Page 40 - OHS, October 2021

FACILITY SAFETY
While it is important to take into account the product quality companies are able to provide, it is equally important to consider expertise, support and ability to customize for a well-rounded partnership.
Convenience. An effifficient provider should be able to fulfifill orders for all your employees regardless of their location. As more companies look into digital solutions, some are implementing best-in-class digital vouchers to ensure employees are able to conveniently redeem as they would like. It is important to select a partner with strategically located stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution hubs, ensuring that PPE solutions and services are available whenever and wherever needed.
Real-Time Insights. As safety professionals look to save time and manage efficiencies, the right PPE provider should guarantee you are able to access real-time visibility and control over employee eligibility and safety compliance, including online tracking of employee purchases.
Best-in-class products are crucial, but the process should begin with an assessment of the dangers your workers face and how those risks can be mitigated, whether that is a product, safety program change or both. Whether an on-site inspection or virtual walkthrough, your PPE partner should do whatever is needed to understand your company, your crew and the safety needs required for protection.
The best partners act as an extension of your business and are available to consult when needed. They will continuously reassess your needs as the work environment changes and keep you aware of PPE innovations or new products that might provide value. Overall, the best providers will make the entire PPE procurement process simple and seamless.
Tapping into New PPE Innovations
That Meet Safety Standards and Worker Needs State-of-the-art product selection is top of mind for employees. As new innovations are developed to enhance technology and fit, employees are looking for protective equipment that is comfortable but can resist common hazards like slips, trips, falls or puncture wounds. After all, uncomfortable footwear can increase the rate of injury and cause injury itself. Other factors such as extreme fatigue, blisters and shin splints can be equally detrimental to worker productivity and job satisfaction.
Recent innovations in safety footwear leverage new materials and development methods for added options that work well in fit, form and function. Innovative safety footwear is now lighter than ever while remaining tough and durable. Below is an overview of advancements in safety footwear to consider.
Material Impact
New, innovative materials have played a significant role in the creation of safety footwear that is lighter than ever before yet performs well under tough conditions. For example, the use of non-metallic safety toe caps. Laboratory and field trials show that non-metallic toe caps can meet the same safety standards as steel toe caps without the extra weight and bulk, allowing for enhanced comfort on the job. Lightweight outsole materials that offer superior traction are another example and are being applied to safety footwear with best-in-class or high-performance slip- resistance results.
In addition, breathable materials like new cooling textiles are being used as lining in shoes and boots so that a day on the job is more comfortable for workers in warmer climates or hot work environments while also helping improve safety PPE. On
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generation of workers and, in turn, the future of work and safety.
Better Accessibility for Workers,
Better Compliance and Tracking for Safety Pros
While employees are thinking about products and ease of purchasing as a priority, safety managers take other factors into consideration to ensure they can properly manage a program. The best way to ensure confidence that your employees are protected is to find a true partner, not just a provider. An ideal PPE partner will be a guide through the outfitting process, working with you to determine your company’s needs and help build customized programs to provide PPE that is purpose-built for the environments your workers face.
Technology and digital platforms have evolved and there are increasing advantages for safety programs through select PPE partners that offer omnichannel fulfillment options. These programs reduce administration time, mitigate risks by assuring the right products are selected for the job and eliminate costly waste and inaccuracies. Additionally, workers can easily translate how they shop in their everyday lives to their work lives and getting the right PPE quickly and easily.
When looking at a partner and considering accessibility for your workers, a comprehensive distribution network should be a priority. Program managers should take into account all the benefits they are able to get from an omnichannel partner with strong digital capabilities including:
Customization. Does the program provide online solutions for you to manage, select and customize safety gear for employees? This feature allows for further flexibility for your company but also facilitates the product selection process, ensuring compliant products are used and help improve safety outcomes.
Time Savings. Regardless of the products offered, an efficient program should always save time for administrators without overcomplicating the process. For instance, if professionals can streamline the process of outfitting employees through an efficient portal, this can eliminate manual verification and minimize inventory carrying costs.
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36 Occupational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2021
www.ohsonline.com