Does PPE always keep you safe—fact or myth?

Put on a helmet, put on goggles, put on gloves, and off you go. In many organizations, there’s still a prevailing notion that personal protective equipment (PPE) “guarantees” safety. That’s understandable, because PPE is visible, tangible, and relatively quick to organize. But the claim that “PPE ensures you’re always safe” is a myth.

It’s important to be clear from the start: In the Netherlands, PPE is legally mandated by the Working Conditions Act/Working Conditions Decree (obligations for both employers and employees) and by the European PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (CE marking and product requirements). In addition, PPE must always be included in the Risk Assessment (RI&E) and the occupational hygiene strategy (PPE as the final step). 

PPE reduces risks, but rarely eliminates them entirely. Anyone who thinks that PPE is always “enough” is actually at greater risk due to a false sense of safety and security.

In this article, we explain exactly what PPE is, where its limitations lie, and how to use PPE as intended: as the final link in a broader safety approach. We also relate this to real-world practice: fit, maintenance, training, supervision, and the roles of the employer and the user.

What is personal protective equipment (PPE)?

PPE consists of equipment that protects the wearer against risks that cannot be sufficiently eliminated by source controls or collective measures. Examples include:

• head protection, such as safety helmets

• eye and face protection, such as safety glasses and face shields

• hearing protection, such as earmuffs and custom-fit earplugs

• hand protection, such as cut-resistant or chemical-resistant gloves

• respiratory protection, such as dust masks, half-face masks, or full-face masks

• foot and leg protection, such as safety shoes

• fall protection, such as safety harnesses and lanyard systems

In occupational safety and health practice, PPE is closely linked to the risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E). Employers must identify risks and take appropriate measures; the Dutch Labor Inspectorate explains the RI&E obligation and enforcement.

The myth: “PPE always keeps you safe”

The problem with this myth is that PPE only works if several conditions are met. If a single link fails, protection drops rapidly. Consider:

• the wrong type of PPE for the risk (e.g., the wrong filter type for respiratory protection)

• the wrong size or a poor fit

• incorrect use due to a lack of instruction or routine

• outdated, damaged, or contaminated PPE

• compatibility issues, such as safety glasses that don’t seal properly when worn with a half-face mask

In addition, PPE often does not eliminate the hazard, but primarily limits its consequences. A fall arrest harness does not prevent you from falling: it limits the fall distance and must be properly secured by a suitable anchor point, lanyard, and rescue plan. The same applies to hearing protection: exposure is reduced, but hearing damage can still occur if noise levels are too high or if the equipment is not worn properly. 

PPE in the occupational hygiene strategy: the correct order

In the Netherlands, workplace safety is often managed according to the occupational hygiene strategy. This strategy helps determine the correct order of measures:

• source controls (eliminate the hazard)

• collective measures (shield, ventilate, automate)

• organizational measures (procedures, scheduling, training, supervision)

• personal protective equipment (last line of defense)

PPE is therefore not at the top of the list, but at the bottom. Not because it is unimportant, but because it is most dependent on human behavior. 

PPE, legislation, and product requirements: what are the minimum requirements you must ensure?

In addition to the RI&E and occupational health and safety obligations, it is important that PPE, as a product, also meets certain requirements. In Europe, PPE falls under Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (including CE marking, conformity assessment, and user information). 

In practical terms, this means, among other things, that as an organization you must pay attention to:

• CE marking and the correct category (I/II/III) appropriate for the risk

• Instructions for use (in understandable language) and limitations of the PPE

• Traceability (type, batch/serial number where applicable)

Effectiveness of PPE: where things often go wrong in practice

The effectiveness of PPE depends on three things: proper selection, correct use, and good management. In practice, things most often go wrong due to details that seem “minor” but have major consequences.

Selection: Does the PPE match the risk?

PPE is often certified for specific risks and conditions of use. A glove that provides good protection against sharp edges is not automatically resistant to solvents. A dust mask that works well with non-toxic dust may be unsuitable for welding fumes or isocyanates. 

Also consider the environment: temperature, humidity, freedom of movement, and the duration of the work. A solution that is too heavy or too hot is less likely to be worn, resulting in actual protection that is lower than specified on paper.

Fit and comfort: protection only exists if the equipment is worn

Safety goggles that don’t fit properly will still let particles through. A half-face respirator that’s the wrong size or worn over a beard will leak. Hearing protection that doesn’t sit properly in the ear canal provides much less noise reduction than expected. Comfort is therefore not a luxury, but a safety factor. Involve users in the selection process and test different models in real-world conditions.

Practical tip: Document how you organize “fitting and testing” during distribution (e.g., fitting sessions, user feedback, compatibility with other PPE), and link this to your PPE registration/management system.

Maintenance and Replacement: PPE wears out, becomes contaminated, and ages

PPE requires maintenance. Helmets can become damaged or deteriorate due to UV exposure. Gloves lose their grip or tear. Filters become saturated. Mask straps lose their elasticity. Therefore, establish procedures for:

• inspection before use

• periodic inspection by a designated person

• cleaning and storage (dry, clean, and out of direct sunlight)

• replacement schedules and inventory management

PPE that’s left lying around in a van among tools often performs less effectively in practice than PPE that’s neatly stored and inspected.

Different types of PPE: what they do and don’t do

• Safety helmets: protect against the impact of falling objects and blows. They are not an all-purpose solution against every type of impact. Ensure compatibility with ear muffs or face shields and follow the manufacturer’s replacement schedules.

• Eye protection: Safety glasses protect against flying particles, but only if they fit properly and are appropriate for the risk. For work involving splashes or grinding, closed-face goggles or a face shield may be necessary.

• Hearing protection: Attenuation depends on the situation. Too much attenuation can hinder communication and awareness of the surroundings, which in turn can increase other risks. 

• Gloves: Choose based on the risk of cuts, chemicals, heat, cold, or vibrations. Gloves can also pose a risk around rotating parts; in such cases, alternatives or work procedures are needed.

• Respiratory protection: effective only with the correct filter selection, proper fit, and appropriate wear time. Establish policies for fit (trying on/seal), duration of use, and storage. 

• Fall protection: works only as part of a complete system that includes anchor points, fall distance calculations, inspections, and a rescue plan. Without a rescue plan, a fall remains life-threatening after arrest due to suspension trauma.

Beyond PPE: The Measures That Make a Difference

PPE is the final piece of the puzzle, but safety is primarily achieved through what happens beforehand. An approach that has been proven to work better in practice consists of:

• an up-to-date Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E) and an Action Plan

• clear work instructions and task risk analyses for high-risk jobs

• training and refresher courses, including practice in proper use

• supervision and a culture of accountability, so that unsafe behavior does not become normalized

• proper workplace layout, barriers, and safe walking routes

If PPE is the only measure in place, this is often a sign that there are opportunities to address the source of the hazard or to implement a collective measure. Examples include source extraction for dust, guards on rotating parts, or quieter machines instead of relying solely on ear muffs.

Practical checklist: how to get the most out of PPE

• Always match PPE to the risk and the specific tasks (Risk Inventory and Evaluation), not to general preferences. 

• Ensure the correct sizing and have users try them on and compare them.

• Check whether PPE items can be used together without interfering with one another (compatibility).

• Explain why the PPE is necessary, when it is mandatory, and how to wear it correctly (instruction + refresher training).

• Organize management: inspection, cleaning, storage, and timely replacement.

• Always verify that the PPE, as a product, meets the requirements

• Use PPE as part of a broader set of measures, in accordance with the occupational health strategy

Conclusion

“PPE always keeps you safe” is a myth. PPE is essential, but it is never a guarantee. It only works effectively when the right equipment is selected, fits properly, is used correctly, and is managed effectively. And even then, additional measures are still needed to mitigate risks at the source and in the work environment.

Want to ensure that the PPE in your organization isn’t just available, but actually provides protection? Check out our collection of personal protective equipment or contact us for advice on selection, compatibility, and management.