PPE & Protective Workwear BUILDING A PPE CULTURE


The effectiveness of PPE depends on how well it fits, functions and integrates into daily operations. This cultural ideal of PPE must now be seen as a priority alongside the need for compliance, says Adam Evans, ABUS UK Managing Director.


PPE has long been considered one of the final controls in managing workplace risk. It is introduced only after hazards have been addressed at source, yet it remains the most visible sign of safety in many workplaces.


In 2023, the HSE reported Great Britain recorded 35.2m days of lost work each year due to workplace injury or work-related illness. While PPE-related absences are not yet separately recorded, historical research by Labar indicated over 30% of injuries could be prevented through appropriate equipment provision.


Beyond physical injury, studies by Janson and colleagues have shown clear links between inappropriate PPE and impacts on mental wellbeing, confidence, morale and inclusion.


Employees who struggle with ill-fitting or uncomfortable equipment are more likely to experience stress, anxiety and disengagement, contributing to absenteeism and reduced performance. These findings illustrate how PPE has become a tangible factor in both physical and psychological safety.


Employers in the UK must provide equipment that meets legal standards and is suitable for the task. Compliance alone, however, does not guarantee use, protection or adoption.


Effectiveness is defined by how equipment performs for the individual using it and whether it supports work rather than creating distraction or discomfort. Equipment that restricts movement, impedes vision or hearing, or causes discomfort can create both safety risks and operational inefficiencies.


Addressing these challenges requires careful consideration of hazards, operational demands, and the diversity of the workforce.


THE CULTURE OF PPE Many organisations treat PPE primarily as a compliance requirement, overlooking its role in workplace culture.


The true measure of effectiveness lies in design, adoption and usability. If equipment is uncomfortable or unsuitable for the work being performed, employees may wear it inconsistently or incorrectly (or not at all,) undermining both safety and efficiency.


The physical aspects of PPE are critical. Ergonomic design, adjustability, and practical usability are as important as compliance with standards. Fatigue, temperature, dexterity, and sensory perception can all affect how well PPE functions. For example, gloves that reduce dexterity, visors that fog, or helmets that simply do not fit or create pressure points may reduce safety adherence.


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Inclusive considerations are equally essential. Equipment designed to accommodate differences in body size, shape, and temporary conditions such as pregnancy ensures equitable protection and reduces distraction or discomfort.


PPE must consider cultural and religious requirements, such as head coverings, to maintain both safety and inclusivity. Human factors and operational demands need to be integrated alongside compliance standards to create equipment that is truly functional, effective, and trusted.


SHAPING CULTURE, PERCEPTION AND WELLBEING


Leadership plays a pivotal role in championing and shaping these perceptions. The Building Safety Act 2022 reinforces this responsibility by placing greater accountability on dutyholders to ensure safer practices across the industry.


Leaders who model correct use, communicate purpose clearly, listen and respond to practical challenges signal that safety of an inclusive and diverse workforce is a shared responsibility. This way the direction of conversation is how to shape and evolve the equipment used.


Organisations actively encouraging feedback create trust, reinforcing a culture in which employees feel respected, supported, and psychologically safe. And when employees see colleagues using PPE consistently and correctly, it brings safe behaviours to become the workplace norm.


This improved usability and fit and creates a sense of ownership and engagement, demonstrating that PPE is designed with the workforce in mind rather than imposed upon them.


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