The Effects of PPE, Essay Example

Introduction

Personal protective equipment, PPE refers to equipments that a worker must wear in order to reduce the extent of danger of exposing the workers body to particular occupational hazards. The best examples of equipments are aprons, respirators, gloves, fall protection, full body suits, in addition to head, eye and foot protection. The use of PPE is a solitary element in a complete program of safety applying a wide array of strategies that are responsible for the maintenance of a safe as well as healthy working environment. The use of PPE is not a guarantee to total and permanent protection. The role of PPE is only prevention and reduction of exposure of the worker to the potential safety as well as health hazards (Antonio, Duarte & Jose, 2012).

Different types of hazards are evident in almost all places of work and therefore it is imperative that any employer has implemented strategies for workers protection. The employer should prioritize on controlling as well as eliminating the hazards using the most appropriate approach possible. The control of potential hazards at the source is most preferred strategy since the hazard is totally eliminated or isolated entirely and therefore, the worker is protected (Clagg, 2012). However, if it is impossible to remove or control the hazard entirely from the source, or even at the path between the source and the employee, then it becomes imperative to apply the services of PPE. In a nutshell therefore, the application of PPE is the last level in worker protection if the other options are impossible to implement or they are unavailable.

References

Antonio, M. L., Duarte, C. M., & Jose, F. (2012). Efficiency of personal protective equipment used in agriculture. Work, 41, 14-18.

Clagg, B. (2012). Release the HEAT: PPE worn in hot environments can raise heat-related risks. Industrial Safety & Hygiene News, 46(4), 48-48.