5 Common PPE Mistakes That Put Workers at Risk

  • Sep 26, 2025
  • By emmanuel adebisi
  • 0 Comments

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) saves lives but only when used correctly. Too often, workers wear the wrong gear, skip safety checks, or use substandard equipment, putting themselves and their colleagues at risk.

At Gibadi.com, we believe safety begins with knowledge. In this article, we highlight 5 common PPE mistakes that can compromise workplace safety, and how to avoid them.

1. Wearing the Wrong PPE for the Job

Not all PPE is the same. Using chemical-resistant gloves for electrical work or wearing non-steel-toe boots on a construction site leaves workers vulnerable.

Solution: Always match PPE to the specific hazard electrical helmets for electricians, flame-resistant coveralls for welders, and steel-toe boots for construction workers.

2. Using Damaged or Worn-Out Equipment

Cracked helmets, scratched goggles, or worn-out harnesses no longer provide full protection. Yet, many workers continue to use them.

Solution: Inspect PPE before every use. Replace items immediately when damaged. At Gibadi, we supply certified replacements to keep workers safe.

3. Poor Fit & Incorrect Sizing

Ill-fitting PPE whether too tight or too loose reduces effectiveness. Oversized gloves can slip, while loose harnesses increase fall risks.

Solution: Provide PPE in multiple sizes and ensure workers are properly fitted. Comfort equals compliance.

4. Ignoring Training & Proper Use

Even the best PPE is useless if workers don’t know how to use it. For example, respirators must be sealed properly to protect against dust and fumes.

Solution: Conduct regular PPE training sessions. Workers should understand not just how to wear PPE, but why it matters.

5. Choosing Cheap or Fake PPE

Unfortunately, counterfeit PPE is common in many markets. Cheap gear may look real but often lacks safety certification, putting lives at risk.

Solution: Buy only from trusted suppliers like Gibadi.com who provide certified PPE that meets international standards.

Conclusion

PPE is more than just equipment it’s a lifeline. Avoiding these 5 common mistakes can dramatically reduce accidents and ensure compliance with workplace safety standards.

At Gibadi.com, we supply helmets, gloves, boots, fall protection, and more from trusted global brands, ensuring your team stays safe on the job.

👉 Shop certified PPE at Gibadi.com today protect your people, protect your business.