Workplace accidents are an unfortunate reality, but many serious injuries are preventable. Personal protective equipment (PPE) can prevent broken bones, head trauma, burns, and other forms of harm. Avoiding injuries costs much less than paying for medical bills, hiring temporary workers, and covering other related costs. Consider the hazards that your employees may encounter on the job to figure out if you need to invest in personal protective equipment.

What Can Happen at Your Job Site?

Your industry and the type of work your employees do will dictate the types of personal protective equipment they will need. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may set guidelines mandating that employees who perform certain jobs wear specific types of personal protective equipment.

For example, if workers are exposed to dust or other irritants that can harm the respiratory tract, respirators may be required. If there is a risk of injury from a falling object, hard hats may be appropriate, at least in specific areas. Workers who handle chemicals and other hazardous substances may need to wear gloves and safety goggles to prevent burns and eye damage. Those who use noisy equipment may need hearing protection. Failing to provide appropriate PPE and not following OSHA’s rules can result in fines.

You should also consider the specific circumstances and dangers at your job site. It may be a good idea to provide personal protective equipment for your workers, even if OSHA doesn’t specifically require it. For instance, employees who perform jobs that involve repetitive motions may benefit from ergonomic equipment that’s designed to prevent injuries.

Do You Need Other Workplace Safety Supplies?

In some areas, it may be wise to post signs warning people of hazards, such as the potential for falling objects, or stating that personal protective equipment is required. Even if you take all appropriate precautions to prevent injuries, however, someone may still get hurt. That’s why it’s important to have at least one first aid kit or cabinet at your job site. It should be located in a place where it’s easily accessible to everyone. You may also want to invest in an automated external defibrillator (AED) so an employee or manager will be able to act quickly if someone suffers cardiac arrest.

Order Personal Protective Equipment and Other Supplies

1st Aid Supplies offers a variety of equipment that can protect your employees from injury at your job site. We also sell first aid kits and cabinets that are designed for workplaces of all sizes. They contain supplies that can be used to treat a wide range of common injuries. Look through our selection of PPE and first aid supplies and place your order today.