This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses personal protective equipment (PPE) and features Ryan Smith, health and safety consultant at IHSA.

Ryan highlights the necessity of having the appropriate PPE fit and proper training on how to use them. The right fit, the right gear, and the right training could mean the difference between going home safe and not going home at all.

Ryan identifies common PPE mistakes on construction sites, such as not wearing hard hats at all times when on site, not wearing appropriate eye protection where there's a risk to the worker's eye, and not using fall prevention or fall protection as required. He also mentions comfort as one of the key factors employers should consider when it comes to PPE use. Investing in high-quality PPE appropriate for a specific task is critical, as it encourages and promotes regular use and proper maintenance, both of which enhance safety on the job.

Ryan also emphasizes the need for consistent enforcement from leadership in following the primary safety measures on jobsites so that workers don’t have to rely solely on PPE to stay safe. Any positive change in site culture should begin at the top and spread downward; hence, employers must put in the effort to ensure their workplace safety culture is high-standard and compliant.

Free resources

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Construction Health & Safety Manual

Safety Talks

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