Why is personal protective equipment (PPE) important?
Personal protective equipment, abbreviated as PPE, protects you from injuries and illnesses at work. It helps protect you from hazards that cannot be completely avoided.
You should know this:
- PPE protects, for example, your head, your eyes, your hands, or your feet.
- This includes helmets, gloves, safety goggles, or safety shoes.
- It provides protection against accidents and illnesses.
- PPE can prevent and avoid serious injuries.
- It also protects against noise, dust, or hazardous substances.
- For certain tasks, you are required to wear your PPE if it is prescribed to ensure your safety. Only then can it really protect you.
- Your employer must provide you with the PPE free of charge. They must explain to you how to use it correctly.
- You must wear the PPE provided by your employer. If it does not fit (e.g., shoes, because you have special requirements), talk to your employer. They must discuss a solution with you.
You can find more information here:
- German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) – Personal protective equipment. Explains what PPE exists and why it is important at work:https://www.dguv.de/ifa/fachinfos/persoenliche-schutzausruestungen-psa/index.jsp
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) – Protective clothing. Provides information about protective clothing and other measures for safe work.https://www.baua.de/DE/Themen/Arbeitsgestaltung/Sichere-Produkte/Persoenliche-Schutzausruestungen/Bereitstellung-Benutzung#:~:text=Schutzkleidung%2C%20Sicherheitsschuhe%2C%20Schutzhandschuhe%2C%20erforderlich,als%20auch%20f%C3%BCr%20die%20Besch%C3%A4ftigten.