THE OPINIONS OF CONSTRUCTION SECTOR WORKERS ABOUT PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Abstract

As stated in the principles of risk prevention, priority should be given to collective protection measures over personal protective measures. However, sometimes societal protection measures may not be possible or may face implementation difficulties, and sometimes, even if implemented, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to enhance protection is quite common in Türkiye. The use of PPE is often perceived as uncomfortable, restrictive, or unnecessary by employees. The aim of this study is to determine the opinions of construction sector workers regarding the use of PPE. For this purpose, fifty workers in various jobs such as electricians, mechanics, plasterers, painters, formworkers, masons, ironworkers, and insulators working at a factory construction site in the Kemalpasa district of Izmir province were asked questions about the use of PPE. The majority of the respondents consider the use of PPE necessary (88%) and believe it provides sufficient safety (64%). They also emphasize the importance of PPE use not only for themselves but also for their coworkers (80%). The percentage of workers who think PPE use is comfortable (52%) and who would use it even if not mandatory (56%) can be considered relatively low. The proportion of those who believe that PPE is suitable for every task conducted on the construction site is 28%. Various control measures are proposed to increase the effectiveness of PPE use. For example, employees should be provided with training on the necessity, use, and maintenance of PPE, and activities aimed at improving the culture of occupational safety should be increased. Additionally, designing PPE to be healthier, more comfortable, and more effective will increase its use by workers without resistance.