SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 2
Download to read offline
creativesafetysupply.com 1-866-777-1360The leaders in visual safety.
amount of times “forgetting” will be an acceptable excuse
within a certain period of time before disciplinary action
is taken. This lets workers know exactly what is expected
and, if this excuse is a cover for one of the other issues
below, they will be more likely to bring up the real reason
if they know they could be fired or reprimanded if they
forget just one more time.
“It’s not comfortable/It doesn’t fit right…”
This type of excuse came up 30% of the time in the survey,
and with good reason. For many, comfort is a valid
concern and if things don’t fit right or make an employee
uncomfortable or distracted on the job, they could be
doing more harm than good. It is also worth noting that
some workers don’t like the look of certain equipment (a
bulky hat or pair of goggles, for example) and will use fit or
comfort as an excuse to not wear them.
Response: You’re going to need to invest some time
in getting this part right, because if employees aren’t
comfortable in their gear, compliance will continue to
suffer. A good solution is to get a group of employees,
including those who may have used this excuse for their
non-compliance in the past, and try a number of different
fits and styles of PPE. For example, if employees in a
lumberyard are required to use safety glasses or goggles
when using the saw, have this test group see which
glasses or goggles are the most comfortable and fit the
best. Because all workers are different, you may need to
get several different sizes and/or styles to find the right
balance. It’s worth it, however, as this is one of the easier
ways to improve PPE compliance.
Why Workers
Avoid PPE & What
You Can Do About It
Personal Protection
Equipment, or PPE, is
both a necessity and
a major hurdle for
many workplaces. PPE
keeps workers safe and
usually covers things
like hard hats, safety
vests, safety goggles or
glasses, headphones,
and gloves (thought it
is certainly not limited
to this list). The biggest
problem with PPE is
compliance, far and
away; there will always
be workers who refuse to wear or come up with excuses
to not wear their equipment. Some of these complaints
may seem more tangible and valid than others, but it’s
important to know how to deal with all of them. Let’s
categorize some of the reasons for complaints and then
take a look at how you can address each one.
“I just forgot…”
As much as 34% of respondents to a survey asking about
the most common excuses managers get for employees
not wearing their PPE said that employees said they
simply forgot. This is a bit of a tricky one to start out
with, because, as you’ll see in a minute, many of the other
categories have easier solutions.
Response: The best thing you can do here is make very
clear, and then enforce, a number boundary for the
creativesafetysupply.com 1-866-777-1360The leaders in visual safety.
“I didn’t know I needed to…”
Often times, workers will respond that they were unaware
that they needed to wear PPE or follow safety procedures,
passing the buck to their higher ups.
Response: It’s as simple as a piece of paper: When
training or instruction on the use of safety gear is
administered, have each employee sign a piece of paper
saying he has
been informed.
This way
there will be
no question
as to whether
the employee
knew or not.
If the excuse
is still used, it
will be up to
management
to take
disciplinary
action.
About the author
Antonio Ferraro On behalf of Creative Safety Supply based in Portland, OR, I strive
to provide helpful information to create safer and more efficient industrial work en-
vironments. My knowledge base focuses primarily on practices such as 5S, Six Sigma,
Kaizen, and the Lean mindset. I believe in being proactive and that for positive change
to happen, we must be willing to be transparent and actively seek out areas in need of
improvement. An organized, safe, and well-planned work space leads to increased produc-
tivity, quality products and happier workplace
“I didn’t have time…”
Even if it only takes a few seconds to put on gloves, this
excuse comes up a lot. The issue you have here is that
production is being valued higher than safety. The phrase
“Safety is number one” shouldn’t be an empty refrain.
Response: Make sure employees know that work does not
start until safety is taken care of. They should understand
that, while efficiency is important, they get paid for
their time putting on safety equipment as well, and it
should take precedent over shaving off a few seconds of
production.

More Related Content

More from Ben Geck

Why workers Avoid wearing there PPE
Why workers Avoid wearing there PPEWhy workers Avoid wearing there PPE
Why workers Avoid wearing there PPEBen Geck
 
How to prevent slips and falls in the workplace
How to prevent slips and falls in the workplaceHow to prevent slips and falls in the workplace
How to prevent slips and falls in the workplaceBen Geck
 
How to understand Hazwoper standard
How to understand Hazwoper standardHow to understand Hazwoper standard
How to understand Hazwoper standardBen Geck
 
5s system PDF from Floor Tape to visual Labels
5s system PDF from Floor Tape to visual Labels5s system PDF from Floor Tape to visual Labels
5s system PDF from Floor Tape to visual LabelsBen Geck
 
Ghs labeling-guide and Label Printer
Ghs labeling-guide and Label PrinterGhs labeling-guide and Label Printer
Ghs labeling-guide and Label PrinterBen Geck
 
Idxpert user manual
Idxpert user manualIdxpert user manual
Idxpert user manualBen Geck
 
Brady BBP85 User Manual
Brady BBP85 User ManualBrady BBP85 User Manual
Brady BBP85 User ManualBen Geck
 
Brady BBP85 Printer Brochure
Brady BBP85 Printer BrochureBrady BBP85 Printer Brochure
Brady BBP85 Printer BrochureBen Geck
 
5s Audit Scorecard
5s Audit Scorecard5s Audit Scorecard
5s Audit ScorecardBen Geck
 
5s Audit Checklist
5s Audit Checklist5s Audit Checklist
5s Audit ChecklistBen Geck
 
Brady Idxpert Label Printer Brochure
Brady Idxpert Label Printer BrochureBrady Idxpert Label Printer Brochure
Brady Idxpert Label Printer BrochureBen Geck
 
Power Mark Industrial Label printer Brochure
Power Mark Industrial Label printer BrochurePower Mark Industrial Label printer Brochure
Power Mark Industrial Label printer BrochureBen Geck
 
GlobalMark 2 Industrial label Printer Brochure
GlobalMark 2 Industrial label Printer BrochureGlobalMark 2 Industrial label Printer Brochure
GlobalMark 2 Industrial label Printer BrochureBen Geck
 
BBP31 Brochure, Pricing and parts list
BBP31 Brochure, Pricing and parts listBBP31 Brochure, Pricing and parts list
BBP31 Brochure, Pricing and parts listBen Geck
 
Free Kaizen guide
Free Kaizen guideFree Kaizen guide
Free Kaizen guideBen Geck
 
Safety Guide
Safety GuideSafety Guide
Safety GuideBen Geck
 
Floor Signs, banners Creative Safety Supply Catalog
Floor Signs,  banners Creative Safety Supply CatalogFloor Signs,  banners Creative Safety Supply Catalog
Floor Signs, banners Creative Safety Supply CatalogBen Geck
 
Label Tac Warranty
Label Tac WarrantyLabel Tac Warranty
Label Tac WarrantyBen Geck
 
Fall Arrest infographic
Fall Arrest infographicFall Arrest infographic
Fall Arrest infographicBen Geck
 
Label Printer Price List
Label Printer Price ListLabel Printer Price List
Label Printer Price ListBen Geck
 

More from Ben Geck (20)

Why workers Avoid wearing there PPE
Why workers Avoid wearing there PPEWhy workers Avoid wearing there PPE
Why workers Avoid wearing there PPE
 
How to prevent slips and falls in the workplace
How to prevent slips and falls in the workplaceHow to prevent slips and falls in the workplace
How to prevent slips and falls in the workplace
 
How to understand Hazwoper standard
How to understand Hazwoper standardHow to understand Hazwoper standard
How to understand Hazwoper standard
 
5s system PDF from Floor Tape to visual Labels
5s system PDF from Floor Tape to visual Labels5s system PDF from Floor Tape to visual Labels
5s system PDF from Floor Tape to visual Labels
 
Ghs labeling-guide and Label Printer
Ghs labeling-guide and Label PrinterGhs labeling-guide and Label Printer
Ghs labeling-guide and Label Printer
 
Idxpert user manual
Idxpert user manualIdxpert user manual
Idxpert user manual
 
Brady BBP85 User Manual
Brady BBP85 User ManualBrady BBP85 User Manual
Brady BBP85 User Manual
 
Brady BBP85 Printer Brochure
Brady BBP85 Printer BrochureBrady BBP85 Printer Brochure
Brady BBP85 Printer Brochure
 
5s Audit Scorecard
5s Audit Scorecard5s Audit Scorecard
5s Audit Scorecard
 
5s Audit Checklist
5s Audit Checklist5s Audit Checklist
5s Audit Checklist
 
Brady Idxpert Label Printer Brochure
Brady Idxpert Label Printer BrochureBrady Idxpert Label Printer Brochure
Brady Idxpert Label Printer Brochure
 
Power Mark Industrial Label printer Brochure
Power Mark Industrial Label printer BrochurePower Mark Industrial Label printer Brochure
Power Mark Industrial Label printer Brochure
 
GlobalMark 2 Industrial label Printer Brochure
GlobalMark 2 Industrial label Printer BrochureGlobalMark 2 Industrial label Printer Brochure
GlobalMark 2 Industrial label Printer Brochure
 
BBP31 Brochure, Pricing and parts list
BBP31 Brochure, Pricing and parts listBBP31 Brochure, Pricing and parts list
BBP31 Brochure, Pricing and parts list
 
Free Kaizen guide
Free Kaizen guideFree Kaizen guide
Free Kaizen guide
 
Safety Guide
Safety GuideSafety Guide
Safety Guide
 
Floor Signs, banners Creative Safety Supply Catalog
Floor Signs,  banners Creative Safety Supply CatalogFloor Signs,  banners Creative Safety Supply Catalog
Floor Signs, banners Creative Safety Supply Catalog
 
Label Tac Warranty
Label Tac WarrantyLabel Tac Warranty
Label Tac Warranty
 
Fall Arrest infographic
Fall Arrest infographicFall Arrest infographic
Fall Arrest infographic
 
Label Printer Price List
Label Printer Price ListLabel Printer Price List
Label Printer Price List
 

Recently uploaded

Introduction to Automotive Bootloader | Programming Sequence
Introduction to Automotive Bootloader | Programming SequenceIntroduction to Automotive Bootloader | Programming Sequence
Introduction to Automotive Bootloader | Programming SequenceKapil Thakar
 
Toyota Yaris service manual Free.pdf Toyota Yaris Service manual
Toyota Yaris service manual Free.pdf  Toyota Yaris Service manualToyota Yaris service manual Free.pdf  Toyota Yaris Service manual
Toyota Yaris service manual Free.pdf Toyota Yaris Service manualAutocarmanuals.com
 
What Should BMW Owners Know About Steptronic Transmission Problems
What Should BMW Owners Know About Steptronic Transmission ProblemsWhat Should BMW Owners Know About Steptronic Transmission Problems
What Should BMW Owners Know About Steptronic Transmission ProblemsSchearer's Sales & Service Inc
 
5s-5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S PRESENTATION .ppt
5s-5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S PRESENTATION  .ppt5s-5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S PRESENTATION  .ppt
5s-5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S PRESENTATION .ppthiren65650
 
Basic of Firmware & Embedded Software Programming in C
Basic of Firmware & Embedded Software Programming in CBasic of Firmware & Embedded Software Programming in C
Basic of Firmware & Embedded Software Programming in CKapil Thakar
 
CAMIONES TOYOTA N04C- Engine y HINO 300.
CAMIONES TOYOTA N04C- Engine y HINO 300.CAMIONES TOYOTA N04C- Engine y HINO 300.
CAMIONES TOYOTA N04C- Engine y HINO 300.JavierAlejandroCordo1
 
Car Seat Covers and Seat Protection Guide
Car Seat Covers and Seat Protection GuideCar Seat Covers and Seat Protection Guide
Car Seat Covers and Seat Protection GuideAskXX.com
 
Solar Photovoltaic Plant Project Proposal by Slidesgo.pptx
Solar Photovoltaic Plant Project Proposal by Slidesgo.pptxSolar Photovoltaic Plant Project Proposal by Slidesgo.pptx
Solar Photovoltaic Plant Project Proposal by Slidesgo.pptxAmarHaddad
 
-VDA-Special-Characteristics Special characteristics.pdf
-VDA-Special-Characteristics Special characteristics.pdf-VDA-Special-Characteristics Special characteristics.pdf
-VDA-Special-Characteristics Special characteristics.pdfBorja ARRIZABALAGA URIARTE
 
Why Won't Your Audi A3 Shift Into Reverse Gear Let's Investigate
Why Won't Your Audi A3 Shift Into Reverse Gear Let's InvestigateWhy Won't Your Audi A3 Shift Into Reverse Gear Let's Investigate
Why Won't Your Audi A3 Shift Into Reverse Gear Let's InvestigateAutowerks
 
Timer Handling in UDS | S3 Server Timer | P2 and P2 Start Timer
Timer Handling in UDS | S3 Server Timer | P2 and P2 Start TimerTimer Handling in UDS | S3 Server Timer | P2 and P2 Start Timer
Timer Handling in UDS | S3 Server Timer | P2 and P2 Start TimerKapil Thakar
 
Nokia Drone Networks - Customer Presentation - MWC2.pdf
Nokia Drone Networks - Customer Presentation - MWC2.pdfNokia Drone Networks - Customer Presentation - MWC2.pdf
Nokia Drone Networks - Customer Presentation - MWC2.pdfJosFerro15
 
technical report on EV. EVs can offer benefitssuch as lower operating costs a...
technical report on EV. EVs can offer benefitssuch as lower operating costs a...technical report on EV. EVs can offer benefitssuch as lower operating costs a...
technical report on EV. EVs can offer benefitssuch as lower operating costs a...Bijay Sharma
 
Vina Score and Vin Min for almost all the models 2024
Vina Score and Vin Min for almost all the models 2024Vina Score and Vin Min for almost all the models 2024
Vina Score and Vin Min for almost all the models 2024jipohal318
 
Quicker and better: South Korea’s new high-speed train 'EMU-320'
Quicker and better: South Korea’s new high-speed train 'EMU-320'Quicker and better: South Korea’s new high-speed train 'EMU-320'
Quicker and better: South Korea’s new high-speed train 'EMU-320'Hyundai Motor Group
 
Introduction to UDS over CAN | UDS Service
Introduction to UDS over CAN | UDS ServiceIntroduction to UDS over CAN | UDS Service
Introduction to UDS over CAN | UDS ServiceKapil Thakar
 
Automotive Bootloader Complete Guide with UDS Frame Format
Automotive Bootloader Complete Guide with UDS Frame FormatAutomotive Bootloader Complete Guide with UDS Frame Format
Automotive Bootloader Complete Guide with UDS Frame FormatKapil Thakar
 

Recently uploaded (17)

Introduction to Automotive Bootloader | Programming Sequence
Introduction to Automotive Bootloader | Programming SequenceIntroduction to Automotive Bootloader | Programming Sequence
Introduction to Automotive Bootloader | Programming Sequence
 
Toyota Yaris service manual Free.pdf Toyota Yaris Service manual
Toyota Yaris service manual Free.pdf  Toyota Yaris Service manualToyota Yaris service manual Free.pdf  Toyota Yaris Service manual
Toyota Yaris service manual Free.pdf Toyota Yaris Service manual
 
What Should BMW Owners Know About Steptronic Transmission Problems
What Should BMW Owners Know About Steptronic Transmission ProblemsWhat Should BMW Owners Know About Steptronic Transmission Problems
What Should BMW Owners Know About Steptronic Transmission Problems
 
5s-5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S PRESENTATION .ppt
5s-5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S PRESENTATION  .ppt5s-5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S PRESENTATION  .ppt
5s-5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S 5S PRESENTATION .ppt
 
Basic of Firmware & Embedded Software Programming in C
Basic of Firmware & Embedded Software Programming in CBasic of Firmware & Embedded Software Programming in C
Basic of Firmware & Embedded Software Programming in C
 
CAMIONES TOYOTA N04C- Engine y HINO 300.
CAMIONES TOYOTA N04C- Engine y HINO 300.CAMIONES TOYOTA N04C- Engine y HINO 300.
CAMIONES TOYOTA N04C- Engine y HINO 300.
 
Car Seat Covers and Seat Protection Guide
Car Seat Covers and Seat Protection GuideCar Seat Covers and Seat Protection Guide
Car Seat Covers and Seat Protection Guide
 
Solar Photovoltaic Plant Project Proposal by Slidesgo.pptx
Solar Photovoltaic Plant Project Proposal by Slidesgo.pptxSolar Photovoltaic Plant Project Proposal by Slidesgo.pptx
Solar Photovoltaic Plant Project Proposal by Slidesgo.pptx
 
-VDA-Special-Characteristics Special characteristics.pdf
-VDA-Special-Characteristics Special characteristics.pdf-VDA-Special-Characteristics Special characteristics.pdf
-VDA-Special-Characteristics Special characteristics.pdf
 
Why Won't Your Audi A3 Shift Into Reverse Gear Let's Investigate
Why Won't Your Audi A3 Shift Into Reverse Gear Let's InvestigateWhy Won't Your Audi A3 Shift Into Reverse Gear Let's Investigate
Why Won't Your Audi A3 Shift Into Reverse Gear Let's Investigate
 
Timer Handling in UDS | S3 Server Timer | P2 and P2 Start Timer
Timer Handling in UDS | S3 Server Timer | P2 and P2 Start TimerTimer Handling in UDS | S3 Server Timer | P2 and P2 Start Timer
Timer Handling in UDS | S3 Server Timer | P2 and P2 Start Timer
 
Nokia Drone Networks - Customer Presentation - MWC2.pdf
Nokia Drone Networks - Customer Presentation - MWC2.pdfNokia Drone Networks - Customer Presentation - MWC2.pdf
Nokia Drone Networks - Customer Presentation - MWC2.pdf
 
technical report on EV. EVs can offer benefitssuch as lower operating costs a...
technical report on EV. EVs can offer benefitssuch as lower operating costs a...technical report on EV. EVs can offer benefitssuch as lower operating costs a...
technical report on EV. EVs can offer benefitssuch as lower operating costs a...
 
Vina Score and Vin Min for almost all the models 2024
Vina Score and Vin Min for almost all the models 2024Vina Score and Vin Min for almost all the models 2024
Vina Score and Vin Min for almost all the models 2024
 
Quicker and better: South Korea’s new high-speed train 'EMU-320'
Quicker and better: South Korea’s new high-speed train 'EMU-320'Quicker and better: South Korea’s new high-speed train 'EMU-320'
Quicker and better: South Korea’s new high-speed train 'EMU-320'
 
Introduction to UDS over CAN | UDS Service
Introduction to UDS over CAN | UDS ServiceIntroduction to UDS over CAN | UDS Service
Introduction to UDS over CAN | UDS Service
 
Automotive Bootloader Complete Guide with UDS Frame Format
Automotive Bootloader Complete Guide with UDS Frame FormatAutomotive Bootloader Complete Guide with UDS Frame Format
Automotive Bootloader Complete Guide with UDS Frame Format
 

Why do workers avoid wearing PPE

  • 1. creativesafetysupply.com 1-866-777-1360The leaders in visual safety. amount of times “forgetting” will be an acceptable excuse within a certain period of time before disciplinary action is taken. This lets workers know exactly what is expected and, if this excuse is a cover for one of the other issues below, they will be more likely to bring up the real reason if they know they could be fired or reprimanded if they forget just one more time. “It’s not comfortable/It doesn’t fit right…” This type of excuse came up 30% of the time in the survey, and with good reason. For many, comfort is a valid concern and if things don’t fit right or make an employee uncomfortable or distracted on the job, they could be doing more harm than good. It is also worth noting that some workers don’t like the look of certain equipment (a bulky hat or pair of goggles, for example) and will use fit or comfort as an excuse to not wear them. Response: You’re going to need to invest some time in getting this part right, because if employees aren’t comfortable in their gear, compliance will continue to suffer. A good solution is to get a group of employees, including those who may have used this excuse for their non-compliance in the past, and try a number of different fits and styles of PPE. For example, if employees in a lumberyard are required to use safety glasses or goggles when using the saw, have this test group see which glasses or goggles are the most comfortable and fit the best. Because all workers are different, you may need to get several different sizes and/or styles to find the right balance. It’s worth it, however, as this is one of the easier ways to improve PPE compliance. Why Workers Avoid PPE & What You Can Do About It Personal Protection Equipment, or PPE, is both a necessity and a major hurdle for many workplaces. PPE keeps workers safe and usually covers things like hard hats, safety vests, safety goggles or glasses, headphones, and gloves (thought it is certainly not limited to this list). The biggest problem with PPE is compliance, far and away; there will always be workers who refuse to wear or come up with excuses to not wear their equipment. Some of these complaints may seem more tangible and valid than others, but it’s important to know how to deal with all of them. Let’s categorize some of the reasons for complaints and then take a look at how you can address each one. “I just forgot…” As much as 34% of respondents to a survey asking about the most common excuses managers get for employees not wearing their PPE said that employees said they simply forgot. This is a bit of a tricky one to start out with, because, as you’ll see in a minute, many of the other categories have easier solutions. Response: The best thing you can do here is make very clear, and then enforce, a number boundary for the
  • 2. creativesafetysupply.com 1-866-777-1360The leaders in visual safety. “I didn’t know I needed to…” Often times, workers will respond that they were unaware that they needed to wear PPE or follow safety procedures, passing the buck to their higher ups. Response: It’s as simple as a piece of paper: When training or instruction on the use of safety gear is administered, have each employee sign a piece of paper saying he has been informed. This way there will be no question as to whether the employee knew or not. If the excuse is still used, it will be up to management to take disciplinary action. About the author Antonio Ferraro On behalf of Creative Safety Supply based in Portland, OR, I strive to provide helpful information to create safer and more efficient industrial work en- vironments. My knowledge base focuses primarily on practices such as 5S, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and the Lean mindset. I believe in being proactive and that for positive change to happen, we must be willing to be transparent and actively seek out areas in need of improvement. An organized, safe, and well-planned work space leads to increased produc- tivity, quality products and happier workplace “I didn’t have time…” Even if it only takes a few seconds to put on gloves, this excuse comes up a lot. The issue you have here is that production is being valued higher than safety. The phrase “Safety is number one” shouldn’t be an empty refrain. Response: Make sure employees know that work does not start until safety is taken care of. They should understand that, while efficiency is important, they get paid for their time putting on safety equipment as well, and it should take precedent over shaving off a few seconds of production.