For example, hearing protection that is intended to screen out harmful noise levels may also prohibit an employee from hearing emergency warning signals. Fall protection harnesses and lifelines may prevent workers from falling, but these systems may also present tripping hazards where none existed previously. In order for employees to be adequately protected from hazards, they must not only use equipment that is provided, they must use it properly. Improper use may increase the risk of harm and create a false sense of safety. For example, work gloves designed to decrease the likelihood of cuts to hands caused by contact with sharp edges, may increase the likelihood of crushing injuries to hands as that type of glove may get caught in machinery and pull hands into moving parts.
Training is the key to reliable protection in using personal protective equipment.
Employees must know the risks and know how to use the equipment. The training must also include instruction on other aspects as well, such as the proper care, storage, maintenance, inspection and sanitation of the equipment. In light of the factors outlined above, contractors should periodically re-evaluate the use of personal protective equipment as the preferred means to achieve workplace safety. However, the long-term fiscal consequences associated with the risks of using PPE may lessen its benefit. Short-term additional expenses incurred for such things as acquiring power tools with guards, installing automatic interlock switches on machinery or replacing engineering controls on ventilation systems may easily be outweighed by increased productivity.