Recognizing the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to managing possible exposure to workplace hazards. While the hierarchy of controls suggests that we first attempt to eliminate a hazard prior to identifying PPE for risk mitigation, PPE plays a significant role in managing workplace hazards by providing a layer of protection to workers.
Create an Effective PPE Matrix
An established PPE matrix that demonstrates the type and/or level of PPE required to perform a specific task is greatly beneficial for employee awareness. The PPE matrix could take the form of a simple chart with pictures of employees wearing specific PPE next to a list of tasks associated with said PPE. These charts, printed in large format and installed at various key locations in the facility, will remain available to those with PPE-related inquiries. The PPE matrix can also be shared or posted electronically and used in training materials.
Share Knowledge
After you develop a PPE matrix, it is imperative that the information is made readily available and shared forward with all affected employees for consistency. Consider making available all updated documents in a shared location to which all employees have access. Commit to regular meetings to discuss the reason behind the process of emergency response and accommodate any related inquiries.
Accessibility is Key
Having determined the correct PPE for each task and notated as such in the standard operating procedure, is a great beginning to the process, however, making the PPE available to employees will close the loop on your PPE use strategy. Consider installing PPE stations in key locations around the warehouse or yard, to provide eye protection, gloves, or other types of PPE that have been specified by a standard operating procedure for a specific task. The stations should be regularly inspected to confirm appropriate stock of PPE is available and in proper condition for use.
