What is a common reason workers might refuse to wear PPE?

Workers often refuse to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) primarily due to discomfort. This discomfort can result from various factors, such as the equipment being too hot, cumbersome, or restrictive to movement. When workers find PPE unmanageable or excessively uncomfortable, they may choose to forgo using it altogether, putting themselves at increased risk for injuries or exposure to hazardous materials. This resistance to wearing PPE highlights the importance of selecting appropriate equipment and ensuring that it fits correctly and is suitable for the task at hand, balancing safety with comfort to encourage compliance.

While considerations like cost, training requirements, and style may also play a role in the decision to wear PPE, the primary concern regarding comfort and functionality usually carries the most weight in a worker's choice. Thus, it is vital for employers to provide PPE that is both protective and comfortable to promote a safer working environment.