The importance of using PPE in your iron and steel shop

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to protect workers from the risks of their work, ensuring that everyone remains safe and healthy.

In an iron and steel store, for example, employees' exposure to these situations is natural and, therefore, it is important to take the necessary measures to ensure security.

Continue reading this article and understand the importance of using PPE in your iron and steel shop.

1. Ensure worker safety

During work, employees may suffer accidents while handling tools or machinery. Using PPE will make the environment safer, giving workers greater peace of mind while performing their duties.

With the equipment, even in the event of an accident, the employee can avoid or at least reduce the damage suffered. Furthermore, with long-term work, occupational diseases and related consequences are avoided.

2. Obey the law

According to Article 166 of the Consolidation of Labor Laws, it is the employer's obligation to provide PPE. In addition to providing the equipment, the employer must instruct employees on its use and monitor compliance.

Furthermore, Regulatory Standard No. 6 of the Ministry of Labor (MTE) deals with PPE, stating that it is the employer's responsibility:

• acquire PPE according to the risk of each activity;
• require use by employees;
• provide only equipment approved by the competent body;
• replace immediately when lost or damaged;
• carry out periodic cleaning or maintenance;
• record the supply to the worker, through books, cards or electronic system;
• report any irregularity to the MTE.

Therefore, to ensure the company's regularity and compliance with legal regulations, it is essential that the company provides PPE whenever the activity poses a risk to the employee's health and physical integrity.

4. Reduce costs

When an employee works in unhealthy conditions or activities, he or she is entitled to receive an unhealthy work allowance, which may be 10% (minimum level), 20% (medium level) or 40% (maximum level).

However, the supply and correct use of PPE can reduce or eliminate risks, eliminating the need to pay the additional amount or, at least, reducing the level of unhealthiness.

Furthermore, with greater security for employees, there is the accident reduction and occupational diseases, allowing the company to reduce expenses related to the health of its employees.

5. Avoid penalties

If during an inspection employees are found without PPE, the company will be fined, with the amount calculated according to the risk to which the employee is exposed and the number of irregularities.

Failure to use the equipment is considered an employee's fault; therefore, if safety regulations are not observed, the employer is responsible for taking appropriate action to ensure compliance—such as warnings, suspensions, and, depending on the severity and recurrence of the behavior, even dismissal for cause.

The important thing is that the employer is aware of the importance of using PPE and follows the labor legislation on the subject. This will provide a safer working environment for employees.

So, did this post clarify the importance of using PPE in your iron and steel shop? Do you have any questions? Leave a comment!