(Super)Model of Prevention
by Andrea Jervinis, LAT, ATC
Is your work fit meeting all the current trends? No, we aren’t talking about fashion trends. We’re talking about safety trends! Recently, OSHA released their final ruling on PPE in construction. Companies must now provide properly fitting PPE to ensure maximum protection for their industrial athletes. So, how do you know if your PPE fit is fire or missing the mark? Let’s [E]valuate.
Why It Matters
Ill-fitting PPE can lead to multiple issues in the workplace.
- Reduces the effectiveness of protecting the area it is intended to protect. For example, large safety glasses can slide off your face or down your nose and flying debris can easily get into your eyes. Safety glasses should cover from your eyebrows to the cheekbone and fit comfortably over the temples and ears. They should be as close to the face as possible and comfortably hug the bridge of your nose. Eye size, bridge size, and temple length all vary by person so eye wear should be individualized and fitted to reduce gaps.
- Presents additional hazards or issues. Improper glove size can make it hard to operate tools or equipment, which can put the worker at risk for exposing themselves to hazardous/toxic materials or getting caught in machinery.
- Discourages employees from using the equipment at the workplace. If it’s not comfortable, who would want to wear it for 10 hours a day? Harnesses are a necessity in fall protection, but when they’re not the right size or put on incorrectly, they can be very uncomfortable, causing aches and pains in the upper back and shoulders. Industrial athletes should always follow the correct steps when putting a harness on and never over tighten the straps. If the harness is still uncomfortable, reach out to your supervisor or safety representative to see if you need a different size.
Body Types
OSHA’s ruling includes ensuring that gear fits all workers, with a special focus on women-specific PPE, which has historically gone unchecked. Let’s be real. A woman’s body is built very differently than a man’s. As stated before, ill-fitting PPE can lead to serious injuries, making proper sizing critical. Employers must now prioritize the correct fit for all employees, regardless of gender, to reduce the risk of injury and improve workplace safety. It’s sometimes difficult for women to find better fitting PPE, but there are now multiple companies that specialize in PPE for women.
I’m Gonna be a Supermodel
Industrial athletes may not be hitting the runway anytime soon, but following these safety guidelines will help keep them safe on the job. Each day, take a look in the mirror in your work gear and [E]valuate your fit. Just like that, you’re a supermodel of prevention!
Andrea Jervinis, LAT, ATC || Andrea has been a Certified Athletic Trainer for 15 years, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Boston University. She has worked with colleges, performing artists, and with various trades in the industrial setting. Based in Northern Nevada, she spends her free time volunteering with a local non-profit and going on adventures with her family.
Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right NW!