Nudge Theory: A smarter way to encourage PPE compliance

By: Superior Glove, leading safety glove innovator

Ensuring workers wear the appropriate personal protective equipment for the task at hand is essential to keeping them safe – but it’s not always easy. The solution might just lie in nudge theory, an approach that makes the right choice feel like the easiest one.

What is nudge theory?

The beauty of nudge theory lies in its clever approach and respect for individual autonomy to suggest a better course of action. The theory suggests that subtle changes in the environment can influence human behavior and decision-making in a positive way – that individuals can be encouraged to make better safety choices (such as wearing PPE) by altering the way options are presented to them, rather than imposing rules or heavy-handed restrictions.

Put simply, nudge theory is about making the safest choice feel like the easiest and most natural one.

How to use nudges to improve worker PPE compliance

Here are some actionable ways nudge theory can be applied to encourage PPE compliance at your workplace:

Use visual cues
Place bright, eye-catching signage near entryways or workstations to remind employees to grab their PPE before they start a task. For example, a sign at the door could ask, “Got your gloves?” paired with an image of gloves. This creates a simple, memorable prompt without needing direct instruction. 

Position PPE appropriately in high-traffic areas. If gloves or other PPE are placed in the path of workers as they enter a site or approach equipment, they’re much more likely to pick them up without thinking twice. The goal is to eliminate barriers in the process of getting safety gear.

Implement reward systems that celebrate workers who consistently wear PPE. For example, a “Safety Star of the Month” board that recognizes employees who prioritize safety helps create a culture where PPE use is encouraged and rewarded, making it a source of pride for workers.

Where possible, make PPE part of the workflow so that opting out feels unusual. For example, workers might automatically be issued PPE when signing in for the day. This builds safety into daily routines, so there’s no extra effort needed to comply.

Adjust the workspace layout to naturally promote safer behavior. For instance, placing PPE dispensers near task-specific equipment encourages workers to gear up when they need it most. If gloves are located right beside the machinery, it becomes intuitive to put them on as part of their routine.

Common pitfalls to avoid

After implementing nudges, it’s important to be mindful of potential pitfalls that can hinder their effectiveness:

Too many signs or messages can overwhelm workers. It’s best to keep nudges clear and concise. A few well-placed, straightforward visuals will have a greater impact than bombarding workers with reminders at every corner.

Although facts and statistics can be useful, they aren’t always the most effective motivators. Workers are more likely to respond to visuals or emotional cues. Avoid overwhelming them with too much copy or numbers; focus instead on simple, actionable messages that are easy to understand.

One-size-fits-all solutions don’t always work. Workers from different roles or departments might have unique needs. Customizing your nudges based on specific tasks or environments will ensure they resonate more effectively with all employees.

After rolling out these changes, it’s important to measure their effectiveness. Are workers using PPE more consistently? Has the number of safety incidents decreased? Collect feedback from employees and observe whether there’s a noticeable shift in behavior. By analyzing this data, you can determine whether the changes are achieving the desired outcomes or if further adjustments are necessary. Remember, it’s not about forcing behavior, but about making the right decisions feel like second nature.

To read more on nudge theory and other hand safety measures, check out “Rethinking Hand Safety” and learn how some of the world’s safest organizations have reduced hand injuries with more than just PPE.