FEATURE
WORKERS CHOICE
We find out more about 3M’s new campaign aimed at bringing workers to the forefront of the decision-making process when selecting PPE. Alan McArthur, 3Ms Technical Supervisor, explains why this is so important for a safer workplace.
Deciding on the best PPE for your workforce is not an easy challenge, especially with so many different options available.
However, if the product is going to adequately protect your employees it must be suited to the user, the task at hand and the environment in which it will be used.
While the level of protection is a top priority, comfort should also play a very important role in the selection process.
Workers who find their PPE comfortable are more likely to accept it, while those who don’t may be inclined to wear it incorrectly or remove it entirely – which reduces or eliminates the level of protection and puts them at risk.
However, with comfort being so personal to the user, it is hard to know how to find the balance.
This is why 3M has launched its Workers’ Choice campaign. The campaign emphasises the importance of involving workers in the PPE selection process and offers advice on how best to engage with them on the topic.
www.tomorrowshs.com
Interacting with the workforce about PPE reinforces the importance of using the protection. With safety managers taking the time to listen to their views, employees will be reassured that their opinions matter, whilst open discussions about workplace health and safety are being actively encouraged.
“THE WORKERS’
CHOICE CAMPAIGN, EMPHASISES THE IMPORTANCE OF
INVOLVING WORKERS IN THE PPE SELECTION PROCESS AND OFFERS ADVICE ON HOW TO ENGAGE WITH THEM.”
For already time-strapped safety managers, it may seem like another job added to the never-ending list. But we are confident that if workers are involved at the start of the selection
process, this could save time in the long run as there is likely to be fewer problems as the PPE is rolled out.
Here are a few top tips for involving workers effectively:
Firstly, you need to identify the type and level of protection required for the specific task. Once this has been confirmed, then you can begin looking at the different types of PPE available and it is at this point when you should start thinking about involving your workforce
To find out if the protection is comfortable and suitable for the task, the best people to ask are those who will be using it. Focus groups and roundtable discussions are a great way to find out directly from the workers what does and does not work for them and narrow down some options for further investigation
By taking these tips on board, workforce acceptance of PPE will increase, which will help to ensure workers are protected. At 3M, we want to help make sure that workers go home safe and healthy every day.
To find out more please visit
www.3M.co.uk/workerschoice
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