Service note for wearing PPE: obligations, example, model

As part of our mission to guarantee safety and health at work, it is important to ensure the correct wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This memo aims to clarify the obligations, provide a concrete example and propose a model adaptable to your specific needs.

Definition of PPE

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) constitutes a variety of equipment designed to ensure the safety of workers in various professional environments . This equipment includes, but is not limited to:

• Protective helmets: Protect the head against shocks, falling objects and other impacts.
• Safety glasses: Protect eyes against projections, flying particles, and chemical splashes.
• Gloves: Provide protection for hands from cuts, abrasions, chemicals and biohazards.
• Safety shoes: Equipped with non-slip soles and steel reinforcements, they protect the feet against crushing and punctures.
• Respiratory protection devices: Filter dangerous particles and toxic vapors, ensuring healthy breathing in contaminated environments.
• Safety harnesses: Used for work at height, they prevent falls and keep workers safe when moving on elevated structures.

Each of this equipment plays a necessary role in the prevention of accidents and occupational illnesses. Their choice must be adapted to the specific risks of each workstation.

The appropriate use of PPE is essential to protect workers against the risks inherent to their activity. By wearing the appropriate PPE, workers significantly reduce the risk of injuries, occupational illnesses, and serious accidents. For example, wearing safety glasses can prevent serious eye damage from metal shards, while proper gloves can prevent cuts or chemical burns.

It is important to emphasize that simply providing PPE is not enough. Adequate training in their correct use is also necessary. Workers must be informed of the specific risks of their position and know how to use PPE effectively. In addition, regular maintenance and inspection of equipment are essential to ensure their good condition and effectiveness.

This is why we must all commit to respecting the rules for wearing PPE. Not only because it is a legal and regulatory obligation, but also because the safety of each of us depends on it. By adopting a proactive and responsible attitude, we can create a safer and healthier working environment for everyone.

Obligations related to wearing PPE

Employer responsibilities

Provision and Correct Use of PPE: According to current legislation, the employer has the obligation to provide the necessary PPE and to ensure that they are used correctly. The legislative and regulatory texts governing this obligation aim to protect the health and safety of workers by imposing strict safety standards at work. Article L. 4121-1 of the Labor Code stipulates that the employer must take all necessary measures to ensure safety and protect the physical and mental health of workers. This includes the free provision of PPE appropriate to the risks present in the workplace.

Risk Assessment and Documentation: The employer must assess the risks present in the workplace, select suitable and certified PPE, and train employees in their correct use. This risk assessment must be documented in a Single Risk Assessment Document (DUER).

Maintenance and Replacement of PPE: The employer must also ensure regular maintenance of PPE, ensuring that it is in good working order and replaced if necessary. In the event of failure to comply with these obligations, the employer may be held civilly and criminally liable for accidents that occur. It is therefore imperative that the employer adopts a proactive and rigorous approach to PPE management.

Employee Responsibilities

Wearing PPE: Employees also have clear responsibilities for workplace safety. They must wear PPE in accordance with the instructions received, which are often detailed in safety procedures specific to each workstation.

Reporting Malfunctions: Employees must also immediately report any defects or malfunctions in PPE to their supervisor, so that corrective action can be taken quickly.

Active Participation in Training: Active employee participation in safety training and exercises is essential to ensure correct understanding and application of safety practices. Negligent or non-compliant behavior can not only endanger their own safety, but also that of their colleagues.

Internal company obligations

Each company must establish clear policies on the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). These policies must define the types of PPE required, the situations where their use is mandatory, and the procedures in the event of non-compliance. They should be documented and easily accessible, for example via a safety manual or displays in key work areas.

Policy Communication

For policies to be effective, it is crucial to communicate them well. The following actions are required:

• Regular meetings to ensure all employees understand the requirements and reasons behind wearing PPE.
• Continuing training to keep skills and equipment knowledge up to date.
• Information sessions to answer questions and clarify doubts about the use of PPE.

It is also important to regularly consult with employees to identify obstacles to compliance and adjust policies accordingly.

Implementation and Control

To ensure that policies are followed and effective, it is essential to have strict control procedures in place, such as:

• Designate security managers who will ensure policies are enforced and provide ongoing support.
• Carry out regular inspections, whether formal or informal, to verify the correct use of PPE.
• Document and analyze inspection results to identify trends and areas requiring improvement.

Recalls and Sanctions

Reminders of the importance of PPE should be integrated into internal communication, through team meetings, newsletters or visual displays. Clear and fair sanctions for non-compliance with policies must be defined and applied consistently. Encouraging and rewarding exemplary safety behavior can also increase employee engagement.

Ensuring safety at work: a collective commitment

In summary, the implementation and compliance with memoranda regarding the wearing of PPE are essential to guarantee the safety of everyone on construction sites. Each member of the company, from the employer to the employees, has clear and defined responsibilities to ensure proper use of personal protective equipment. By following legal and internal obligations, and adapting communication models according to the specific needs of your company, you can create a safer and more efficient working environment.

It is essential to regularly remind people of these obligations and ensure their strict application. Continuing training and awareness play a key role in this process, as do regular checks and appropriate sanctions in the event of non-compliance. Ultimately, workplace safety relies on collective commitment and constant vigilance. Let's adopt these good practices together to protect everyone's health and life.