The PPE Investment

In today’s economy, businesses and organizations are looking for sound investment opportunities. Here’s a valuable tip from the loss control professionals at EMC Insurance Companies: invest in personal protective equipment (PPE). “Investing in a comprehensive PPE program can pay off in fewer reportable claims, lower medical expenses and fewer days off work,” advises Tammy Swenson, EMC senior loss control consultant.

“Consider the return on investment of a pair of safety glasses,” suggests Swenson. “An average pair of safety glasses costs around $2 but, when used properly, that $2 investment can save you thousands of dollars in medical expenses and lost productivity.”

Don’t Put Yourself At Risk
“Despite the soundness of the PPE investment, many organizations and businesses are not taking advantage of it,” notes Tammy. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows:

• Hard hats were worn by only 16% of those workers who sustained head injuries, although two-fifths were required to wear them for certain tasks at specific locations.
• Only 1% of approximately 770 workers suffering face injuries were wearing face protection.
• Only 23% of the workers with foot injuries wore safety shoes or boots.
• About 40% of the workers with eye injuries wore eye protective equipment.
• Cuts or bruises to the scalp and forehead occurred in 85% of the workers, concussions in 26%. Over a third of the cases resulted from falling objects striking the head.

The Total PPE Investment Strategy
Investing in PPE means more than simply purchasing the right type of equipment for your workforce. Using personal protective equipment requires hazard awareness and training on the part of the user. Beyond training, Swenson encourages clients to develop an inspection and maintenance program to ensure that PPE is always ready for action. “Proper storage can also extend the life of PPE, furthering the value of your investment,” adds Tammy.

Count on EMC^® to maximize your PPE investment by providing you with information about choosing, inspecting and maintaining PPE, as well as guidelines for effective PPE training programs. For more details, visit the Personal Protective Equipment section of EMC’s Loss Prevention Information Manual in the Loss Control section of emcinsurance.com.

Who Pays For PPE?
OSHA published the final rule about employer-paid PPE in late 2007. Under this rule, all PPE, with a few exceptions, must be provided at no cost to employees. You can learn about some of those exceptions at Insights Online.