10 reasons why PPE knowledge should be a part of your daily life

We gathered 10 reasons why you should wear and use personal protective equipment if you've ever had trouble convincing your team to do so or if you're unsure why you should wear PPE yourself. Why wouldn't you wear PPE after reading these 10 justifications?

1. It’s there to protect you.

Chances are, if you don’t wear it constantly, that the risk you’re putting yourself in the work site will be much higher, and the probabilities of a serious accident are increased. The PPE is there to protect you, and only you.

1. PPE is a line of defense.

The last line of defense against risks is your PPE. Your protective equipment is the control that prevents any final or remaining risk, no matter how tiny, even if there are other controls in place. If everything else fails, PPE is your last safety measure.

1. It’s part of the “safety first” mindset.

Why incur the additional danger by not wearing PPE when no job is worth dying for? PPE is there to protect you from head to toes. It helps you breathe, protect your hearing, your arms and legs. It’s your employer's job to provide and make sure you wear your PPE, but they aren’t watching you all the time. It’s your responsibility to use your PPE responsibly and appropriately

1. Sets a good example and demonstrates that you care.

Wearing your PPE shows that everyone follows the standard rules and respects the health and safety culture of the worksite. It also shows professionality, and increases your reputation at the worksite, since you’ll be seen as someone who cares about the job and does it right.

1. It prepares you for the worst outcome.

If the worst case scenario happens and every other safety plan fails, wearing your PPE gives you a better chance of escaping unharmed.

1. It protects you from “hidden killers”.

Have you ever heard of hidden killers? They are substances you can’t see, smell or feel. By wearing the appropriate PPE, you’re making sure your health isn’t at risk when you’re working.

1. It can make you do a better job.

Your safety gloves can give you a better grip at things. Your hearing defenders can make the noisy environment a little bit more tolerable. A fleshlight in your helmet can help you see better. PPE can make you do a better job.

1. It’s the law.

Wearing your PPE to dangerous worksites is a part of the legal requirements of the work environment. Employers should provide PPE when there is a risk to the safety and health of workers, and the employees should wear the protective equipment correctly.

1. It can give you and your loved ones peace of mind.

By wearing your PPE, you are sure that there is one more layer of protection when you are working. It can also comfort your loved ones, knowing that you are following the safety rules and are, therefore, more protected if an accident happens.

1. It can save your life.

The last one is a little bit more obvious, taking all the other reasons. PPE has saved lifes. Your helmet can prevent you from breaking your skull. A harness can prevent you from falling off a crane. A life jacket can prevent you from drowning until help arrives. Even though it is last at the safety hierarchy, it can definitely have an impact when faced with life or death situations.