What action should a supervisor take if an employee refuses to wear PPE?

When an employee refuses to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), the appropriate action for a supervisor is to enforce disciplinary measures. This is essential because the refusal to wear PPE can significantly increase the risk of injury not only for the individual but also for other employees in the workplace. Supervisors have a responsibility to maintain a safe work environment, and part of that responsibility includes ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

By enforcing disciplinary measures, the supervisor is highlighting the seriousness of PPE compliance. This action serves as a reminder that safety regulations are not negotiable, and adherence is necessary to protect everyone on the worksite. It reinforces the importance of safety standards and can help motivate employees to take safety guidelines seriously.

Providing additional training might seem helpful but would not address the immediate refusal or non-compliance. Disregarding the employee's concerns fails to acknowledge potential issues the employee might have with the equipment, such as discomfort or misunderstanding of its importance. Relaxing the PPE requirement jeopardizes workplace safety and could lead to increased accidents or injuries. Thus, enforcing disciplinary measures is a critical step in maintaining safety and compliance in the workplace.