The ECITB has set up two e-learning modules titled ‘PPE: Right Fit. Real Protection.’ 

The training sits on the body’s Learning Experience Platform (LXP) for the benefit of both engineering construction workers and employers.

Known as Toolbox Talks, the e-learning courses provide focused, practical learning for various workplace audiences – for individuals wearing and using PPE as well as individuals providing and managing PPE.

They explain why PPE fit is important; how suitable PPE supports safe work in the ECI; and the role workers and organisations serve in helping ensure PPE gives the protection it is made to provide. 

Mat Parker, head of Careers and Inclusion at the ECITB, said: “Everyone deserves PPE that protects them as intended, but correctly fitting inclusive PPE is not about providing different standards for different people.

“People differ in body size, shape, experience, medical needs, the work they undertake or have pregnancy, disability, neurodiversity or religious requirements.”

Parker added: “Recognising these differences helps organisations provide PPE that protects workers to allow them to focus on completing their job safely, confidently and effectively.

“Completing our new e-learning modules will help people understand that suitable PPE protects the individual, not the average worker and that correct fit is a safety requirement, not simply a comfort preference.”

The ECITB collaborated with the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), which reviewed the first proposal for the new training and gave industry insights through its WES Safety Forum.

Susan Robson, chief executive officer of WES, said: “The Women’s Engineering Society Voice of our Apprentices report surfaced that they were increasingly feeling a good sense of belonging at work, but at the same time were not being given well-fitting PPE, i.e. they felt safe at work, but are not actually being kept safe at work.”

Both Toolbox Talks are tailored to spread awareness rather than developing technical PPE competence. The modules employ practical engineering construction scenarios so that learners can recognise why correctly fitting and suitable PPE is vital for both safe and effective work.

Parker also said: “The training concludes by stressing the important role of both workers and organisations.

“Workers should use PPE correctly, carry out routine checks and raise concerns whenever equipment no longer provides suitable protection.”

The new training is initially for in-scope employers. For the future, the ECITB hopes to be in a position to provide this training to the wider industry.