The small oversight that can lead to major industrial disasters!
It might be just a pair of forgotten safety glasses, a misadjusted guard, or the wrong gloves. But in industrial environments, that “small detail” can cost lives—or millions.
The real problem is cultural—and often silent
Despite strict regulations and mandatory training, the improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) remains one of the leading causes of workplace accidents in industrial settings across Brazil.
According to data from Fundacentro, approximately 35% of work-related injuries resulting in time off could have been avoided with proper PPE usage.
But why does this still happen?
- Lack of a preventative safety culture
- Uncomfortable or low-quality equipment
- Ineffective supervision
- High-paced routines that skip safety protocols
In one case from the food processing industry, a worker failed to wear hearing protection during a milling operation. After continuous exposure, partial hearing loss developed in less than six months. The company faced lawsuits and paid significant compensation.
In another example from the chemical industry, a technician was exposed to toxic vapors due to the lack of proper respiratory protection—leading to long-term medical leave and permanent lung damage.
All due to simple—and avoidable—failures.
Protection must be more than policy—it must be culture
PPE is not just a checklist item. It is a critical line of defense between workers and the inherent risks of industrial operations.
An effective PPE strategy goes far beyond providing equipment. It requires:
✔ Ongoing training
✔ Routine inspections
✔ A culture of shared responsibility
✔ Integration with management and predictive maintenance systems
In fact, platforms like Intellifix can help identify critical operational points where specific PPE is essential—aligning safety with intelligent, data-driven operations.
Are we truly protected in our work environments?
Share your PPE policies in the comments.
What measures have worked in your facility? Let’s promote best practices—together.
Learn more at smi.eng.br/intellifix or schedule a demo: https://calendly.com/amanda-amorim-smi/30min
