of workers in the South claimed to have been
given cheaper PPE because of the downturn while in Scotland the
figure rose to 20%.
Other key findings of the survey included:
- only 56% of respondents reported receiving regular PPE
training, even though health and safety managers think that
training is the most important method of ensuring workers comply
with PPE rules;
- only managers of the Olympic sites reported that they have 100%
training and 100% enforcement;
- health and safety managers need more support with choosing the
correct PPE;
- workers need more information and education about the long-term
effects that failure to wear PPE could have on their health.
Key points employers must bear in mind are:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn or held
by persons at work to protect them from risks to their health
and safety;
- Waterproof and weatherproof clothing only falls within the
Regulations if it is necessary to protect the wearer from health
and safety risks due to adverse climatic conditions;
- The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
applies in most instances;
- PPE is at the bottom of the hierarchy of risk control measures.
PPE should therefore be used only as a last resort;
- Employers must decide if PPE is necessary and, if so, must
select suitable PPE, provide it free of charge, and maintain it and
replace it as necessary;
- In addition, employers must provide accommodation for PPE.
Information, instruction and training about it and how to use it
and a system for employees to report defects and losses.