Why workers resist safety gear and how to change it

Learning objectives Identify the key psychological and practical reasons why workers resist using PPE. Recognize how workplace culture and leadership influence PPE compliance. Apply evidence-based strategies to improve consistent PPE use. Demonstrate the role of empathy and communication in strengthening PPE compliance. PPE insights Even with clear rules, some workers avoid PPE because of discomfort, inconvenience or a belief that it’s unnecessary. This article explores the psychological barriers behind PPE noncompliance and how leaders can overcome them through communication, design improvements and positive reinforcement. By addressing the human side of safety, organizations can encourage consistent use and reduce risk. On a jobsite in Southern California, fewer than two-thirds of the workers were found to have kept their personal protective equipment (PPE) on throughout their full shift. Most of them admitted to taking off their gloves and respirators, which is a common occurrence for those who work in confined spaces. Once heat starts to build up in these spaces, the crews are going to look for ways to keep themselves comfortable. That’s a natural response, but it isn’t always a safe one. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration has dedicated decades to implementing PPE standards. Below is a summary of these standards. Table 1: A table summarizing OSHA standards on personal protective equipment. Courtesy: TRADESAFE Billions of dollars have been invested on safety. But still, noncompliance remains a clear problem. In the construction industry alone, workers are more than five times as likely to die on the job as compared to…

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