Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is necessary, but not a solution

Posted to the IUF website 07-Mar-2006

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This information sheet is not intended to provide technical information on the kinds of PPE required by workers faced with risk of exposure to avian influenza. Such information should be obtained by workers through their unions from the appropriate government authorities.

Agricultural and food workers must have access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to reduce the risks associated with biological hazards like avian influenza (H5N1). Workers can be infected with the avian influenza virus through direct contact with the blood, feces or bodily fluids of infected birds. This means that suitable gloves (such as disposable lightweight nitrile or vinyl gloves; or heavy duty rubber gloves that can be disinfected).

We also know that workers can be infected with the avian influenza virus if they inhale dust particles that are contaminated with the feces of infected birds. This means that appropriate “air purifying” respirators must be worn by workers to reduce the risk of infection. Workers also need appropriate eye protection, such as indirectly vented safety goggles, to prevent dust getting into their eyes.

But the real question is: if the employer provides masks, gloves and boots, are workers safe? The answer is no. There are 6 basic reasons for this:

• Specific kinds of PPE must be used for certain workplace hazards. If workers are given the wrong type of masks or gloves then they will not be protected. PPE must also be fitted and used correctly. This means that PPE must be suitable for each worker. We all come in different shapes and sizes and so PPE must be provided accordingly.


• Workers must be fully trained in how to use PPE correctly. Without proper training PPE is ineffective and workers’ safety and health is at risk.


• There must be changes to working conditions. Long working hours, no breaks, no time for personal hygiene, forced overtime, fast production line speeds, the pressures of piece-rate wages, no sick leave, being forced to work when sick, and exhaustion are just some examples of working conditions that prevent workers from using PPE correctly and safely.


• In many countries hot conditions make it very difficult to use PPE effectively. According to the IUF-ILO Fact Sheet 17 on PPE: … using PPE in a hot climate can be very uncomfortable for the worker. For example, using a full-face mask and body protection in full sunshine during the hot season can be almost impossible. It can result in dehydration, headaches and even fainting.


• PPE is only a limited ‘last line of defence’ in protecting workers from dust. Reducing exposure to potentially hazardous dust requires effective ventilation systems in the workplace. However, throughout the world many facilities where poultry workers are employed do not have even basic ventilation systems to reduce exposure to dust. Even where ventilation systems exist, they are not designed to reduce the exposure of workers. So installation of appropriate ventilation systems must be given priority.


• PPE only protects the working wearing it. If others are not using it, then everyone is at risk. This is especially the case with avian influenza. There is a risk that the virus could mix with other kinds of human influenza that workers might have and mutate into a virus that can be transmitted from human to human. This has not happened yet. But the risk is very real. So PPE alone is not enough. There must be changes in working conditions and steps taken to contain the virus and prevent its spread.

The main point is that PPE is a collective bargaining issue, not just a technical issue. Workers need to collectively bargain to ensure that:

• appropriate ventilation systems are installed and used correctly;


• PPE is appropriate for protection against avian influenza;


• training is provided on using PPE;


• the PPE provided is fitted to each worker;


• replacement parts (like filters in respirators) are provided;


• the cost of equipment is not deducted from workers’ pay;


• disposable PPE are safely disposed of and not re-used


• non-disposable PPE is disinfected and cleaned; disinfectants are clearly
labeled and workers are trained in the use of these disinfectants;

• hand-washing facilities and hand disinfectants are provided;


• line speeds are slowed to allow use of PPE;


• there are rest breaks, breaks for personal hygiene (e.g. hand washing) and working hours are in accordance with the law

These are just some of the many concrete issues that workers need to negotiate with employers concerning the use of personal protective equipment. But they must be part of much comprehensive measures to reduce the risk of exposure to avian influenza. To do this workers need to be organized, workers’ representatives need to be informed, and the issue of PPE must be treated as one part of a larger set of safety measures that are needed in the workplace. For these safety measures to be effective, workers need unions, and unions need to bargain to make sure it all the necessary steps are taken to fulfill workers’ health and safety rights.

For more information see Fact Sheet 17: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from the IUF-ILO Health, Safety and Environment: A Series of Trade Union Education Manuals for Agricultural Workers (2004).