Why should personal protective equipment (PPE) not be the only safety measure?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential component of workplace safety, but relying on it as the sole safety measure does not adequately address the root causes of hazards. By focusing exclusively on PPE, the underlying risks and unsafe conditions that create a hazard remain unmitigated.

For instance, if a workplace has issues such as inadequate ventilation, machinery without proper guards, or poor ergonomics, simply providing PPE will not solve these systemic problems. Instead, it’s crucial to implement a comprehensive safety strategy that includes engineering controls, administrative measures, and organizational safety policies alongside PPE. This multifaceted approach ensures that hazards are effectively managed and reduced, promoting a safer work environment overall.