Selecting the right PPE for workers is paramount to workplace safety, and with this guide, you can make the right decisions going forward.
Establish a Culture of Safety
We believe that a culture of safety is crucial to maintaining a healthy workplace. This is essentially an environment where safety is a top priority and agreed upon by everyone. By establishing a culture of safety, you can also help avoid common mistakes and issues when it comes to understanding and selecting PPE.
Establishing a culture of safety is not a quick or straightforward process, but it is worthwhile. For safety managers, it should start with getting familiar with the processes that workers are utilizing every day. Observe employees doing their work, ask questions about specific tasks, and speak with them about concerns or their questions. By familiarizing yourself with what workers are actually doing, you can make more informed decisions about what PPE to outfit them with.
Getting familiar with the tasks and environments will also help save time when it comes to selecting PPE for new hires, or replenishing them in general. By understanding what threat level and potential risks a job entails, you can decide what PPE is right for them with confidence.
A Qualified Safety Sales Professional (QSSP) Certification
This could be one of the most important investments your company makes. QSSP certification would enable you or other members to make informed decisions about PPE in your workplace. By becoming a QSSP, you can give yourself and your team the tools to understand PPE features and standards. It also includes test and rating, how to properly evaluate the PPE needed for the work environment and job functions. Then, how to identify dangerous manufacturing processes, and instill a culture of safety in the workplace.
Selecting PPE the Right Way
When it comes to choosing the best PPE for employees, there is a great deal to consider. As a safety manager, you must be sure that workers will be protected at all times. No matter what task or process they are utilizing. Establishing a culture of safety, becoming a QSSP, or working with a QSSP are all excellent steps to solving the issues discussed.
The most important steps you can take, however, are observing and interacting with those you are protecting. By doing this, you will gain a greater understanding of their needs, the processes they are working with, and the PPE that is best-suited for them.
