Cradle to grave
Risks of
skimping
on PPE
I
nferior personal protective equipment (PPE) in an
underground operation could have a negative
effect on productivity and on a mine’s bottom
line. Several companies have been found skimping
on the PPE they supply to their staff, resulting in
growing concern amid vigorous local and international
drives to promote the creation of a safe working
environment. PPE refers to equipment such as
protective gear, gloves, boots, helmets, and goggles.
Anton Zwanepoel, business unit manager of Innovative
PPE Solutions, cautions companies against being
frugal when it comes to PPE. “Business owners need
to alter their perception of PPE as a grudge purchase
to that of an investment in employee safety. This will
protect both the company and its employees, as well as
lives and money in the long run,” says Zwanepoel.
Poor-quality PPE can affect output and the bottom line
if left unchecked. “For example, an ill-fitting conti suit can
impede a worker’s ability to do his or her job properly or
even result in accidents. I know of one incident where a
driver wearing an ill-fitting overall hooked the cuff of his
suit onto one of the poles used to hoist the sails on the side
of the truck, resulting in serious injury,” says Zwanepoel.
Inferior quality work boots can be more of a hindrance
than an aid in the workplace. Loose soles or heels have
been known to hook onto steps or equipment, also
resulting in harm. In addition, employees working with
welding or grinding equipment, who have been issued
with inadequate safety glasses, run the risk of visual
impairment should a spark penetrate the lenses.
“Employees in work areas characterised by poor
visibility need to be equipped with brightly coloured
protective equipment. This is especially true for people
working underground or at night on opencast mines
where dusty conditions prevail,” Zwanepoel adds.
MARCH 2018 MINING MIRROR
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