ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- When you hear the term personal protective equipment what comes to mind? Gloves, safety glasses, earplugs, respirators, coveralls, steel-toed shoes and boots?
People have used PPE for centuries.
Medieval knights had armor. Blacksmiths have always used a leather apron. Cowboys wear leather chaps. Firemen wear heavy coats and special helmets.
All this equipment is designed to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.
Think of it this way…
If your child was doing something which could cause bodily harm to him or her, wouldn't you want them to be protected?
Of course you would.
This is why most, if not all, sports require some form of PPE.
Imagine your child walking onto the baseball or softball field in the position of catcher without a mitt, mask, shin guards or chest protector.
If baseball or softball isn't your thing, imagine sending your child onto the football field without a helmet or pads.
Or think about a gymnastics facility without mats to land on.
As parents, we would never allow our children to participate in an activity without the PPE they need. As employees, we should feel the same way about protecting ourselves.
Many times, employees use the excuse that PPE is uncomfortable. But, we should weigh that comfort against a preventable injury that could have lifelong consequences.
How about having to have your finger stitched back on because you could be more productive by not wearing those cut resistant gloves?
Recovering from eye surgery or, worse yet, completely losing your eyesight because your safety glasses kept fogging up.
Spending time in the burn unit and recovering from second or third degree burns because your rubber or welding gloves were too hot.
Being unable to pick your child or grandchild up because you were only on an elevated platform for a short time and didn't want to spend the time to put on your fall protection harness.
Not being able to hear your spouse ask you to do the laundry because those earplugs were too uncomfortable.
Well, maybe I could have thought of better examples to use, but you get my point.
All these injuries were preventable by simply wearing the PPE provided to you.
At Anniston Army Depot, we want to keep every employee safe.
We provide you with PPE you need to do your job safely. But, at the end of the day, it is your responsibility to wear it, maintain it and replace it when it is needed.
Make a commitment to yourself and your family to use your PPE whenever appropriate.
Make a commitment to your fellow employees to remind them to always wear the appropriate PPE as defined by the job hazard analysis for each procedure performed.
And remember, the best PPE in the world is useless unless you use it and care for it!
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