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WIEPA PRACTICAL GUIDE Systematically Implementing Occupational Safety and Health in Your Company Risk assessment, technical measures, organization, PPE, and ergonomic workstations go hand in hand. This guide shows how companies can turn these into a practical process. In short: Occupational safety and health begins with a risk assessment. Measures are then derived based on the TOP principle: technical solutions take precedence, followed by organizational measures, and only then personal protective measures. Responsibilities, training, inspections, and documentation ensure that protection exists not just on paper. What Does Occupational Safety and Health Encompass? Occupational safety and health protects employees from accidents, work-related illnesses, and health burdens. It doesn't just apply to production and workshops. Office workplaces, mobile work, warehouses, kitchens, cleaning, field service, and psychological stress also fall under consideration. Area Examples of Hazards Possible Measures Office Unfavorable posture, glare, tripping hazards, high workload Ergonomic furniture, lighting, cable management, work organization Warehouse and Logistics Crushing, lifting, industrial trucks, falling objects Traffic routes, shelf protection, lifting aids, training, PPE Cleaning Chemicals, skin contact, slip hazards Substitution, dosing, labeling, gloves, skin protection Outdoor Area Weather, machinery, traffic, noise Work planning, warning clothing, hearing protection, sun protection Home Office and Mobile Improvised workplaces, isolation, lack of separation Equipment, clear rules, communication, breaks and movement Risk Assessment as a Starting Point Employers must identify, assess, and define suitable measures for hazards. The assessment should specifically consider activities and work areas, rather than just filling out general forms. Changes such as new machines, renovations, new hazardous substances, mobile work, or accidents may necessitate an update. A Practical Structure Record work areas and activities. Identify hazards, including psychological stress. Assess risks and set priorities. Select measures according to the TOP principle. Define responsibilities and deadlines. Check effectiveness and document results. Update in case of changes or new insights. Why PPE Is Not the First Solution Personal protective equipment is important, but it is at the end of the protection measure hierarchy. For example, an exhaust system can be more effective than respiratory protection alone. A safe machine is better than exclusively cut-resistant gloves. Where residual risks remain, PPE must be selected according to the hazard, provided free of charge, maintained, and used correctly. PPE Selection Criteria Organizational Task Protective Gloves Mechanical, chemical, or thermal risks; fit; wearing duration Suitable sizes, changes, skin protection plan Eye and Face Protection Particles, liquids, radiation, fogging Cleaning, personal assignment, replacement Hearing Protection Noise exposure and necessary communication Training, wearing control, hygiene Foot Protection Impact, penetration, slipping, chemicals Suitable protection class and sizes Warning Clothing Visibility, traffic area, weather Cleanliness, reflective effect, replacement Ergonomics Is Part of Occupational Safety and Health Ergonomics not only reduces discomfort. Easily adjustable work equipment facilitates concentrated work and can prevent incorrect posture. The interaction of chair, table, screen, input devices, lighting, and work organization is crucial. An expensive chair alone does not solve a poorly set up workstation. Practical example: A height-adjustable desk only becomes useful when employees know how to sensibly alternate between sitting and standing phases and correctly position the screen and input devices. Connecting Training, Inspection, and Procurement Procurement should not check safety requirements only after purchase. Safety specialists, company doctors, purchasing, and users should collaborate on relevant products. Standardized approved assortments can reduce incorrect purchases and ensure that replacement products meet the same requirements. Typical Mistakes PPE is selected only by price or standard size. Risk assessments are not updated. Training sessions are general and not activity-specific. Inspection intervals are not bindingly assigned to anyone. Office and home office risks are underestimated. Accidents and near misses are not evaluated. Frequently Asked Questions Who is responsible for occupational safety and health?Overall responsibility lies with the employer. Tasks can be professionally delegated, but selection, organization, and control remain part of the responsibility.What does the TOP principle mean?It describes the hierarchy of technical, organizational, and personal protective measures. Personal protective equipment should cover remaining risks.Must psychological stress be assessed?Yes. The risk assessment also includes psychological stress, such as work intensity, interruptions, or unclear responsibilities.How often must training take place?Training takes place before starting work and thereafter regularly, but at least in accordance with the relevant regulations, and in the event of changes or special occasions.Can employees be charged for PPE?Required personal protective equipment must generally be provided by the employer. Selection and use must match the hazard.Relevant Wiepa Guides Also read First Aid in the Company, Health in the Office and Setting Up Your Home Office Correctly. Sources and Further Information Occupational Safety and Health Act BAuA: Risk Assessment DGUV: Personal Protective Equipment Ordinance on Occupational Medical Prevention Compile Your Occupational Safety and Health Needs Correctly Wiepa supports companies in Wiesbaden and the Rhine-Main area with PPE, first aid equipment, labeling, ergonomic work equipment, and standardized procurement lists. Request personal consultation

PPE explained simply: What personal protective equipment does my company need? In a nutshell PPE is not a general shopping list, but must fit the specific activity; otherwise, it simply won't be worn in everyday use. Comfort and appropriate sizing often determine actual usage more than the pure protective function. PPE stands for personal protective equipment. This refers to protective items that are worn or used directly by individuals to reduce specific risks at work. Examples include protective gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, respiratory protection, safety shoes, or high-visibility clothing. Which PPE is sensible or necessary always depends on the specific activity. The DGUV provides information on personal protective equipment and offers specialist information on selecting and using various types of PPE. PPE is not a standard list for every company A common mistake is to treat PPE like a general purchasing item. However, the protective equipment must fit the activity, the risk, and the people who use it. Safety glasses are of little use if they constantly fog up. Gloves are not worn if they are too stiff. Hearing protection is left unused if it is uncomfortable. Protective gloves: for warehousing, cleaning, workshops, packaging, or hygiene. Safety glasses: for dust, splinters, liquids, or technical work. Hearing protection: for loud machinery, workshops, or specific operational areas. Respiratory protection: depending on dust, particles, or the working environment. High-visibility clothing: for company yards, delivery zones, warehouse traffic, or outdoor areas. How companies can better choose PPE When it comes to PPE, it's not just the individual price that matters. Fit, comfort, protective function, and availability are crucial. If several people use the same equipment, different sizes or versions should be planned for. Select PPE according to activity and application area Consider sizes and fit Take comfort seriously Reorder consumables in good time Store PPE where it is needed Inform employees about use and storage PPE in the office, warehouse, and operations Even companies without traditional production may require PPE. In warehouses, gloves and high-visibility vests can be useful. In caretaker areas, safety glasses, protective gloves, or hearing protection may become relevant. In social institutions, schools, or practices, hygiene and disposable items also play a role. Organizing PPE economically PPE is often ordered irregularly. Therefore, a small standard list is worthwhile: Which items are needed regularly? Which sizes? Where are they stored? Who checks the inventory? Especially recurring items like gloves, high-visibility vests, disposable items, or labeling should not be searched for anew each time. An order list can significantly simplify procurement. Relevant links in the Wiepa Shop For PPE topics, companies can specifically search for protective gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and high-visibility vests. For labeling and instructions, products such as the DURABLE magnetic frame DURAFRAME SECURITY or labeling solutions like the Brother tape cartridge Black on Yellow are also suitable. Frequently Asked Questions about PPE What does PPE mean? PPE stands for personal protective equipment. This includes protective items worn directly by people, such as gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, or safety shoes. What PPE does my company need? That depends on the activities and potential risks. An administration department needs different equipment than a warehouse, workshop, production, or caretaker area. Why is PPE often not used? This is often due to poor fit, uncomfortable material, lack of availability, or unclear responsibilities. Therefore, PPE should not only be purchased but also practically organized. Conclusion PPE should always be suitable for the actual work. Companies benefit from clear standards, appropriate sizes, good availability, and regular reordering. You can find more about overall requirements on our page Occupational Safety and Security Needs for Businesses.