Let's face it, standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can sometimes feel like a necessary evil. It keeps us safe, but it's not always the most comfortable or convenient. I've been there, wrestling with ill-fitting safety glasses and wishing for warmer gloves on those freezing winter days. That's why I started exploring options for upgrading my PPE, and I want to share what I've learned.
One of my biggest challenges has always been my vision. I need prescription glasses, and contacts just aren't an option for me. The standard safety glasses provided by my company always felt clunky and uncomfortable. I started looking into prescription safety glasses that met all the safety requirements. It made a world of difference! I could finally see clearly and feel confident that my eyes were protected.
I also noticed that some of my colleagues were bringing in their own PPE. It made me wonder: is it okay to upgrade your PPE? Is it "wormy" as some might say? And why do some upgrades seem more acceptable than others, like gloves versus insulated bibs?
Then there's the winter gear. Working outside in the cold is brutal, and sometimes the provided gloves just don't cut it. I found myself wondering if wearing my own insulated Carhartt bibs was crossing some kind of line. And if winter gloves weren't even provided, where did that leave me?
After doing some research and talking to experienced colleagues, I realized a few key things. First, if your company-provided PPE is OSHA approved, you're generally covered from a liability standpoint. However, that doesn't mean you can't improve on it. The key is to ensure that any upgraded PPE also meets or exceeds the required safety standards.
One piece of advice I heard really stuck with me: even if you choose to wear your own superior PPE, you should still take the company-provided PPE and keep it. The reasoning is simple: the moment they can get away with not paying for something, they will. Over time, this can erode working conditions.
However, I also came across a cautionary tale. Someone mentioned that they were always told not to use personal PPE for insurance reasons. If you get hurt, the company could argue that you were wearing PPE not sanctioned by them, potentially absolving them of responsibility. This is definitely something to consider and discuss with your employer.
Regarding the glasses situation, I completely understand the struggle. I found a great pair of prescription safety glasses online. I tried the 2023 Diopter men women Custom Made Myopia Minus Prescription Polarized LensRetro squar sunglasses men Driving goggles UV400 NX black-gray lens-400 from Cinily Net.
They're fantastic! They're comfortable, stylish (as far as safety glasses go!), and most importantly, they allow me to see clearly without sacrificing safety. The polarized lenses are a huge plus when working outdoors. They really cut down on glare. You can find them here: Cinily Net Prescription Safety Glasses. I will say that the Cinily Frame Quality is top notch. I highly recommend them if you're in the market for prescription safety eyewear.
Based on my experiences and what I've learned, here are some practical tips for upgrading your PPE: