How to Enforce Personal Protective Equipment in the Workplace

Small business owners across Canada must prioritize workplace safety by enforcing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use. PPE, such as hard hats, gloves, or respirators, protects workers from hazards like falling objects, chemicals, or noise when other safety measures are insufficient.

A robust PPE program ensures compliance with provincial laws, reduces workplace injuries, and fosters a safety-first culture. This blog provides practical steps for small businesses to implement an effective, Canada-wide PPE program that keeps workers safe and engaged while avoiding costly penalties.

Conduct a hazard assessment

Start by identifying workplace risks, such as heavy machinery, chemical exposure, or working at heights. Document each hazard and the required Personal Protective Equipment, like safety glasses or respirators. For example, construction sites may need hard hats, while labs require chemical-resistant gloves. This assessment guides PPE selection, reducing injury risks and ensuring compliance across provinces.

Create a clear PPE policy

Draft a straightforward policy outlining when Personal Protective Equipment is mandatory, how to use it, and consequences for non-compliance. Specify procedures for PPE care, storage, and replacement. For instance, outline how to clean respirators or store safety harnesses. Display clear, multilingual signage in work areas to reinforce PPE requirements, ensuring all employees understand expectations.

Select and fit the right PPE

Choose CSA-approved Personal Protective Equipment tailored to specific risks:

• Head protection: Hard hats for falling objects.
• Hearing protection: Earplugs or earmuffs for noisy environments.
• Respiratory protection: N95 masks or respirators with fit testing for dust or chemical exposure.
• Body protection: Gloves or coveralls for chemical or cut risks.
• Fall protection: Harnesses and lanyards for elevated work. Offer multiple sizes and trial periods to ensure proper fit, as comfortable PPE encourages consistent use. Fit testing for respirators is critical for effective protection.

Train employees effectively

Train workers on how to wear, inspect, and maintain Personal Protective Equipment. Cover hazard recognition (e.g., identifying chemical spill risks) and equipment limitations (e.g., when a dust mask won’t suffice). Conduct hands-on demos, like practicing harness use, to make training engaging. Provide annual refreshers and document all sessions for audits to demonstrate compliance.

Encourage compliance creatively

Address common PPE resistance:

• Comfort issues: Offer ergonomic options, like lightweight helmets.
• Productivity concerns: Show how PPE prevents injury-related downtime, saving time.
• Forgetfulness: Use signs, buddy systems, or supervisor check-ins to reinforce habits.
• Rights-based objections: Accommodate medical or religious needs with alternative PPE, like non-latex gloves.

Reward consistent PPE use with incentives, like gift cards, to build a safety-focused culture that motivates employees.

Monitor and improve the program

Conduct regular inspections, both scheduled and surprise, to verify PPE use. Analyze injury or near-miss reports to identify gaps, such as inadequate eye protection. Update the program when new hazards arise or regulations change. Digital tools, like PPE tracking apps, streamline equipment distribution, maintenance, and replacement records, ensuring audit readiness.

Avoid costly penalties

Failing to enforce Personal Protective Equipment can result in fines ($500–$50,000, depending on severity and applicable provincial law), work stoppages, or legal fees. Workplace injuries raise workers’ compensation premiums by 10 to 20% and harm business reputations, deterring customers or talent. Proactive PPE enforcement minimizes these risks, saving money and protecting workers.

Align with safety certifications

A strong PPE program supports certifications like the Certificate of Recognition (COR). Maintain records of hazard assessments, training, and inspections to meet COR audit standards. These efforts showcase your commitment to safety, potentially lowering insurance costs and enhancing credibility with clients.

Need support enforcing PPE use in your workplace?

Peninsula’s experts can help your business implement PPE, develop health & safety policies, and provide guidance on managing workplace hazards. To learn more about how our services can help you build a safe workplace, call us today at (1) 833-247-3652.