For health and safety professionals, physical risk management is an essential pillar of the strategy for enhancing people’s physical safety. At the heart of this strategy, the hierarchy of controls is a fundamental concept, aimed at reducing the risk of injury to the lowest possible level.
Among these means of control, personal protective equipment (PPE) are of great importance, although its direct impact on risk is limited. However, judicious selection and effective customization are essential to ensure employee comfort, team efficiency and, in some cases, tangible risk reduction.
Through concrete examples, we will explore the importance of carefully selecting PPE in various work contexts, demonstrating the relevance of the proverb: “The devil is in the details.”
Optimum respiratory protection
During inspections in confined spaces, employees in the Buildings sector are exposed to many types of contaminants, such as mold, silica and asbestos. In such situations, air-powered respiratory systems are essential to ensure optimum protection and eliminate the risks associated with poor fit or unshaven beards! Moreover, this equipment provides a constant supply of fresh air, making it particularly comfortable on hot days.
Customized flame-retardant clothing
In partnership with our suppliers, we have designed flame-retardant workwear that meets strict standards of arc flash protection while guaranteeing high visibility. These garments are customized to meet the specific needs of our employees, including practical features such as leg zippers for easy suiting and attachments for gas detectors. These tailor-made details have a significant impact on our people’s daily lives, demonstrating the importance of taking their comments and suggestions into account when designing PPE.
Fall protection equipment
At CIMA+, we make no compromises when it comes to fall protection equipment. From harnesses and lanyards to all the equipment needed for inspections of structures at height, CIMA+ relies on the highest quality solutions available on the market.
This tailor-made approach, adapted to operational needs and working conditions, optimizes users’ comfort and enables them to carry out their tasks with maximum efficiency. Over the past few years, we have noticed that employees are taking better care of the equipment at their disposal, helping to extend its lifespan and offsetting a higher purchase price.
In short, the effective integration of PPE into the hierarchy of controls is an essential step in minimizing risk in the working environment. The careful selection and customization of PPE reflects our commitment towards the safety and well-being of our employees, while emphasizing that even the smallest details can have a significant impact on safety and productivity.