3 PPE MISTAKES THAT COULD BE INCREASING RISK ACROSS YOUR WORKFORCE

PPE plays a critical role in protecting workers from workplace hazards. 

However, simply providing PPE is not enough. Poorly selected, worn-out, or unsuitable equipment for the task at hand can increase risk across your workforce. 

According to RIDDOR reporting, more than 59,000 non-fatal workplace injuries were reported by employers in the latest reporting period.  

While Personal Protective Equipment is only one part of a wider safety strategy, selecting the right gear remains an important control measure. 

As a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier, SMI supports the industry's PPE Saves campaign, which promotes a simple but important message: PPE only protects people when it is suitable for the task, correctly fitted, and properly maintained. 

If you're responsible for workplace safety, procurement, or compliance, these are three common PPE mistakes worth reviewing.

WHY PPE SELECTION MATTERS 

Effective PPE is about more than meeting minimum requirements. 

Different tasks create different hazards. A product that performs well in one environment may be unsuitable in another. 

A well-managed PPE programme helps: 

• Support compliance 
• Improve wearer comfort 
• Reduce workplace injuries 
• Increase workforce adoption 
• Maintain consistent safety standards 

MISTAKE #1: USING ONE TYPE OF GLOVE ACROSS MULTIPLE TASKS 

One of the most common PPE management mistakes is standardising on a single glove for multiple hazards. 

General handling gloves are often used for tasks involving chemicals, sharp materials, wet conditions, or cold environments. While this may simplify purchasing, it can reduce grip, comfort, and protection. 

Different tasks require different glove specifications: 

TASK	PROTECTION REQUIRED
Waste handling in wet conditions	Wet and oily grip
Handling sharp materials	High cut resistance
Cold stores and freezers	Cold protection
Chemical cleaning	Chemical resistance
Picking and packing	General handling

 
BUYER TIP: Review glove selection whenever processes, materials, or working conditions change. 

MISTAKE #2: DELAYING SAFETY FOOTWEAR REPLACEMENT 

Safety footwear is often replaced too late. 

Over time, grip patterns wear down, cushioning deteriorates, and protective features become less effective. Workers may continue wearing footwear that still looks serviceable but no longer provides the right level of protection. 

This can increase: 

• Slip risks 
• Trip hazards 
• Foot fatigue 
• Penetration risks 
• Reduced comfort 
• Reduced ankle support 
• Reduced toe protection 
• Knee and lower back discomfort 

Not sure when equipment should be replaced?  Read our guide on how to replace PPE for practical advice on inspections, wear indicators, and replacement planning. 

Products to consider include: 

• Anti-slip footwear 
• Replacement insoles  
• Waterproof safety boots 
• Lightweight safety trainers 

BUYER TIP: Include footwear inspections within routine PPE checks rather than relying on wearers to report issues. 

MISTAKE #3: TAKING A ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL APPROACH TO EYE PROTECTION 

Eye protection requirements vary significantly depending on the task. 

Using the same eye protection for every task can leave workers exposed to hazards such as chemical splashes, airborne debris, glare, or changing environmental conditions. 

Different tasks require different eye protection solutions: 

TASK	RECOMMENDED PROTECTION
Outdoor sorting and yard operations	Tinted safety eyewear
Chemical cleaning and pressure washing	Sealed goggles
Debris-heavy work and waste handling	Face shields
Boiler rooms and changing temperatures	Anti-fog eyewear

 

Even the right eyewear can be ineffective if it isn't comfortable to wear. A poor fit can lead to workers removing eye protection, wearing it incorrectly, or avoiding it altogether. 

SMI's on-site safety eyewear fitting service helps organisations provide eyewear that fits correctly and remains comfortable throughout the working day. This can help improve wearer acceptance while ensuring protection levels are maintained. 

BUYER TIP: Comfort and visibility are key to PPE compliance. If eye protection is uncomfortable or constantly fogs up, workers are less likely to wear it correctly. 

BUILDING A MORE EFFECTIVE PPE PROGRAMME 

Most PPE issues are not caused by having the wrong quantity of PPE. 

They occur when products are selected incorrectly, used beyond their service life, or applied across tasks they were not designed for. 

A stronger PPE programme includes: 

• Regular product reviews 
• Task-specific PPE selection 
• Timely replacement of worn items 
• Consistent standards across sites 
• Workforce training and engagement 

Replacing PPE is only part of the process. Once equipment reaches the end of its service life, it should also be managed responsibly.  

Read our guide to disposing of PPE and recycling PPE to learn more about the options available.

MY-SMI®: SIMPLIFY PPE MANAGEMENT ACROSS YOUR SITES 

Managing PPE across multiple teams, departments, or locations can quickly become complex. 

MY-SMI® is SMI's online ordering portal. It brings PPE, workwear, consumables, and workplace safety products together in one place. 

As a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier, customers can be confident that the PPE they purchase comes from a compliant and audited supply chain. 

Benefits include: 

• Improved visibility and control 
• Over 25,000 products available 
• Consistency across teams and sites 
• Faster replenishment and reordering 

Need support selecting the right PPE for your workforce? Request a MY-SMI® account or speak to our team today.