Protecting your employees is non-negotiable, and PPE is a part of that protection. Whether it’s cleaning or maintenance, providing the proper PPE helps keep your employees safe, healthy, and productive. While there has been some progress made in PPE management, nearly 30 per cent of workplace injuries in Canada are linked to inadequate PPE usage.

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), employers are responsible for ensuring that workers use the appropriate PPE, provide instruction on the required PPE, provide information on the maintenance and cleaning of the equipment, and educating and training workers on the proper use of PPE.

Here are some factors to consider when planning, managing, and purchasing PPE for your employees:

• Ensure that you stay stocked with the PPE most commonly used, so you know you it’s available when you need it. Keep a close eye on inventory, strengthen supply chains, and create an order schedule to manage supplies efficiently.
• Focus on the fit. A survey of 3,000 Canadian women who use PPE daily for their jobs revealed that more than 80 per cent have experienced issues with their equipment due to improper fit, uncomfortable wear, or inadequate selection. Rather than employing a one-size-fits-all approach or simply scaling down the men’s versions, work to get the right fit for all your employees.
• Seasonality should be a factor. While 84 per cent of safety professionals consider weather when purchasing PPE, Randall sees an opportunity for further education.
• Be proactive in determining and providing what you need. Studies show that often changes and improvements in PPE only come after an incident or workplace accident, but monitoring your changing needs, researching new products, and listening to user feedback, you can get ahead of your company’s PPE needs.
• Design a PPE program to remain compliant, protect your workers, and improve working conditions. Your program should include regular inspections and maintenance like care, cleaning, repair, and proper storage.

Providing the right PPE to your staff is critical to ensure their safety, remain compliant, keep staff productive, and protect your business from liability. PPE acts is a line of defense against workplace hazards, and using improper or ill-fitting gear can be dangerous, so cleaners and maintenance managers need to practice responsible and proactive PPE usage.