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Why ‘One Size Fits All’ Is Wrong
Can you imagine using latex gloves for welding? Or using foundry mitts to handle power lines? These are extreme examples, yes. But they’re just as likely to injure a worker as supplying them with PPE that has the wrong levels of protection. What if a utilities company decided to save money by buying their employees a 12 cal/cm2 arc flash suit when they needed a 40 cal suit? The two are entirely different products, and the difference in performance can literally mean life or death for the wearer.
“Jack of all trades” PPE can also lull workers into a false sense of security. They might not exercise any extra caution because they think the safety equipment will keep them safe, even when it won’t.
Each worker should have PPE that is specifically selected for the hazards associated with their tasks. If a worker changes tasks or stations—particularly to ones with different hazards—they may need entirely different gloves. The only scenario where the same gloves are suitable for multiple tasks is when they meet or exceed the safety requirements for each specific activity.
We recommend conducting a thorough site assessment to identify specific hazards in each department, and then obtaining the most suitable, task-specific PPE.
PPE Saves More than It Costs
Standardizing PPE across all functions may stem from a lack of knowledge or minimal effort, but it is often driven by financial motives. A business might get a good deal out of buying in bulk, but they’ll end up paying more in direct and indirect injury costs when someone gets hurt. A single injury could cost the company at least six figures. Where’s the bargain now?
By investing in task-appropriate PPE, managers not only prevent costly injuries but also maintain productivity and morale, thus protecting the bottom line. It may hurt in the short-term, but the long-term gains will more than make up for it.
Speaking of long-term gains, consider that higher-quality PPE—while more costly upfront—can often lead to substantial savings over time. Tougher, more durable gloves, for example, have been proven to reduce annual glove replacement costs since they last significantly longer than the “one size fits all” stuff. They also increase site productivity because workers don’t stop to replace their gloves every few hours.
To Each Their Own
Now, not every person on the team needs to get custom-fitted, tailored PPE. But all PPE should be carefully chosen, taking into consideration the specific requirements of the task and the individual needs of the worker. This will ensure that workers stay safe, the facility stays OSHA-compliant and the business stays incident-free.
This article originally appeared in the June 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.
About the Author
Patrick Icasas is the Content Strategist for Mechanix Wear. Prior to working at Mechanix Wear, he wrote for various SaaS, telecom and manufacturing corporations.