Common Workplace Hazards and How to Address Them with the Right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When it comes to protecting workers, even minor gaps in hazard control or PPE selection can lead to serious incidents. Across a wide range of industries from chemical manufacturing to emergency response, there are recurring challenges that compromise worker safety. At Respirex, we work closely with safety professionals to address these challenges by supplying high-performance PPE systems designed for real-world hazards.
Let’s look at some of the most common workplace issues and how they can be effectively addressed.
Inadequate Hazard Control
Chemical splashes, airborne contaminants, heat stress, and physical injury risks are just a few hazards that may not be fully controlled in the workplace. For example, while engineering controls or ventilation might reduce exposure, they rarely eliminate it, especially in high-risk environments like chemical handling or confined space entry.
Respirex supports this by working with customers to ensure PPE complements existing controls. Our gas-tight suits, chemical splash garments, and powered air respirators provide protection where primary hazard elimination isn’t feasible.
Lack of Proper Training in the Workplace
Workers may not always understand how to assess hazards, select suitable PPE, or use it correctly. This leads to misuse, or worse, non-use of life-saving equipment.
PPE should come with training that goes beyond the basics. That’s why Respirex offers comprehensive technical support, including donning/doffing guidance and user training for complex systems like our chemical protection suits or emergency response equipment. We also have a huge range of videos available for end users to watch on our Vimeo.
Poorly Selected PPE
Even when PPE is available, it might not be the right type or offer adequate protection for the hazard involved. Ill-fitting suits (BS 30417 Provision of Inclusive PPE) or incorrect glove selection can compromise the protective barrier entirely. Our team supports end-users in specifying PPE suited to the exact hazard whether that’s permeation-resistant gloves for hazardous chemicals or dielectric boots for high-voltage work. All our products are designed for compatibility across all industries, but if you need specific requirements, you can speak to our PPE experts about your needs.
Neglecting Maintenance
Even the best PPE is only effective when it’s properly maintained. From compromised zips to ageing seals, small issues can render protective equipment unsafe. We offer inspection and maintenance guidance for our reusable suits and boots and provide detailed service schedules for products such as our gas-tight suits with Servicetech. Many of our suits are also tested and refurbished by our service department, extending their life and maintaining integrity.
Poor PPE Compliance in the Workplace
Discomfort, bulkiness, ill-fitting or inconvenience often leads workers to skip PPE entirely. The root issue? PPE that doesn’t fit well or isn’t designed with the wearer in mind (inclusive PPE standard BS 30417). From lightweight designs to breathable inner layers, our suits and hoods are built for wearability even in really high-stress environments such as refineries or medical. Our custom sizing and gender-inclusive options also help improve long-term compliance of the safety standards.
Best Practice at Work-Turning Policy into Routine
Selecting the right PPE is only one part of the equation. The goal should be a workplace culture where safety isn’t just enforced, it’s standard.
This means:
- Carrying out comprehensive risk assessments before PPE is specified.
- Providing training for PPE end users that includes not just use, but also the limitations the PPE may have.
- Making PPE accessible, free of charge, comfortable and most importantly suitable for every worker.
- Establishing policies around cleaning, storage, and regular inspection.
- Listening to feedback from PPE end-users and adapting PPE strategy accordingly with us.
The right PPE is more than a last line of defence; it’s a critical part of enabling people to carry out hazardous tasks safely and effectively. When PPE is selected carefully for workers and different situations, fits well, and integrates with the demands of the job, it supports both safety and performance.
Our focus is on developing PPE solutions that reflect the realities of hazardous environments, supporting workers through technical performance at work, durability, and comfort.
If you need help reviewing your current PPE strategy, our technical team is always happy to advise.