5 Reasons Why It Is Important to Wear PPE in the Workplace
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is protective clothing, garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer’s body from injury or infection. PPE is important because it:
- Reduces spread of infection.
- Provides protection against hazards.
- Promotes good hygiene.
- Encourages safety in the workplace.
- Protects you and those around you.
Over the last year our world, and our vocabulary, has significantly changed. Terms such as ‘unprecedented’, ’lockdown’ and ‘PPE’ are now a part of our everyday conversations – but the importance of PPE has long been revered across many industries, including healthcare and construction.
So, why is PPE important? And in our turbulent climate, should we be investing in PPE equipment in the UK?
1. Reduces Spread of Infection
PPE is a wonderful tool for reducing the risk of infection, not only during COVID-19 but in our everyday lives too, particularly in the healthcare industry.
Our wonderful doctors, nurses and carers protect their patients and communities by wearing PPE daily, to ensure infections are not passed between patients or the community. For individuals in an environment where infection rates are high, certified PPE gear has been proven to protect workers from infection.
Whilst we navigate COVID-19, PPE has become a part of our daily lives as members of the public wear face masks and coverings to reduce the spread of infection and protect our local communities. The public support and medical guidance behind face coverings showcases the power of PPE and the profound effect a well-engineered, but simple piece of equipment can have on our society.
2. Protection from Hazards
Most hazards can be avoided with a well strategized health and safety plan, a plan which likely involves the implementation of PPE.
PPE can mitigate the effects of hazards which are either likely to occur or cannot be avoided. For example, if you’re a keen woodworker you should invest in a pair of safety glasses to prevent damage caused by flying splints which cannot be controlled.
3. Promotes Good Hygiene
No one wants the unfortunate discovery of a hair in their meal when eating at a restaurant, with the correct PPE this unsettling mishap should be abolished.
The humble hairnet is an everyday piece of PPE which ensures high levels of hygiene are maintained in eateries across the world – making eating out a safe and happy experience. They even make beard snoods for those with additional hair – as long as you wear it properly, you’re good to go.
Restaurants and food manufacturers benefit from a vast array of PPE to ensure high levels of food-hygiene are maintained. This can include:
4. Workplace Safety
From schools to engineering sites, restaurants to department stores – you’ll find PPE in workplaces across a variety of industries to promote good workplace safety.
Many workplaces buy PPE equipment to be used daily to protect staff members or customers from the risks of the work environment.
For example, someone working at a live music venue, won’t be able to avoid high-level and high-frequency sounds. To combat this hazard, their employer should issue them with protective ear-plugs to ensure there is minimal damage to their employees hearing.
5. It Protects You and Those Around You
The bottom line is that PPE protects you and your local community from all manner of dangers. But, the first P is personal, proving just how important it is to protect each and every individual in all scenarios.
PPE could be the last line of defence between you and a harmful hazard. Having a simple but effective mode of PPE on is an easy way to maintain your personal safety with maximum protection, after all, its purpose built to meet our high-quality control standards.
If you’re in need of PPE for personal or professional use, or are unsure of what PPE equipment to buy, contact MorSafe today. As long standing PPE equipment suppliers, we know what’s best for you, so don’t hesitate to call on 01686 611 377.
By Laura Mallinson for Morsafe Supplies.
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