APPLICATIONS With correctly fitting PPE essential for protecting workers operating in highhazard environments, the ECITB has developed two e-learning modules titled ‘PPE: Right Fit. Real Protection.’ The training addresses an important workplace safety consideration for engineering and maintenance personnel across industrial environments, including those working with hydraulic and pneumatic equipment. The new modules are available through the industry skills body’s Learning Experience Platform (LXP) for the benefit of engineering construction workers and employers. The micro e-learning courses, known as Toolbox Talks, provide focused, practical learning for different workplace audiences – those wearing and using PPE, and those providing and managing it. They explain why PPE fit matters, how suitable PPE supports safe work in the engineering construction industry (ECI), and the role workers and organisations play in helping ensure PPE provides the protection it is designed to deliver. Mat Parker, Head of Careers and Inclusion at the ECITB, highlighted: “PPE is often the final barrier between a worker and serious injury or ill health. But it can only provide the protection it was designed to deliver when it is suitable for both the task and the individual wearing it. “Everyone deserves PPE that protects them as intended, but correctly fitting inclusive PPE is not about providing different standards for different people. It is about ensuring everyone receives the same level of protection that allows them to work safely and effectively. “People differ in body size, shape, experience, medical needs, the work they undertake or have pregnancy, disability, neurodiversity or religious requirements. “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.” Industry collaboration The ECITB collaborated with the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), which reviewed the initial proposal for the training and provided industry insights through its WES Safety Forum. Susan Robson, CEO of WES, commented: “We were delighted to support the ECITB in making sure that we collaboratively build an industry where the best talent feels safe to perform at its best. “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 wellfitting PPE, i.e. they felt safe at work, but are not actually being kept safe at work. “We are grateful for the ECITB’s collaborative way of working with us to make sure engineering is a career for all. We look forward to continuing the conversation with colleagues across the sector in our WES Safety Forum.” Raising awareness to support safer work Both Toolbox Talks are designed to raise awareness rather than develop technical New training from the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) highlights the risks of ill-fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) and why all workers should receive the same level of protection. H&P reports The right fit makes all the difference PPE competence. The modules use practical engineering construction scenarios to help learners recognise why correctly fitting and suitable PPE is essential for safe and effective work. The learning introduces inclusive PPE as recognised good practice, helping organisations provide suitable protection for every worker by recognising that different people may require different sizes, designs or adjustments to achieve the required level of protection. Mat added: “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. “Managers, supervisors and organisations should create systems that support good planning, effective selection, ongoing reassessment and continual improvement. “By working together, organisations can help ensure PPE remains suitable for today’s diverse workforce while supporting safer work across the industry.” The PPE training is initially available to employers within the ECITB’s scope, although the organisation hopes to extend access to the wider industry in the future. For further information please visit: https://www.ecitb.org.uk/ 24 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS October 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk
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