Some 2.2 mn people worldwide die of work-related accidents and diseases each year, according to the International Labour Office (ILO). However, the ILO points out that this figure may be vastly underestimated due to poor reporting in some countries. In an attempt to reduce the number of deaths, most countries have legislation covering health and safety at work. In many cases, such legislation specifies the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Personal protective equipment (PPE) covers all equipment, including apparel, which is intended to protect the wearer against one or more health or safety risks. Items which come under the PPE remit include many types of protective garment such as body suits and armour, as well as eye protection, footwear, gloves, harnesses, helmets and highvisibility apparel.
The main users of PPE are organisations operating in the following sectors: construction; emergency services; manufacturing and engineering; petrochemicals; and utilities. All such organisations require their workers to be exposed to potentially harmful situations or hazards.
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