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What You Need to Know About OSHA PPE Compliance: Are Your People and Business at Risk?

Safe workplaces are good business. Without proper compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA)  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)  standards serious risks can be involved for both employers and employees. 

OSHA’s aim is to reduce the number of workplace injuries and illnesses. Successful businesses know the OSHA standards applicable to their industry and work environment to ensure a safe workplace.

Companies with a Strong Commitment to Safety Avoid Serious Issues and Penalties

Successful companies focus on OSHA regulations and PPE by investing in comprehensive safety programs, ongoing training, adequate PPE, and a culture of safety.

Without proper compliance with PPE standards, serious risks can be involved for both employers and employees. Specifically, here are some of the biggest issues driving OSHA and PPE compliance:

  • worker injuries and fatalities
  • OSHA fines and penalties
  • increased insurance premiums
  • legal liabilities and lawsuits
  • compliance costs
  • keeping up with regulations

PPE is Crucial in Safeguarding Workers from Various Hazards on the Job 

PPE includes any device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health and safety hazards. Some examples of PPE include cut resistant gloves, coated gloves, sleeves and hi-vis protective apparel.

A Deep Dive into OSHA PPE Requirements and Compliance

According to OSHA, personal protective equipment must be designed and constructed safely, kept clean and dependable, and fit comfortably to encourage workers to use it. Employers must provide workers with safety gear and ensure it is properly maintained.

How to Ensure Compliance with OSHA PPE Requirements

Implement policies that require using suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), providing training on the correct use of PPE, and regularly enforcing these policies. Display appropriate signage in each work area and train supervisors to monitor PPE usage daily.

Consider progressive discipline for repeat offenders who fail to comply with proper PPE usage. This could include verbal warnings, written reprimands, suspension, and even dismissal in extreme cases.

OSHA’s established PPE regulations have different requirements depending on the specific job tasks and conditions in an industrial workplace.

Employers must ensure workers wear the proper PPE for tasks that could expose them to physical, chemical, electrical, mechanical, or other hazards. 

For instance, protective apparel plays an important roles in construction, where workers are exposed to a variety of hazards, including falls, loud noise, dust, and chemicals. Workers must use PPE appropriate for a construction site.

In manufacturing PPE sleeves, cut resistant gloves and coated gloves protect hands and arms from abrasions, cuts, and exposure to harmful substances.

In many industries workers wear hi- vis safety apparel to alert drivers or other vehicle operators of a worker’s presence, especially in low light and dark conditions. 

Without a PPE program that includes the provision of items like safety harnesses, masks, and gloves, as well as training on how to use them, workers would be at high risk of injury or illness.

PPE Safety

OSHA has Identified Six Types of Violations, each Carrying Different Fines

OSHA enforces its standards by conducting inspections in order of priority, which includes imminent danger situations, fatalities, and worker complaints. Employers must adhere to OSHA safety requirements to avoid costly fines and other sanctions. 

OSHA does not fine employees for workplace safety violations; the responsibility lies solely with the employer. Fines collected by OSHA do not directly fund the agency. Instead, they are directed to the U.S. Treasury’s general fund. Importantly, these fines are not tax-deductible.

OSHA’s six types of violations: 

Type of ViolationMinimum PenaltyMaximum Penalty
Serious$1,036$14,502
Other-than-serious$0$14,502
Willful or Repeated$10,360$145,027
Posting Requirements$0$14,502
Failure to AbateN/A$14,502 per day past the abatement date
De MinimisN/AN/A

Helpful Definitions of OSHA’s Six Types of Violations

Serious violations occur when an employer knowingly leaves a hazard that could result in death or serious harm unresolved. Fines can reach up to $14,502 per violation.

Other-than-serious violations don’t lead to serious injury or death but compromise employee safety. Fines can reach up to $14,502 per violation, though they can be reduced by up to 95%.

Willful or repeated violations are those that are repeated within three years, and companies face much harsher penalties, from $10,360 up to $145,027 per violation. The size of the workforce can lead to a reduced fine, with an 80% reduction for 10 or fewer employees, decreasing to no reduction for 251 or more employees.

Posting requirements violations occur if an employer receives a citation or violation notice from OSHA. The notice must be visibly posted near the incident area until the violation is resolved or for three days. Failure to do so may result in fines up to $14,502 per violation.

Failure to abate violations happens if companies do not resolve a safety violation by the date specified in the OSHA notice. The company can be fined up to $14,502 per day past the abatement date.

De minimis violations are minor infractions that don’t necessarily require a citation or notice, and they typically don’t incur penalties.

Have questions? Contact Liberty Safety’s PPE experts now

The Top 10 Most Cited OSHA Violations in 2022 were:

  1. Fall protection
  2. Hazard communication
  3. Ladders
  4. Respiratory protection
  5. Scaffolding
  6. Lockout/Tagout
  7. Powered industrial trucks
  8. Fall protection – training requirements
  9. Personal protective and lifesaving equipment – eye and face protection
  10. Machine guarding

Learn more about how these top most cited OSHA violations impact your PPE choices. 

What to Include when Creating your PPE Program

The OSHA PPE standards require employers to provide employees with personal protective equipment when necessary to protect them from workplace hazards. 

To ensure the successful implementation of PPE based on OSHA’s regulations and guidelines, employers should follow these tips:

● Examine the workplace and determine what hazards exist

● Choose and maintain the appropriate PPE for each hazard

● Provide OSHA PPE training to employees

● Monitor compliance regularly

● Enforce policies on PPE use

● Keep employees informed of any changes to PPE policies

OSHA Hierarchy of Controls
      Source: osha.gov

Learn how PPE hazards are addressed in specific standards for the construction industry. Have questions about PPE for your industry? Contact Liberty Safety’s PPE experts now

Ensuring PPE Compliance in the Workplace

PPE, often the last line of defense against occupational hazards, minimizes exposure to various risks, ranging from biological and chemical to physical and ergonomic. Its importance, however, can be overlooked by employees for a myriad of reasons, including discomfort and inconvenience.

​​​​Prioritizing Comfort and Convenience in PPE Selection

Don’t let workplace safety be compromised due to these concerns. Organizations should strive to ensure that their PPE is not only suitable for the hazards present but also comfortable and convenient for employees to use. 

Involving workers in the selection process of PPE, considering their comfort, ease of use, and even their aesthetic preferences is one way to increase use and safety.

Going Beyond Equipment: The Need for Proper PPE Training

Moreover, effective PPE compliance goes beyond equipment provision – it requires proper training for employees on the use, necessity, and limitations of their PPE. It’s essential to make PPE training engaging and valuable for workers, emphasizing its role in protecting their health and safety.

Creating a Culture of Safety with PPE 

Establishing a culture of safety in the workplace is a crucial part of PPE compliance. The success of PPE programs doesn’t just rely on having the right equipment or even stringent regulations in place; it also depends on the willingness and cooperation of employees to use PPE correctly.

When employees feel comfortable discussing PPE and reporting issues, they’re less likely to overlook the potential hazards in their work environment. And, a safe environment contributes to employee retention and productivity.

To this end, one noteworthy program is the OSHA’s Safe and Sound Campaign. The program highlights three main aspects: 

  • management leadership
  • worker participation 
  • proactive hazard control

Management leadership demonstrates commitment to safety and the well-being of employees. 

Workers, when involved in safety programs, are more likely to adhere to safety protocols, and proactive hazard control shifts focus from reaction to prevention.

Creating a Culture of Safety with PPE

Have questions? Contact Liberty Safety’s PPE experts now regarding resources available from agencies like OSHA that guide PPE compliance standards.

Maintaining PPE Compliance in the Face of Emerging Threats

Changes in work environments, advancement of technologies, shifts in the global landscape, or unexpected natural disasters can all contribute to new and complex hazards that demand innovative safety measures. 

Is your PPE program flexible, adaptive, able to respond to evolving threats and shifting regulations? Regular reviews and updating risk assessments, done ongoingly, identifies new threats as they arise. Ask Liberty Safety about the latest industry developments and update your PPE needs accordingly.

The Future of PPE and Technology

Advancements in technology such as smart PPE are already making their way into various industries. Smart PPE refers to equipment that is connected to the internet and has advanced capabilities, such as real-time hazard tracking and health monitoring. These proactive (rather than reactive) measures can drastically improve safety. 

As a leader in the safety industry, Liberty Safety is dedicated to providing head-to-toe PPE that complies with the highest standards and integrates the latest technology. We understand that PPE compliance is a dynamic process that requires constant adaptation and evolution. 

Here is a selection of our products that meet the highest standards established by federal agencies. Contact our PPE experts today for the right PPE for your industry and hazards.

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How to Don and Doff PPE: A Guide for Wearing and Removing Personal Protection Equipment

how to don and doff essential ppe scaled

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is frequently worn to prevent bacterial or viral  cross-contamination and exposure to harmful environmental pollutants. Depending on the industry and the level of exposure, it is recommended for workers to use a complete set of protections, including gloves, masks, goggles, and coveralls.

In some cases, it goes beyond just a recommendation. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), every facility should establish protocols and provide education on the PPE required. As part of that, workers should also be aware of how to safely put each garment on (donning) and take off (doffing).

Importance of Correct Donning and Doffing

Proper use (and therefore proper donning and doffing) of PPE affects the safety of the workers and those around them. The primary goal is to create a barrier from biological and chemical hazards starting from the moment the wearer puts it on to when each piece of PPE is removed.

General Sequence

The CDC provides the following general overview for putting on and removing PPE that is commonly worn together.

DONNING

  1. Perform hand hygiene
  2. Put on shoe covers (if applicable)
  3. Put on coveralls
  4. Put on mask/respirator (if applicable)
  5. Put on eye protection (if applicable)
  6. Put on gloves

DOFFING

  1. Remove shoe covers (if applicable)
  2. Remove gown and gloves together*
  3. Perform hand hygiene
  4. Remove eye protection (if applicable)
  5. Remove mask/respirator (if applicable)
  6. Perform hand hygiene

Recommended Donning and Doffing for Specific Garments

Protect your workers and provide a safe working environment with the following recommended steps for each piece. 

Masks

Because they are designed to help reduce the wearer’s exposure to airborne particles, and unwanted particulates, wearing a face mask helps keep a worker safe in possibly contaminated environments.

Donning

Step 1

Don Masks Step 1

Hold the respirator in hand with the nose piece at your fingertips, allowing the headbands to hang freely below your hand.

 

 

Step 2

Don Mask Step 2

Press the respirator firmly against your face with the nose piece on the bridge of your nose.

 

 

 

Step 3

Don Mask Step 3

Stretch and position the top band high on the back of your head. Stretch the bottom band over your head and position it below your ears.

 

 

Step 4

Don Mask Step 4

Using both hands, mold the nose piece to the shape of your nose.

 

 

 

Step 5

Don Mask Step 5

Test the fit by cupping both hands over the respirator and inhale vigorously. Avoid disturbing respirator position. If air leaks around the edges, reposition the straps or adjust strap tension.

Doffing

Step 1

Doff Mask Step 1

Without touching the front of the respirator, lean forward and gently remove the mask from behind by sliding both ties up and over your head.

 

 

Step 2

Doff Mask Step 2

Immediately discard the respirator in a waste container or other appropriate receptacle.

 

 

 

Step 3

Doff Mask Step 3

Thoroughly wash hands for 20 seconds with warm soap and water, or hand sanitizer with a 60% alcohol content if water is unavailable.

Gloves

Chemically resistant disposable gloves should extend past the wrists for better protection. Certain types of material will only be suited for specific chemicals or biological elements. It’s important to check the manufacturers’ instructions.

Donning

Step 1

Don Gloves Step 1

Remove a single glove from the box. Avoid touching multiple gloves or glove fingertips to reduce the risk of accidental contamination.

 

 

 

Step 2

Don Gloves Step 2

Check the glove to ensure there are no rips or tears. If there are, discard the glove immediately. Align the fingers and thumbs of the glove to your hand.

 

 

Step 3

Don Glove Step 3

Carefully insert your hand into the glove, pulling the cuff over the wrist.

 

 

 

Step 4

Don Glove Step 4

Repeat steps 1-3 to don a glove on the opposite hand. Ensure proper glove fit and cuffs are snug to the wrist.

Doffing

Step 1

Doff Glove Step 1

Grasp the outside of the glove near the wrist.

 

 

 

Step 2

Doff Glove Step 2

Peel the glove away from your hand, turning it inside out.

 

 

 

Step 3

Doff Glove Step 3

Holding the removed glove in your gloved hand, carefully slide an ungloved finger into the wrist of your gloved hand. Avoid touching the outside of the glove.

 

 

Step 4

Doff Glove Step 4

Peel the glove off from the inside, creating a “bag” containing both gloves. Discard gloves immediately and appropriately.

Coveralls

To reduce both chemical and biological contaminant exposure to the skin, workers should wear disposable coveralls. When worn correctly, they can provide the needed safeguards for most conditions.

DuPont™, an industry leader in safety and safety products, offers a broad portfolio of DuPont Personal Protection. They recommend wearers inspect their coveralls at the following times to determine that the suit has not been damaged or compromised:

  1. Immediately upon receipt from the supplier.
  2. Before it is placed in service to be worn.
  3. After a garment is worn and before the garment is placed in service to be worn again. (Do not use contaminated, damaged, or altered garments.)
  4. Inspect annually.

They suggest the following don/doff procedure for their TYCHEM® NON-ENCAPSULATED GARMENTS (for complete details, including a maintenance schedule, as well as the limitations of use, visit the DuPont website.)

Donning

Step 1

Don Coveralls Step 1

Remove personal clothing, jewelry (including watches), and personal items like pens, key rings, badges, etc.

 

 

Step 2

Don Coveralls Step 2

Visually inspect the entire set of PPE, including outer boots if applicable, and ensure the size suit meets your requirements.

 

 

Step 3

Don Coveralls Step 3

Put on boot covers. Note: if coveralls have attached booties, they are to be worn inside outer boots.

 

 

Step 4

Don Coveralls Step 4

Insert your feet into the leg of the coverall and slip your foot into the attached sock (if applicable). Extend leg to maximum while pulling coveralls up.

 

 

Step 5

Don Coveralls Step 5

Put on outer chemical boot if attached. If boot flap covers are included as well, then first pull covers up and then don your outer boots. Pull the boot flap covers down over the boot as far as it will go.

 

 

Step 6

Don Coveralls Step 6

Pull the coveralls to your hips.

 

 

 

Step 7

Don Coveralls Step 7

Put arm into first sleeve and pull the coverall sleeve to your shoulder. Ensure your hand is securely inside the glove if attached. Repeat with opposite arm.

 

 

Step 8

Don Coveralls Step 8

If gloves are not attached, don your gloves. Pull the sleeves of the garment over the gauntlet of the gloves.

 

 

Step 9

Don Coveralls Step 9

If mask or respirator is required, don that face piece now and check its function.

 

 

 

Step 10

Don Coveralls Step 10

If present, pull the hood up over your head and make sure not to disrupt the mask/respirator.

 

 

 

Step 11

Don Coveralls Step 11

Close the overall zipper carefully and secure the flaps over the zipper if they are included.

Doffing

Step 1

Doff Coveralls Step 1

If your garment has been contaminated or is suspected of being contaminated, you must first undergo field decontamination before removing the garment.

 

 

Step 2

Doff Coveralls Step 2

Continue to use your respirator until the garment has been doffed and removed.

 

 

Step 3

Doff Coveralls Step 3

While standing, open the zipper flaps (if present) and then open the zipper.

 

 

 

Step 4

Doff Coveralls Step 4

Peel the hood (if present) off your head and down and away from your shoulders to avoid contaminating your inner clothing or skin. Remove your arms from the sleeves. If separate gloves are present, remove them being careful to avoid cross-contamination of inner clothing or skin.

 

Step 5

Doff Coveralls Step 5

Lower the garment to below your hips and sit down if possible. Do not touch the outside of the garment, as it may be contaminated. Remove your outer boots (if present), then pull the garment off your legs. Carefully take the garment away from the doffing area and dispose of it appropriately.

 

Step 6

Doff Coveralls Step 6

Once the garment has been completely removed you can doff the respirator.

Safety Eye Protection

Safety goggles are routinely needed for those working around chemicals like pesticides. A snug fit helps prevent any possible irritants from getting into the eyes.

Donning

Step 1

Don Goggles Step 1

Ensure appropriate fit and vented preference (non-vented goggles prevent splashes or sprays from irritating the eyes).

 

 

 

Step 2

Don Goggles Step 2

Remove safety goggles/glasses from package or storage container.

 

 

 

Step 3

Don Goggles Step 3

Place eye protection directly on your face. Avoid setting them down on any surfaces prior to.

Doffing

Step 1

Doff Goggles Step 1

If wearing gloves, remove gloves before removing safety goggles.

 

 

 

Step 2

Doff Goggles Step 2

Remove eye protection and avoid touching your eyes or face.

 

 

 

Step 3

Doff Goggles Step 3

Clean safety glasses or goggles with the manufacturer’s suggested solution. Let dry before storing them.

 

 

Step 4

Doff Goggles Step 4

Place cleaned eye protection in clean container or disposable bag for reuse.

All personal protective equipment should be safely designed and constructed and should be maintained in a clean and reliable fashion. It should fit comfortably, encouraging worker use.

At Liberty Safety, we want to help you find the most appropriate protective equipment for your team. We provide high-quality PPE clothing and safety gear designed for a variety of environments. Get in touch today and learn more about our full selection of personal protective equipment.

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Top 10 Selling Products of 2020

top 10 best sellers lgs

Liberty Glove and Safety (LGS) is a complete head-to-toe safety expert. Committed to providing exceptional safety solutions, we are excited to release our Top 10 Selling Products of 2020. In this list, you will find personal protective equipment (PPE) products that you need to replenish, don’t miss out.

Top 10 Selling Products of 2020

4729SP Coated Seamless Gloves

Our 4729SP Coated Seamless Gloves are one of our most cost-saving solutions in our product line. These gloves have a 10-gauge seamless knit shell with textured latex palm coating and handle protein-based oil applications well. If you are looking for a price point solution, these gloves will have you covered. Available in sizes S-XL.

4779RD A-Grip™ Coated Seamless Gloves

Our 4779RD A-Grip™ Coated Seamless Gloves feature premium to standard latex coatings for palm and finger protection in dry working conditions. Our 4779RD have a textured finish design reducing hand fatigue for improved work performance and are extremely comfortable for prolonged wear. Available in sizes: XS-2XL.

F4600 G-Grip™ Coated Seamless Gloves

Our original F4600 G-Grip™ Coated Seamless Gloves are in such high demand, so we have expanded through the years into a full line of different coating for various types of working environments. These 15-gauge nylon/lycra shell gloves come with micro-foam coating for enhanced breathability and higher abrasion resistance without compromising the grip. Available in sizes: S-2XL

A4938 X-Grip™ Cut Resistant Gloves

Our A4938 X-Grip™ Cut Resistant Gloves are no strangers to the spotlight. These A2 cut level gloves come with a 13-gauge WoolTran™ shell and polyurethane (PU) palm coating. Since the shell has no fiberglass, these gloves do not cause hand irritation. These gloves are ideal for protection against cuts, abrasions, and a range of applications. Available in sizes: XXS-2XL.

F4920RT  Z-Grip™ Cut Resistant Gloves

Our F4920RT  Z-Grip™ Cut Resistant Gloves provide an ANSI A4 cut level, forest green seamless shell with a black micro-foam nitrile palm coating. Superior in comfort, this high tensile strength to weight ratio glove provides abrasion resistance and cut resistance. It also comes with a nitrile coating reinforced thumb crotch. This non-slip, breathable glove is what you need when tackling tough working environments. Available in S-2XL.

C16002QG HiVizGard™ Class 2 Safety Vest

Our C16002QG HiVizGard™ Class 2 Safety Vest is a hi-vis green poly mesh fabric vest with a front zipper closure and one outside pocket. Providing 2” silver reflective stripes horizontally and vertically, this vest provides the high-visibility needed in low light environments. You can also find this safety vest in orange and with a black bottom. Available in S-6XL

1550 Plain Toe PVC Boots

From our DuraWear™ foot protection product line, our 1551 Plain Toe PVC Boots are our most popular over-the sock safety boots preventing injuries from falling objects, slips and falls. These 16” length boots are made of 100% PVC and provide a bar cleat outsole. This non-slip boot is an excellent rain boot in outside working environments. Available in sizes 5-15. Looking for more foot protection coverage? Our 1551 Steel Toe PVC Boots maintain our 1550’s boot construction and adds a steel shank for toe protection. Available in sizes 5-15.

1404 DuraShell™ 4-Point Cap Style Hard Hats

Our 1404 DuraShell™ 4-Point Cap Style Hard Hats are essential in head protection. Available in assorted colors, these ANSI certified hard hats are made from high density polyethylene (HDPU) and provide a low-profile design. With every worker’s comfort in mind, we included interior pillowed pads, height adjustment, and rain trough for around-the-brim protection in hot and/or wet environments. We also have 6-point suspension and full brim hard hats in stock. Additional colors available. One size fits all.

Don’t forget, LGS offers custom services like pad printing, silk screen printing, vend pack, service hang tags, and more. Elevate your brand identity with custom printed products. Visit libertysafety.com/services to learn more about our custom services today.

1715 i-NOX™ F-I™ Clear Frame and Lenses

Our 1715 i-NOX™ F-I™ Clear Frame and Lenses feature polycarbonate temples and a single-piece wrap around lens. There are many tasks in a work site that can cause eye injuries. These lenses are scratch resistant and keep out debris. All our i-NOX™ safety solutions are ANSI compliant too. Available in many lens, frame, and coating variations. One size fits all.

14310 DuraPlug™ Uncorded Disposable Foam Ear Plugs

Our 14310 DuraPlug™ Uncorded Disposable Foam Ear Plugs are continuously a top hit at LGS. Individually wrapped for easy distribution, these super soft slow-recovery tapered shape ear plugs are the perfect for long wearing comfort. With a noise reduction rating (NPR) of 32 dB, they are also ANSI s3. 19-1974 compliant. Available in one size only.

And there you have it – LGS’ Top 10 Selling Products of 2020. Did you see products you already have? Or did you see some products you didn’t know we had and needed? Remember, Liberty Glove and Safety is a head-to-toe safety expert that is continuously moving safety forward by adding new product to expand our breadth of product lines. In everything we do, we focus on delivering the best services and reliable safety solutions to you. Contact your sales expert today to learn more or visit us on our website www.libertysafety.com.

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