At some point in your career you may have worked in a warehouse environment, we have all been there were you need the extra cash. This is why it’s vital to have your PPE with you, we have had many candidates forget or don’t own any which can have big impacts such as not working.

What is PPE?

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is the essential clothing and equipment that has the potential to ensure the safety of employees who work onsite or in a warehouse environment. Some common PPE can include:

• Hard hats
• Hi vis jackets
• Safety goggles
• Warehouse safety boots, with a steel toe cap
• Overalls
• Safety gloves

These items can vary depending on the work environment, but once official warehouse safety rules are in place you will need to follow to the specified PPE regulations.

Why is Warehouse PPE so Important?

PPE is a key requirement written into most general warehouse safety rules as they have the potential to help to minimise levels of risk and ensure the health and safety of employees working onsite.

In most of the warehouses, risk assessments are carried out previous to any work beginning in the warehouse, which will detail any potential risks in the workplace.

Some risks to health and safety in the warehouse could include protection from:

• Extreme weather conditions
• Falling materials landing on hands or feet
• Flying atoms making contact with eyes
• Splashes of corrosive liquids on skin
• Exposure to high-level noise

It won’t be possible to completely prevent many of these potential hazards on warehouse and construction sites, which is why PPE is essential to protect employees.

Where Can You Find PPE?

Any essential equipment should be on the premises and readily available, or with clear instructions about where it can be found. Employees won’t be charged for provision of protective equipment that is required to do the job. For temporary workers, in many cases the employment business would be responsible for ensuring any necessary protective equipment is provided.

Evolution advice on PPE

• You should never allow exceptions from wearing PPE for those jobs that ‘only take a few minutes’
• Check with your supervisor on what PPE is appropriate
• If in doubt, seek further advice from your recruitment agency

If you’re looking for ways to minimise any potential risks in the workplace, please follow these Evolution Recruit’s tips.