Protecting Your Employees: Using Safety Equipment

by Liu Yang Blogger

Employees are the lifeblood of a company, from the rank and file to the executives. Without employees, imagine how businesses could operate. Machines would not suffice. Having realized this, employers then have a duty to protect their employees against workplace hazards. These hazards exist in various forms such as falling objects, chemicals, frayed electrical cords and more. It is imperative that business owners especially those in the industrial sector to provide their employees personal protective equipment to secure their safety and prevent any injury.

Let’s take a look at the common types of workplace hazards.

Physical hazards. These occur when there is constant loud noise, extreme temperature, and high exposure to sunlight. This type of workplace hazard is almost present everyday. There are broken office chairs, unguarded machinery, frayed cables and phone chargers.

Ergonomic hazards. These are not easily identified because the harmful effects may be progressing on you slowly. The nature of your work and your working condition contribute to these hazards. The poor lighting, frequent lifting, or repetitive movements put a strain on your body.

Chemical hazards. Obviously, these hazards possibly come from chemicals, vapours, fumes, gases, and other flammable materials. When you are exposed to these and you are not clothed with the proper ppe equipment, you are at risk of acquiring a disease, illness, injury, or even death.

Biological hazards. These hazards are usually associated with working with patients, animals, or infectious plant materials. You might be infected due to bacteria and viruses, or bitten by insect bites.

These hazards can endanger the lives of workers. Hence, it is important to protect their right to a safe and healthy working environment. And one way to do that is to observe ppe safety.

What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
PPE is defined as the equipment intended to be worn or held by a worker to protect him against occupational risks and hazards. It includes goggles for face and eye protection, hard hats for head protection, harness for fall protection, and safety footwear for foot protection.

Head protection. The most common ppe safety Singapore to protect the head include safety helmet and bump caps. These gears are used not only to safeguard the head from falling objects but also to improve one’s vertical vision.

Face and eye protection. Spectacles, face shields, and goggles are the essentials one has to wear for industrial safety. These pieces of equipment do not only provide protection but also comfort.

Foot protection. Have your employees wear work boots that have extreme slip resistance and electrical hazard protection to keep them safe.

Hearing protection. Earplugs and earmuffs with high nose reduction capabilities are recommended. Also, they must be comfortable to use and easy to insert or carry. These, whether disposable or reusable, are excellent protection against industrial noise.

Fall protection. Safety harnesses, lanyards, and fall arrest accessories fall under this category. These must be regularly worn in construction sites or industrial environments.

To be able to choose the proper PPE, careful consideration of workplace hazards must be given. Above all, PPE must meet the needs of the employees.