Page 40 - OHS, June 2024

PPE: HAND PROTECTION
Why ‘One Size Fits All’ Is Wrong
Choosing task-specific, properly fitting PPE is essential for worker safety, productivity and cost-effectiveness.
BY PATRICK ICASAS
Typically, “one size fits all” is marketed as a benefit, a con- venient, cost-effective option for both manufacturers and consumers. However, in the realm of safety equipment, this concept fails dramatically. For personal protective equip- ment (PPE), “one size fits all” is not just ineffective; it’s dangerous. Let’s explore why site managers and safety officers should steer clear of generically spec’d products and review what alternatives they should consider.
Proper Fit Versus ‘One Size Fits All’
When it comes to casual fashion like t-shirts, jeans and Crocs, it’s okay if things don’t fit perfectly (in some cases it’s even a plus). Here, the stakes are low; it’s merely about personal style.
However, ill-fitting PPE—particularly hand protection—poses a significant risk to worker safety. Let’s take gloves, for example. The glove could slip off at the worst time, exposing the hand to an edge or impact. A loose glove could compromise a worker’s grip and cause them to drop a heavy load. If gloves are too tight or too loose, they
can diminish tactile sensitivity, leading to errors in handling machin- ery or pressing control panel buttons.
If the PPE gets too uncomfortable, workers may choose not to wear it at all. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reported that an estimated 2,000 work-related eye injuries occur every day in the United States, with more than 75 percent of those injuries result- ing from employees choosing not to wear the eye protection provid- ed for the assigned task.
Any company-issued PPE should be available in a range of sizes so that every individual worker can find one that fits properly. If there are no sizes available, then the PPE should have clasps, ties or Velcro straps. Then the wearer can adjust the fit based on their comfort level. The fit must be snug — not so loose as to compromise safety but not so tight as to be uncomfortable or cut off circulation.
The Risks of “One-Size-Fits-All” PPE
Sometimes businesses try to save on costs by buying one specific glove and handing them out to all employees, regardless of what their
38 Occupational Health & Safety | JUNE 2024
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