Why wouldn’t you wear PPE? You are important! You only get one life, so protect it. PPE is designed to protect the user from potential injury and even death. If you are not sure why you need to wear PPE, here are 20 good reasons:

1. IT’S THERE FOR YOU

The first P stands for “personal.” PPE is the most personal control there is because it is only there to look after you.

2. IT PROTECTS YOU

The second P stands for “protection.” The whole reason for PPE is to protect you, so if you don’t wear or use it it can’t do its job. PPE was designed to protect you from the hazards you are exposed to. Wearing the right PPE for your job provides maximum protection.

3. IT EQUIPS YOU FOR THE JOB

The E stands for “equipment.” PPE is vital equipment to perform your job – just like your tools, vehicle, electronics and any other necessary items.

4. YOU CONTROL IT

You might not be able to directly control all the elements of your workplace (if guards are in place, if people working around you are behaving safely, etc.), but you can control your personal environment by wearing your PPE.

5. YOU CAN CHECK IT

Your PPE is something you have control over by inspecting it before, during and after every use. You know what condition it’s in, if it needs repair and when it needs replacing.

6. IT’S YOUR LAST LINE OF DEFENSE

It is a barrier between you and a hazard. Your PPE is the control that stands in the way of any final or remaining risk, no matter how small.

7. YOU ONLY HAVE ONE HEAD

If something hits your hard hat, you can replace it. If something hits your head, you can’t just get a new one.

8. YOU NEED TO SEE

Could you do your job if you lost your sight? Eye protection will protect your eyes from projectiles and harmful splashes.

9. YOU NEED TO BE SEEN

Hi-Viz gear will help show others on site where you are. This is especially important with moving equipment, like on-site vehicles and forklift trucks.

10. YOU NEED YOUR HANDS

You likely use your hands for most tasks throughout the day. Gloves will help protect yours from sharp edges, hot surfaces and harmful substances.

11. IT HELPS YOU BREATHE

You need your lungs to function to remain active and healthy. Dust masks and more specialized respiratory protection will help you keep yours in top condition.

12. YOUR FAMILY NEEDS YOU

Don’t take risks with your health and safety. Wearing PPE is an extra way to stay safe at work, so you can go home.

13. YOUR JOB IS NOT WORTH DYING FOR

PPE isn’t the only safety measure needed at work, but it plays a large part in the collective health and safety system that will keep you safe.

14. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

Your employer has a duty to provide you with PPE and make sure you wear it. But management can’t watch you at all times. It’s your responsibility to use the PPE provided and wear it correctly.

15. IT’S YOUR DUTY

It’s also your duty. Both employees and the self-employed have a responsibility to wear and use PPE correctly.

16. IT’S NOT OPTIONAL

Wearing and using PPE is not a choice. If there is any risk to health and safety not adequately controlled by other means, PPE must be provided. You and your employer need to decide on the best and most suitable PPE for the task, but, by law, whether or not PPE is worn and used is not optional.

17. IT SETS A GOOD EXAMPLE

Everyone should wear and use PPE – from owners and managers to visitors and new employees.

18. IT SHOWS YOU CARE

Using and wearing the right PPE shows you care about health and safety, about yourself and about your co-workers.

19. IT GIVES A GOOD IMPRESSION

It looks professional because it is professional. It shows you have standards and run a safe site.

20. IT’S THE LAW

Let’s not forget the legal requirements. Employers must provide PPE where there is a risk to the health and safety of employees, and all employee are required to use and wear their PPE correctly.