Provision of PPE is a big cost to many small contractors. PPE does not come cheap. This forces small contractors to look for cheap staff. Employees use it for three months or less and demand new PPE. Even if the contractor buys good quality staff, some employees will find a way of ensuring that they get new PPE as regularly as possible. Most PPE should last for about a year. Most small contractors issue only one set at a time. This does have a challenge when employees fail to wear PPE on site and claim that it has been taken to the laundry.
It is important that contractors find good PPE at a good price. Once issued, employees must use it immediately. Employees should not continue using old PPE even if it is still in a good condition as long as it is not from the contractor. It will be difficult to monitor the condition of PPE. PPE must be inspected regurlarly so that changes are spotted immediately. This exercise can go as far as taking pictures of safety shoes and overall. It is important for the safety rep on site to know the type of PPE that was issued to employees on site. PP,E, where possible must be customised with company logo.
