6.13. Individual and Collective Protection Equipment: Responsibilities of the employer and employee in the use of PPE and EPC
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Collective Protection Equipment (CPE) are essential to ensure the safety and health of workers in various professional environments. The proper use of this equipment contributes to the prevention of accidents at work and occupational diseases, and is therefore a shared responsibility between employers and employees.
Employer Responsibilities
The employer has the duty to provide employees with protective equipment appropriate to their duties and the type of risk to which they will be exposed. This includes the need to ensure that PPE and EPC are in perfect working order, comfortable and suitable for the body type of each worker. In addition, it is the responsibility of the employer to carry out maintenance, cleaning and, if necessary, replacement of equipment.
In addition, the employer must guide and train workers on the correct use, storage and maintenance of equipment. Such training must be continuous and adapted to changes in working conditions. The employer must also supervise the use of PPE and CPE, ensuring that workers are using them correctly and safely.
Employee Responsibilities
On the other hand, the employee also has his/her responsibilities regarding the use of PPE and EPC. First, he must use the equipment only for the purpose for which it was intended. In addition, the employee must follow the employer's guidelines on the correct use of equipment and participate in the training offered.
It is the responsibility of the employee to take care of the conservation and storage of the equipment, communicating to the employer any changes that make the PPE or EPC unfit for use. In addition, the employee must use the equipment during the entire time of exposure to risk, and cannot remove it without authorization from the employer or person in charge.
Importance of the Correct Use of PPE and EPCs
PPE and CPE are essential to protect workers against risks that can threaten their safety and health. They act as a physical barrier, protecting the worker against exposure to chemicals, noise, radiation, among other risks present in the work environment.
In addition, the correct use of this equipment contributes to reducing the number of accidents at work and occupational diseases, promoting a safer and healthier work environment. Therefore, it is critical that both employers and employees fulfill their responsibilities regarding the use of PPE and CPE.
In conclusion, job security is a shared responsibility between employers and employees. Both play a key role in preventing accidents and promoting a safe work environment. The correct use of PPE and CPE is a crucial part of this responsibility and is essential for protecting workers and maintaining a healthy and safe work environment.
