When it comes to keeping tradies safe on the tools, one size definitely does not fit all.
Thanks to its endless supply of pointy-edged projects and high-risk hazards, construction has climbed its way to the top of the list for the Aussie industries with the highest proportion of serious work-related injury claims.
According to SafeWork, around 12,600 workers’ compensation claims (or 12.3 per cent of all claims) come from the construction industry each year for injuries and diseases involving one or more weeks off work – equating to 35 serious claims each day.
In an effort to address these worrying stats during Tradie Health month, our friends over at uvex have set out to remind tradies in construction to ‘play it safe’ when it comes to finding the perfect fit for your PPE.
According to the leading safety product and footwear brand, too many construction businesses are compromising worker safety (and opening themselves up to some costly lawsuits) by falling into the trap of taking the one-size-fits-all approach to PPE.
These often ill-fitting work fits create loopholes in the protection, exposing workers to additional hazards like an unzipped high vis vest getting caught on a machine or welding sparks searing themselves onto skin through the gaps in tradie’s gloves.
While PPE can’t completely eradicate on-site incidents, uvex said that ‘finding the right fit’ can go a long way in giving worksites a much-needed safety boost and improving the quality of life for men and women on the tools.
Finding the perfect PPE
With decades of experience kitting out the tradies on the tools with top-of-the-line protective gear, we asked uvex to share some of their top tips for picking out the perfect PPE for the job.
Here’s what they said:
- Assess the hazards: Identify specific risks in your workplace (e.g., chemical, physical, or biological) to ensure you select PPE designed for those hazards.
- Ensure proper fit: PPE should be comfortable and well-fitted to avoid discomfort and ensure maximum protection.
- Check for certification: Look for PPE that hits the national 5-star safety standard and meets certifications specific to your industry and region.
- Prioritise comfort and mobility: PPE should allow easy movement and not cause fatigue during prolonged use, promoting better compliance.
- Consider durability and maintenance: Select PPE that’s durable and easy to maintain, as this affects long-term usability and effectiveness.
Keep in mind that certain pieces of PPE aren’t meant to be shared. Items like masks, respirators, earplugs, safety helmets, and gloves should be operator-specific or deep cleaned between switching users. Remember that some respirators, masks and gloves are disposable and should only be used once.
For those businesses that need a bit of an extra helping hand, uvex are offering up customised training for both users of PPE and their supervisors, going beyond the basics to dive into the specifics of regulations, PPE standards, proper use and even product care.
This on-site support comes complete with customised ‘toolbox talks’ and safety strategy sessions, which set out to educate the whole worksite on understanding, enhancing and implementing improved safety compliance on the job.
Rounding out the package, uvex’s team of specialists are also dishing out site-specific audits and product recommendations so tradies know they’re working with the right gear for the job.
“Our mission of protecting people drives us to deliver safety products and footwear that are both fit-for-purpose and comfortable for the wearer,” explained the company’s national marketing & communications manager, Fiona Smith.
“This commitment is why we offer personalised approaches, including tailored training and support solutions.”
Business owners and tradies can find more information on proper PPE etiquette on uvex’s website, which offers access to an extensive library of product technical data, compliance certificates, and regulatory information.
