SAFETY MOMENT, NOVEMBER 21

Your employer pays for required PPE

See today's safety moment How to give a safety moment

Safety moment, November 21

PPE is the gear you wear to protect your body from a hazard, like hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves and safety-toe boots. It is the last line of defense, after the hazard has been removed or controlled as far as possible. PPE only works when it is the right gear for the hazard, fits, is in good shape and is actually worn. Gear left in the truck protects nobody.

SAFETY MOMENT

November 21

The hazard

PPE is the gear you wear to protect your body from a hazard, like hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves and safety-toe boots. It is the last line of defense, after the hazard has been removed or controlled as far as possible. PPE only works when it is the right gear for the hazard, fits, is in good shape and is actually worn. Gear left in the truck protects nobody.

The action

PPE used to comply with the OSHA construction rules must be provided by the employer at no cost to you. The general industry rules say the same (29 CFR 1910.132(h)(1)). Both rules list a few exceptions, so ask your supervisor if you are not sure what is covered. If your PPE wears out or gets damaged on the job, report it and ask for a replacement. (29 CFR 1926.95(d)(1))

ASK THE CREW

Which piece of your PPE does not fit right or gets in your way, and what would fix it?

From the talk: Personal protective equipment (PPE). Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.

HOW TO USE IT

How to give a safety moment

Gather the crew where they work, before the shift or the meeting starts. Read the hazard out loud.
Ask the question and let two or three people answer. What they say about their own work counts for more than what you read.
Name the action and point to one place on today's job where it applies, so everyone knows what to do differently.
Write the date and the names on a sign-in sheet.

A safety moment is short and does not replace the full talk. When you want to go through a topic with the crew, pick a free toolbox talk.

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