What Types of PPE Do You Need in Manufacturing?

Manufacturing factories and warehouses present certain risks and occupational hazards due to their fast-paced and high-pressure environments. There is only so much that can be done to prevent risks due to the nature of the work. This includes harmful substances or flying debris with which they may come into contact with in the workplace. By mitigating risks in advance, managers can anticipate potential injuries and accidents that may occur.

According to the HSE, the main function of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in manufacturing is to provide a physical barrier to protect the wearer from harm. The better you define the task or job that requires PPE, the easier it will be to advise on the appropriate equipment.

Let us look at the six types of PPE your crew needs when working in manufacturing and how protective footwear from Shoes For Crews can safeguard them even more. 

1. PPE for Head Protection

Starting at the top, good, solid head protection is one of the most essential pieces of PPE required in manufacturing. This type of equipment helps keep your employees safe from falling objects, extreme temperatures and other head-related injuries.

PPE such as helmets, protective headgear, bump caps and hard hats are required for construction workers and engineers. 

2. PPE for Hearing Protection

Manufacturing and construction sites are often known to be busy and noisy environments. Loud noises in the workplace can cause significant damage to a worker’s hearing, especially if the exposure is frequent and prolonged. Many employees such as mechanics and machinists use at least one of the following hearing protection PPE:

• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Protective headphones
• Ear defenders or ear plugs

3. PPE for Hand Protection

Almost any type of manual labour job requires hand protection. The types of materials and their durability are important things to be aware of when supplying or modifying existing PPE for your workers in the manufacturing industry. Some materials are suitable for repeated use, while others must be disposed of immediately after each use. Depending on the tasks your employees perform, there are four types of gloves your crew can wear to safely complete their tasks:

• High-visibility gloves
• Impact-resistant gloves
• Cut-resistant gloves
• Insulated gloves

4. PPE for Eye Protection

It is paramount that employers in the manufacturing and heavy-duty industries take steps to minimise the risk of injury and ensure that their staff is properly protected. This is especially true when it comes to eye protection PPE.  Safety goggles and face shields will help protect a person’s eyes from a wide range of hazards including bright lights and flying debris from a machine. Protective glasses are also a cost-effective option to safeguard your employees’ eyes from residue or hazardous chemical splashes.

5. PPE for Respiratory Protection

The wrong size worn in the incorrect environment can create discomfort and reduce PPE’s efficacy in manufacturing roles. In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic and its effects, this can also be said about masks. 

Respiratory PPE has taken on a whole new meaning in recent years across all industries, but particularly manufacturing. Respiratory masks are a must-have for construction, demolition and factory workers who may encounter airborne debris, particles and pathogens on site.

6. PPE for Leg and Foot protection

For workers who are on their feet for more than 12 hours a day and encountering slippery surfaces, manufacturing PPE footwear and legwear are a must. As risks can only be reduced so much, the next logical step is to ensure that if an accident does occur, the consequences are minimised. Work trousers protect your staff’s legs from dirt, debris and other materials that could potentially cause scratches, cuts and bruises. 

Durable work shoes safeguard your employees who work in hazardous manufacturing environments, ultimately making the difference between a minor injury and a more serious one.

To minimise the risk of slips, trips and falls, invest in footwear from Shoes For Crews that consistently outperforms industry standards with our slip-resistant technology. Some examples of high-quality, durable foot protection include safety shoes with composite or metal toe caps and mid-length to knee-high safety boots, depending on your team’s needs.

If, after reviewing this guide to types of PPE in manufacturing, you would like more information on the styles and sizes suitable for the manufacturing industry, get in touch with one of our experts. Or download our Catalogue for a closer look at our range of safety shoes, designed specifically with your manufacturing crew in mind.