Brammer urges manufacturers to review PPE

Brammer believes that some companies may be continuing to specify the same products year after year, even when continual technological advances mean there may be a better-performing product available at lower cost. Meanwhile, Brammer says, the legal requirements can change in certain applications, meaning better protection or different types of product may be needed, while PPE requirements can also alter when the components of tasks – and therefore the associated risks – change. The company's Ian Lofthouse commented: "PPE is an area where there is very strong brand loyalty in many companies. It's very easy when a box of a disposable PPE item is nearly empty to simply pick up the phone and order the same thing on the basis that the product has always performed well in the past and users are content to wear it. "However, health and safety is an area where developments in technology occur constantly. There may be several options available for the same task which offer the same or better protection, while also lasting longer, being more cost-effective and possibly even more comfortable – a key aspect in compliance."