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Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, gloves, and work shoes should make the workplace safer. However, research among construction workers from 14 European countries shows that half of them feel these tools do not provide sufficient protection. Among respondents, only 35% feel completely safe on the construction site. PPE is also sometimes not worn at all.
Where exactly does it go wrong, and what factors play a role? In this article, I compare various studies and look for causes and possible solutions.
Half of construction workers believe PPE can be improved
The report Building a Safer Future, published by Milwaukee this month, does not mince words. This research shows that 52% of construction workers have experienced between 1 and 5 serious accidents. For 11%, this number rises to between 6 and 20 serious incidents. Compared to other sectors, construction also has a relatively high number of fatal accidents. In 2022, the sector accounted for 22.9% of all work-related fatal incidents in Europe.
According to respondents, poor Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is one of the causes of these high numbers. They claim it does not provide sufficient protection on the job. And that is not surprising when you consider that 47% of construction workers have had to modify their PPE themselves. Examples include drilling holes in helmets because the attachment materials do not fit or adjusting HiVis vests. That is why 48% of those surveyed believe PPE should be improved. However, the solution is not as simple as it seems.
Willingness of construction workers to wear PPE
In addition to modifying PPE themselves for functionality or comfort, protective equipment is sometimes not used at all. The reasons vary. In some countries, such as Hong Kong, Nigeria, Lebanon, Pakistan, and China, construction workers receive little to no PPE from their employers. These workers must purchase the equipment themselves, which impacts their income. Those with limited financial resources are less likely to invest in PPE.
Multiple studies have shown that PPE is sometimes not used even when available. One argument against it is that PPE slows down work. The safety harness, in particular, is said to reduce efficiency, leading to situations where it is not worn—even though such a harness can prevent serious accidents. Weather conditions also influence the decision to wear PPE. For example, safety glasses fogging up on hot days can result in significantly better visibility without them than with them.
How can employers ensure that workers wear PPE? Some researchers believe that PPE usage should be linked to a punishment-and-reward system. A study from the Middle East has shown that this can be effective. Worksites reported fewer accidents when employees were penalized for not using PPE. However, studies from the United States and Canada have found the opposite effect. Companies that implement such incentives reportedly experience more accidents than those that do not.
Factors at play
The fact that findings vary across different regions is not surprising. Human behavior cannot simply be categorized. Research has identified eleven factors influencing PPE usage on construction sites. Besides knowledge of safety procedures, education, experience, training, and perceived risks, there are also factors we cannot see with the naked eye. Consider performance pressure, psychology, and self-respect. In some workplaces, taking risks is even perceived as admirable. Those who wear protective equipment may risk being mocked.
Additionally, an individual’s position in the organization and job security play important roles. Research indicates that subcontractor employees wear PPE less often than those employed by the main contractor. Workers for the main contractor often want to stay with the company longer and are therefore more likely to adhere to the rules. In contrast, subcontractor employees tend to have temporary jobs and generally follow the rules less strictly.
Lastly, an unexpected factor plays a role: home life. According to researchers in Hong Kong, older, married workers or those with dependents value workplace safety more than young, single employees. A significant difference was noted at the age of thirty. Workers over thirty tend to prioritize workplace safety more than their younger counterparts. This also applies to education levels: employees with higher education levels use PPE more frequently than those with lower education levels.
Fit and legislation
However, it is too simplistic to conclude that construction workers are automatically safe if they wear protective equipment. Are they unsafe because they do not wear PPE? Or do they avoid PPE because it does not fit properly, making them safer without it? It seems like a chicken-and-egg scenario.
To make the workplace safer in 2025, one must look beyond just the standards that dictate protective equipment. If the studies above have shown anything, it is that simply providing protective equipment is not enough. There is also no one-size-fits-all approach that works for every construction site worldwide. However, some recurring recommendations emerge. Management must set a good example, provide training, and create a workplace that ensures mental safety. This allows discussions about the importance of PPE, including the opportunity to voice concerns when the equipment does not fit properly. Just like with women’s workwear, complaints are too often dismissed as ‘whining.’
That is why, in early January, the United States adjusted its construction PPE regulations. I recently wrote about this in my column for NAUMD. Instead of stating that equipment must fit the job, the regulation now specifies that equipment must fit the person. It is just one sentence, but it serves as a reminder of PPE’s true purpose. They are called Personal Protective Equipment for a reason. They are personal and should protect individuals. Therefore, the focus should be on people, not just rules.
Greetings,
Aileen