8 Keys to Building a Culture of Safety

Having a culture of safety communicates care for employees, and a key component of that safety culture is personal protective equipment (PPE). Employers must provide training to mitigate workplace hazards and provide PPE to ensure the safety of employees, but it is important to note that PPE does not remove all hazards for employees or alleviate all liability for workplace safety for employers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "If PPE is to be used, a PPE program should be implemented." First, employers are responsible for enacting controls for safety through engineering, work practice, and administrative controls, but when these controls are not "feasible or sufficient" to protect employees, then PPE must be utilized. Employers must determine which level of PPE is necessary, as set forth by OSHA 1910.120 App B, and ensure employees know the proper way to don and doff PPE. Training should be clear, concise, and interactive. Further, the limitations of PPE should be understood, along with the proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of PPE.

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