At Gibadi, we believe that safety isn’t just about having the right equipment it’s about using it correctly. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is your last line of defense on the job. Whether you're on a construction site in Lagos or an oil field in Port Harcourt, improper PPE use can mean the difference between a safe shift and a serious injury.

Here are five common PPE mistakes we see all too often — and how you can avoid them.

1. Wearing the Wrong PPE for the Job

The Mistake:
Workers often wear general-purpose gear for specialized tasks — like using a dust mask when a respirator is needed or choosing casual gloves instead of chemical-resistant ones.

The Fix:
Always conduct a risk assessment before starting work. Match the PPE to the specific hazard: dust, noise, chemicals, sharp objects, heat — they all require different protection. At Gibadi, our team can help recommend exactly what you need.

2. Poor Fit = Poor Protection

The Mistake:
Wearing PPE that’s too loose, too tight, or just uncomfortable. Ill-fitting gear leads to constant adjustments or worse non-use.

The Fix:
Invest in proper sizing and adjustable PPE. Items like safety harnesses, helmets, gloves, and goggles must fit well to work effectively. Provide training on how to wear gear correctly, and encourage workers to speak up if something doesn’t fit right.

3. Skipping Regular Inspections

The Mistake:
PPE gets used day after day without being checked. Cracked helmets, worn-out gloves, or fogged goggles silently lose their effectiveness.

The Fix:
Set a routine inspection schedule daily checks for critical gear like fall protection and weekly inspections for others. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Gibadi offers durable, high-quality PPE that’s built to last, but even the best gear has limits.

4. Not Replacing Disposable PPE on Time

The Mistake:
Disposable PPE (like dust masks or earplugs) gets used for days or weeks instead of once or per shift, greatly reducing its protective ability.

The Fix:
Educate your team on when to discard single-use PPE. Stock up so workers never feel pressured to reuse. We offer bulk PPE solutions at Gibadi to make this more cost-effective for teams of any size.

5. Poor Storage Practices

The Mistake:
PPE gets thrown into lockers, left in the sun, or stored near chemicals damaging materials or exposing them to contamination.

The Fix:
Designate a clean, dry, and safe storage area for PPE. Provide cases or containers for helmets, eyewear, and masks. Reinforce proper storage habits through toolbox talks or posters on-site.

Conclusion: Good PPE Use Saves Lives

Avoiding these common mistakes doesn’t take much just attention, training, and quality gear. Gibadi is proud to supply not just Nigeria, but all of West Africa with certified PPE that meets international standards.

Need help choosing the right PPE or training your staff on proper use?
👉 Contact us today at www.gibadi.com your safety is our priority.