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SAFETY MOMENT, NOVEMBER 22

The hazard decides the PPE

See today's safety momentHow to give a safety moment

Safety moment, November 22

The hazard decides the PPE

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 22

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

Under the general industry rule, the employer must assess the workplace for hazards that call for PPE. The employer then selects PPE that protects against those hazards and properly fits each worker, and tells each affected worker what was selected. On construction sites, the employer must require appropriate PPE wherever workers are exposed to hazardous conditions (29 CFR 1926.28(a)). Your part is to wear what the task calls for, every time the hazard is there. (29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1))

ASK THE CREW

What do you check on your PPE before you put it on?

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

  1. Gather the crew where they work, before the shift or the meeting starts. Read the hazard out loud.
  2. Ask the question and let two or three people answer. What they say about their own work counts for more than what you read.
  3. Name the action and point to one place on today's job where it applies, so everyone knows what to do differently.
  4. 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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