1. The role of personal protective equipment in occupational risk prevention

"Nothing is less accidental than an accident" is the premise on which any good prevention policy is based. This means that an accident is generally the result of a chain of events or a combination of factors that must be understood in order to be properly controlled. This logical approach to risk assessment is reflected not only in Framework Directive 89/391/EEC on the improvement of safety and health at work, but also in Directive 89/656/EEC on the use of PPE.

It enables risks to be identified and, with full knowledge of the situation, the appropriate safety measures to be taken in order to eliminate or, failing that, reduce them. Proper prevention of the occupational risks thus identified must be sought first and foremost through the implementation of safe operating processes, organizational measures and staff safety training. In other words, hazardous situations...