What should never be used to ensure worker safety?

Using damaged or defective personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucially important to avoid when ensuring worker safety. PPE is designed to provide a barrier between the wearer and hazards, and when it is compromised in any way—whether through visible damage like tears or punctures, or defects that render it ineffective—its protection is nullified. This can lead to serious injuries or health issues in the workplace.

For instance, if a safety helmet has cracks, it might not be able to withstand impacts, thus failing to protect the worker in case of a fall or object drop. Similarly, defective gloves may not provide the necessary protection against chemicals, leading to skin exposure. Therefore, ensuring that PPE is in pristine condition and free of defects is paramount to maintaining a safe working environment.

While options such as used safety equipment, expired medical supplies, and non-standard equipment also pose risks, the immediate and direct danger of using defective PPE makes it the most critical issue when considering worker safety.