Report from the OH&S Canada magazine (Spring 2025)
- J. Keller & Associate, Inc., a provider of safety and compliance solutions, and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA)recently joined forces to conduct a comprehensive study on top challenges when it comes to managing PPE procurement and proper usage.
The results of the study, titled “2025 PPE Pain Points Study: Top Trends and Challenges,” were released today. Respondents qualifying to take the survey in October 2024 had responsibility for purchasing and/or managing PPE across a range of industries.
Key findings from the survey include:
- PPE management is generally strong: Of those responding to the survey, 95 per cent completely or somewhat have the time and resources needed to properly assess PPE needs, and 70 per cent talk with their employees regularly about PPE.
- Getting employees to always wear PPE continues to be a challenge: More than 75 per cent of respondents reported that at least some of the time, they have difficulty getting employees to wear PPE.
- Durability is the number one criteria when purchasing PPE: More than one-third of respondents prioritize durability, followed by comfort, emphasizing the need for PPE that workers can and will consistently wear.
- Challenges lay in finding PPE in larger and smaller sizes: While 75 per cent of respondents have not experienced problems buying PPE in the sizes they need, those who have had issues find difficulty locating larger and smaller sizes.
- Weather is a consideration, but there’s more opportunity here: While 84 per cent of respondents factor weather conditions into PPE purchases, there is a growing need for more education on selecting PPE optimized for extreme temperatures.
- Women’s sizing is increasingly considered:More companies are prioritizing PPE designed for women, though nearly one-third of respondents still face challenges in finding properly fitting options.
- Training is a challenge: Nearly half of respondents struggle with training employees on critical PPE usage aspects, including when PPE is necessary, how to properly wear it, and its limitations.
“With the study, we examined PPE program development, purchase, training and compliance,” said Bob Larsen, vice-president of research and development with J. J. Keller. “We believe that understanding this 360-degree view of PPE pain points over time is important to continuous improvement as an industry.”
“Safety professionals are committed to protecting workers, but this research shows that persistent challenges remain – especially in compliance and training,” said Cam Mackey, president and CEO of ISEA. “By leveraging these insights, safety managers, manufacturers, and industry leaders can take meaningful steps to improve PPE programs, ensuring workers have access to properly fitting, high-quality PPE and are consistently trained to use it correctly.”
The full report can be downloaded from the J. J. Keller website; members of ISEA can download the study report on the association’s website.
My opinion
As a health and safety training and consultant company, HRS Group Inc., we find numerous companies not using any and all safety devices and the need to protect the worker is more demanding today than it ever was. In Ontario, the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), section 25, subsection 1(a) to 1(d) states,
“An employer shall ensure that,
(a) the equipment, materials and protective devices as prescribed are provided;
(b) the equipment, materials and protective devices provided by the employer are maintained in good condition;
(b.1) any personal protective clothing and equipment that is provided, worn or used is a proper fit and is appropriate in the circumstances, having regard to all relevant factors, including such factors as may be prescribed;
(c) the measures and procedures prescribed are carried out in the workplace;
(d) the equipment, materials and protective devices provided by the employer are used as prescribed.”
The supervisor, in Ontario, has responsibilities to the safety of the worker. Section 27 of the OHSA, subsection 1(a) and 1(b) states,
(1) “A supervisor shall ensure that a worker,
(a) works in the manner and with the protective devices, measures and procedures required by this Act and the regulations; and
(b) uses or wears the equipment, protective devices or clothing that the worker’s employer requires to be used or worn.”
Ensure your manager/supervisor are well acquainted with the provincial safety regulations in your area.
By the way, personal fines for any contravention of the OHSA or regulation can be subject to a fine of up to $500,000. Think about that!
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.