Workers don’t just encounter hazards one at a time. PPE is most effective when worn 100% of the time exposed. With the 3M Integrated Protection Program, 3M's PPE technologies and services work together to help encourage consistent use by addressing key worker needs. Start by asking: Why might workers not wear their PPE 100% of the time exposed?

How can we help encourage wear time?

By selecting PPE which resists fogging, allows for communication, or allows welders to keep working without changing PPE between tasks, time spent adjusting PPE may be reduced. It’s time to change the way we look at PPE: from many distinct categories to one comprehensive program.

Working together for performance

How can PPE that works together help improve performance?

Using an integrated welding and respiratory protection solution which helps provide protection while both welding and grinding can help workers be more productive when they don’t have to stop to change PPE between welding and grinding tasks.

Work with 3M to help reduce the challenges of wearing multiple types of PPE together.

How can we encourage workers to wear all their required PPE, all shift long? Consider the 3M Integrated Protection Program* , a holistic approach to PPE. It includes options that work together to help address hazards, all backed by best practices for fit and 50+ years of the Science of Safety.

How else can PPE help improve performance?

Other 3M PPE technologies to help encourage consistent use: Certain models of 3M™ Protective Eyewear feature 3M™ Scotchgard™ Anti-Fog/Anti-Scratch Coating, which resists fog for up to 11x longer than traditional 3M anti-fog coatings based on a 60-second test.

Consider these potential PPE options* to help encourage 100% wear time:

Schedule a Fit Academy session

This interactive workshop provides valuable information on respiratory, hearing, eye and fall protection fit assessments, PPE comfort and fit selection options, and best practices to help your health and safety program.

*3M Integrated Protection Program refers to 3M’s portfolio of personal protective equipment (PPE) options and services, which may work together to help address one or more of the following worker needs, such as: comfort, fit, compatibility, communication, or performance. The depicted combinations are representative examples of which technologies may work together and is not comprehensive. Some environments or situations might require different or additional PPE. Selecting PPE is the responsibility of the employer and must be based on the work environment, specific hazards, and tasks involved. Fit testing is required to ensure that PPE combinations fit the individual wearer.

This article was previously featured on 3M's website. Download a PDF here.