Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an essential component of any workplace safety plan, and it is designed to protect employees from physical hazards such as falls, burns, and cuts. It is also critical in protecting workers from infectious diseases like COVID-19. However, the use of PPE alone is not enough to provide comprehensive protection in the workplace. Employers need to take additional steps to create a safe and healthy work environment.

Hierarchy of Controls

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed a framework called the Hierarchy of Controls to identify and address workplace hazards. According to this framework, employers should prioritize the following controls in this order:

1. Elimination or substitution of hazards
2. Engineering controls
3. Administrative controls
4. Personal Protective Equipment

Elimination or substitution of hazards is the most effective control method as it removes the hazard entirely. For example, replacing harmful chemicals with less toxic alternatives or using automation to remove workers from hazardous tasks.

Engineering controls are physical changes made to the work environment to reduce exposure to hazards. Examples include installing ventilation systems to limit exposure to fumes or adding guardrails to prevent falls.

Administrative controls are changes in work practices or policies to reduce exposure to hazards. Examples include establishing standard operating procedures or training workers to safely perform tasks.

Personal Protective Equipment is the final line of defense, designed to protect workers from the remaining hazards after elimination or substitution, engineering, and administrative controls have been implemented.

Comprehensive Safety Plan

A comprehensive safety plan should consider all four categories of the Hierarchy of Controls. Employers should conduct a hazard assessment to identify potential hazards in their workplace and prioritize control measures to create a safe work environment.

Here are some suggested steps employers can take to ensure that their safety plan is comprehensive:

1. Eliminate Hazards: Remove any workplace hazards that can be eliminated, such as replacing harmful chemicals with safer alternatives.

2. Install Engineering Controls: Install physical controls to prevent exposure to hazards in the workplace, such as ventilation systems to reduce exposure to fumes.

3. Implement Administrative Controls: Implement work practices or policies to reduce exposure to hazards, such as providing training on safe work procedures.

4. Provide Proper PPE: Provide appropriate personal protective equipment for employees, such as respirators, gloves, and face shields, to ensure that employees are protected from the remaining hazards.

5. Conduct Regular Safety Audits: Conduct regular safety audits to ensure that hazards are identified and addressed properly.

Conclusion

The use of PPE is essential in protecting workers from workplace hazards, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is crucial to recognize that PPE is the last line of defense in a comprehensive safety plan. Employers should follow the Hierarchy of Controls and implement elimination or substitution, engineering, and administrative controls whenever feasible. By prioritizing workplace safety and adopting a comprehensive approach, employers can create a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.