Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential component of workplace safety in many industries, including mining, construction, and manufacturing. In Zambia, PPE is widely used in these industries to protect workers from potential hazards in the workplace. In this article, we will explore the importance of PPE and its use in different industries in Zambia.

What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

PPE refers to clothing and equipment that are designed to protect workers from potential hazards in the workplace. The type of PPE required depends on the nature of the work being performed and the potential hazards that workers may be exposed to. Common types of PPE include safety helmets, safety glasses, respiratory protection, gloves, and safety footwear.

The Importance of PPE

PPE is essential for protecting workers from potential hazards in the workplace. Hazards can include physical, chemical, biological, and radiological hazards. By providing workers with the appropriate PPE, employers can minimize the risk of injury and illness and ensure that their workers are safe while on the job.

In addition to protecting workers, PPE can also help to improve productivity and efficiency in the workplace. When workers feel safe and protected, they are more likely to be productive and focused on their work, leading to improved efficiency and quality of work.

Use of PPE in Industries in Zambia

Mining Industry – The mining industry is one of the largest employers in Zambia, and it is also one of the most hazardous industries. Workers in the mining industry are exposed to a range of potential hazards, including falling rocks, dust, and chemicals. To protect workers from these hazards, PPE is widely used in the mining industry in Zambia. Common types of PPE used in mining include safety helmets, safety glasses, respiratory protection, gloves, and safety footwear.

Construction Industry – The construction industry is another industry where PPE is essential for worker safety. Workers in the construction industry are exposed to potential hazards such as falling objects, electrical hazards, and hazardous materials. Common types of PPE used in the construction industry in Zambia include safety helmets, safety glasses, respiratory protection, gloves, and safety footwear.

Manufacturing Industry – The manufacturing industry is another industry where PPE is essential for worker safety. Workers in the manufacturing industry are exposed to potential hazards such as chemical exposure, noise, and moving machinery. Common types of PPE used in the manufacturing industry in Zambia include safety helmets, safety glasses, respiratory protection, gloves, and safety footwear.

Conclusion

Personal protective equipment is essential for worker safety in many industries in Zambia. By providing workers with the appropriate PPE, employers can minimize the risk of injury and illness and ensure that their workers are safe while on the job. It is essential for employers to educate their workers on the importance of PPE and provide them with the necessary equipment to ensure their safety in the workplace.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) supplier Dromex opened a branch in March at Northgate Park, Brooklyn in Cape Town, says Dromex marketing manager Lyndall Farrer.

The Cape Town branch currently comprises five product specialists who provide PPE safety solutions to industrial and agricultural markets, along with PPE assessments, technical support and training facilities.

Farrer reminds us that Dromex believes that all employees are entitled to maximum protection and that employers should never have to compromise on the quality of the PPE they supply their staff.

She says it has been encouraging for Dromex to see that customers are more aware of ensuring its PPE is fit for purpose and that it meets required testing standards. Employers and employees equally deserve a head-to-toe solution and Dromex safety products meet those needs, as products are designed to high quality standards and kept in large volumes.

Farrer adds that the company’s new range of PPE is advancing rapidly, especially in hazardous industries. The new ranges include Dromex Arc, Fire, Cut5 and Chem.

LOCAL IS LEKKER

Although Dromex imports some PPE to ensure international organisation for standardisation standards are met, the Dromex workwear range is proudly locally manufactured.

She adds that to achieve the company’s goal of being Africa’s premier PPE supplier, Dromex is building Dromex Globale ­– a 7 858 m2 manufacturing facility – to ensure the company delivers on its promise of giving customers the best possible safety products.

Dromex Globale will manufacture the company’s branded workwear at competitive prices with uncompromising quality, conforming to the highest standards.

“Designed with the stringent needs of local and international markets in mind, it will change the way we supply workwear,” Farrer concludes.