There are many jobs out there where workers are exposed to many potential dangers. Everything from high heat to dangerous chemicals can threaten your workers. Depending on your location, you might be required to provide the necessary safety equipment. With all the safety gear out there, you have too many choices. Here are a few tips on how to narrow things down:
Do Risk Assessments
Have people go through your workplace and processes to estimate the dangers. A proper assessment will be thorough and assign potential hazards to the various areas of your workplace so that people will be aware of the risks there. When it is finished, you can be sure that you will only buy the equipment that you need.
Have a List
Now that you know the dangers, it is time to sit down and find the protective equipment that you need. For example, if your workplace has a wet area, you should have shoes that have excellent traction. Determine what parts of your employees’ bodies will be in danger. Heads and hands are the usual suspects, which is why you will need helmets and gloves. Some workplaces also endanger the eyes, so you might need to get bulky goggles or safety gloves.
New or Used
There is a decent market for used safety equipment in Australia and other places. This is why you need to decide whether to buy new or used things. Used safety equipment, as long as it has been properly handled, can be still useful. Some items you will have to buy new, but if the used item can be completely sanitized without causing structural damage, then it can be purchased. These are usually boots and other sturdier materials.
Look at Durability
One of the main issues that you should focus on when it comes to buying safety equipment is durability. Since you are purchasing this for your people, you will want stuff that lasts and can take a bit of punishment. Check reviews of the equipment to see how long they will last and how tough they are. The warranty that the tool has is a good hint of how tough it is.
Size Them Properly
Besides durability, you will want the protective equipment that you issue to fit your people. Your employees need to be able to work with the safety equipment. That means they need to be comfortable and not too tight. They shouldn’t be too loose, either. This is why you need to get a variety of sizes when you purchase safety equipment.
Regular Inspections
Your safety equipment needs to be in the best shape always. To ensure this, you need to inspect the safety equipment regularly. Take note of any damage and decide whether a replacement is necessary.
Proper safety equipment can go a long way in ensuring that your workers are protected from the dangers around them. As their boss, it is your job to help them get the best possible equipment out there. The tips above should help you in properly selecting the right equipment for your crew. You can then be assured of their safety as they do their jobs.
