The Problem
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is often the control organizations jump to first when managing risk. Add PPE to the risk register, and many workplaces assume the risk is fully managed.

While PPE plays a necessary role, it sits at the lowest level of the hierarchy of controls and has limited inherent effectiveness. That effectiveness drops even further when PPE is not worn, worn incorrectly, or inappropriate for the hazard.

Employers across the region consistently struggle to get workers to use PPE reliably. Correct PPE usage isn’t simply a matter of enforcing rules; it requires providing the right equipment, explaining the underlying hazards, offering practical training, ensuring easy access, monitoring use, and addressing issues constructively.

Implementing a PPE Turnaround
Transforming a workplace culture from poor PPE compliance to operational excellence relies on key cultural and practical levers: the article explores these.