WEEKLY EDITION NOVEMBER 27, 2019
PPE: Wha t to Do When t he Tea m Says "Nop e"
By Karleen Kos, PSAI Executive Director…continued from page 10
Make sure employees know that PPE does not eliminate a hazard. If the equipment fails, they will be exposed to
hazards. To reduce the possibility of failure, equipment must be properly fitted and maintained in a clean and
serviceable condition.
During training, describe your company's hazard assessment. Match your presentation with the needs of the
group (the level of detail will be greater if the group has continual exposure to extensive hazards than if it has
occasional exposure). Provide detail on the hazards in the facility and what kind of PPE employees need to
protect themselves.
Tell employees exactly what hazards they may face, and review company experience with each hazard they
encounter. Perhaps you have an unfortunate (or extremely fortunate) story that you can share, whether at your
company or at another. The goal is to make them understand the need for PPE and recognize the control they
have over their own safety.
Do you have ideas on how to address employee refusal to wear PPE? Let us know about them via email at
karleenk@psai.org. - KK
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