Protecting Your People and Your Product Through PPE

There is a fundamental connection between worker safety and food safety: A failure in worker safety can potentially initiate a domino effect that jeopardizes product quality and food safety.

Jenna Ponshock, Director of Product Management at Nelson-Jameson, was joined by safety and PPE experts Brad Domagala and Rob Petersen of Tingley to share their insights on worker safety and food safety. They discussed holistic approaches to safety gear, navigating slip-resistance standards, and how proper PPE investment protects brand reputation.

The "comfortable and compliant" connection

At the heart of a successful safety program is the concept of keeping workers "comfortable and compliant". As Ponshock noted, if workers are uncomfortable, they become distracted—frequently readjusting eyewear or boots—which leads to errors and lower productivity.

More critically, an injury does not just affect the employee; it poses a direct threat to the food product. A slip and fall could result in a worker falling into machinery or product, leading to contamination, batch destruction, or even a recall. This connection underscores why PPE must be viewed as a strategic investment rather than a mere commodity.

Watch on demand: Check out the full recording to learn more about how PPE can protect both employees and products.

Why a holistic approach is essential

Implementing a PPE program is not a "one and done" action; it requires continuous evaluation and improvement. Domagala emphasized that a holistic approach involves:

• Employee engagement: The most effective way to gauge the success of a program is to talk to employees who are directly on the line. If they feel their opinion is valued, they are more likely to buy into the safety program.
• Preventing the "penguin walk": When footwear is heavy or slippery, employees walk cautiously (like a penguin). Scenarios like this lead to premature fatigue and lower morale.
• Understanding the environment: Selection of gear must account for specific facility needs, such as the chemical makeup of foot baths, the type of flooring (e.g., Red Quarry tile vs. concrete), and the presence of debris.

Navigating standards: SR vs. SRO

A major portion of the discussion focused on the evolution of safety standards, specifically ASTM F2413 and the slip-resistance (SR) designations.

However, the industry has recently introduced the SRO (Slip Resistant – Oil) standard to address the specific needs of food plants with oily or fatty conditions. To achieve this rating, footwear must meet the standard SR requirements plus an additional test for oily-wet conditions. Petersen advised that regardless of the specific rating, safety managers should always request independent, third-party lab testing data to verify manufacturer claims.

Innovation and R&D in PPE

Innovation in PPE is driven by the "Voice of Customer" and finding solutions for real-world problems. The panel discussed several key innovations designed to reduce fatigue and improve compliance:

• Pound for pound: Studies show that for every pound of weight removed from footwear, it equates to removing five pounds from the worker's back. Lighter boots, such as those using expanded materials, can significantly reduce fatigue and increase efficiency.
• Fit solutions: Innovations like expansion gussets in boots accommodate workers with larger calves, ensuring they don't have to compromise on boot height or protection.
• Hygiene solutions: New disposable natural rubber latex shoe covers offer a solution for keeping visitors or delivery personnel compliant without relying on hospital-style covers that fail in wet food plant environments.

"If we don't have workers who are wearing the safety and PPE products comfortable and compliant, it's going to domino effect into having a not structured food safety program." — Jenna Ponshock, Nelson-Jameson

What to expect during an assessment

To truly elevate a safety program, an in-facility assessment is critical. Domagala detailed that a typical assessment takes about 60 to 90 minutes and goes far beyond just looking at boots. Experts look for:

• Flooring and chemicals: How footwear interacts with specific floor types and sanitation chemicals.
• Cross-contamination risks: Ensuring maintenance teams aren't wearing outside "hunting boots" into the facility.
• Overhead hazards: Checking for belts or machinery that might require snag-free, hoodless garments.

Measuring the ROI

Investing in high-quality, comfortable PPE yields a measurable Return on Investment (ROI) by mitigating substantial financial risks. The panel highlighted that the average fine for a violation can be nearly $16,000, while an average worker claim hovers around $50,000. Beyond direct costs, the investment protects against reputation-damaging recalls and cross-contamination events.

Nelson-Jameson: Your partner in safety

Ensuring worker safety is synonymous with ensuring food safety. Whether you need to navigate new slip-resistance standards or reduce employee turnover through better comfort, Nelson-Jameson can help.

Ready to evaluate your program? We offer comprehensive consultative Safety and PPE assessments to ensure your facility is both comfortable and compliant.