Importance of Wearing Safety Clothing at Work
Additional Information
The purpose of wearing safety clothing at work is clear – to avert or prevent injuries. It is the employer’s responsibility to protect their employees at the workplace and protect them from unwarranted legal claims. PPEs are a legal requirement that employers must abide by all means. The law doesn’t care whether you are buying protective clothing for your employers or you will deduct their salaries later. The end game is that employees and employers must wear protective clothes at the workplace, especially those prone to workplace injuries.
Is it employees or employers’ responsibility
It is the employers’ responsibility to ensure appropriate protective clothing in the workplace, but it depends on the industry type. In some industries, employees are supposed to buy themselves protective clothing before reporting to the workplace. Some managers prefer to buy employees protective clothing and then deduct in installments from salaries. Whatever model you use to acquire protective clothing, the law does not care. Although some employees resist wearing protective clothing at the workplace because it hampers their productivity, the direction is straightforward and requires them to be on protective clothing all the time.
Another obligation from employers is training their employees on safety issues in hazardous environments. Even when the employer cannot instruct employees themselves, they must outsource training to remain safe at the workplace. It becomes too complicated when employers have to deal with legal claims resulting from workplace injuries, and the fines are hefty. Employers must embrace the responsibility to train employees to avert injuries at the workplace.
Typical PPEs at the workplace
Common PPEs at the workplace include but are not limited to; safety boots, safety goggles, harnesses, safety helmets, conspicuous clothing, gloves, and more. We also have respiratory protective equipment designed to protect airways. They are vital when working in a hazardous environment. All these protective equipment aims to limit the chances of injuries happening at the workplace, especially if the workplace is prone to damages like mining areas. PPEs may vary depending on the hazards the workplace environment presents.
Are PPEs necessary at the workplace?
Yes, they are necessary, but it depends on the type of hazards the workplace environment presents. There are workplaces where the law can’t allow you to operate minus protective clothing, like mining areas. Furthermore, protective gear is for the employee’s benefit; it reduces workplace injuries or fatalities.
Furthermore, safety equipment equips employees with safety training. Sometimes employers conduct training to their employees on the importance of safety and how to perform their duties with safety in mind.
Despite all the measures and efforts put in place by the employees and the employers, the risk may still exist, resulting in traverse damages to health.
The law advises on what quality of PPE to purchase. The vendors of PPEs are aware of what requirements specific work environments require. Whenever you are shopping for PPEs, enlighten the vendor about the work environment, and they will advise accordingly on the right PPEs best suited for your workplace. PPEs are the employer’s responsibility, not the employees, as an employer supplies your employees these PPEs free of charge because it is your responsibility to protect them at the workplace.
