Importance Of Personal Protective Equipment Research Articles

Evaluation of personal protective equipment to protect health and safety in pesticide use

IntroductionAgriculture emerges as one of the most dangerous industries in the world, considering injury and illness rates. After the service sector in Turkey, the next large-scale sector is the agricultural sector, which constitutes 20% of the general employment. The exposure of farmers to pesticides, used to increase the quality and productivity of agricultural products, causes health risks via the mouth, respiration, skin, and eyes. Pesticide use in Turkey is increasing; the annual average increase is estimated at 1.2%. Exposure to pesticides can be reduced by wearing personal protective equipment to protect against health and safety hazards.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the importance of personal protective equipment using the multi-criteria decision-making method to prevent the risk of injury and disease resulting from pesticide use.Materials and methodsThe Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was used to find the weights of the criteria determined by expert opinion and a literature review. The Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) was used to rank personal protective equipment.ResultsPersonal protective equipment includes masks, gloves, overalls, safety shoes, glasses, and hats. The use of multi-criteria decision-making methods in health and safety in the agricultural sector will contribute to the literature.ConclusionEmphasizing the use of personal protective equipment, especially when using pesticides, will increase the rate of use of protective measures.

‘The reason why I got it … ’ – messages from people diagnosed with leptospirosis about infection in the workplace and its impact on livelihoods

ABSTRACT In Aotearoa New Zealand, leptospirosis is a disease that mostly affects people working with livestock on farms and in abattoirs, with Māori and Pasifika workers more likely to be hospitalised than others. This article shares an analysis of thirteen interviews with people diagnosed with leptospirosis. They were asked to advise colleagues and employers, as well as share how their illness had affected their income – informing health officials and workplace insurers. Their comments suggest that most workers are aware of the importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safe operating environments, and they know how they contracted the disease. However, they remove PPE or take shortcuts knowingly, often under time pressure. Comments on the financial impact of their illness suggest most farmers received support from family and community, but most meat-processing workers did not. Worse, while most farmers said their financial losses were limited, many meat-processing workers felt forced to return to work too soon because they needed the income. Farmers were almost exclusively farm owners. Financial assistance (ACC) is more needed for some than for others. However, while such assistance is welcomed when it arrives, all interviewees described personal interactions with the administration of financial assistance as disrespectful or dispiriting.

Equatorial Guinea on a very high alert as Marburg virus spreads: an urgent rising concern

The filoviridae family of viruses, which comprises the more well-known Ebola virus, also includes the Marburg virus (MARV). An African fruit bat is thought to harbor the virus, where following laboratory workers in Frankfurt, Germany, Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia), contracted the MARV leading to its initial identification in 1967. Humans may contract the virus and exhibit the syndrome, as can other primates1. Notwithstanding disagreements on the origin, the majority of the evidence refers to Uganda2. In addition to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Uganda, the United States, Guinea, Uganda, and Ghana, outbreaks have also been documented in South Africa, Kenya, and Angola since 1967. Equatorial Guinea only recently confirmed its first MARV epidemic outbreak on February 13, 20231. Humans may contract the virus through direct contact with infected individuals alongside bat saliva, urine, or excrement. Contact with said infected animals, such as primates, may also cause human infection3. Hy viral transmission with blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids of the infected individual, the virus may disseminate within populations. Possessing a mortality rate of ~90%, the MARV infection has symptoms that are comparable to those of other viral hemorrhagic fevers, resulting in major bleeding, shock, organ failure, and death3. There are presently no clinically authorized treatments or vaccines to prevent or treat MARV disease, respectively. Palliation is occasionally considered when conservative measures have failed3. The current Marburg virus outbreak in Equatorial Guinea and efforts to curb the virus The deaths are said to have occurred between January 7 and February 7. Moreover, as of 13 February 2023, there are 16 suspected cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Equatorial Guinea4. Meanwhile, 2 potential Marburg disease cases were discovered on Monday in Olamze, a commune near the Equatorial Guinea border, by Cameroonian authorities5. In response, WHO convened the MARV vaccine consortium to evaluate several potential vaccine candidates. Also, the WHO is collaborating with the government of Equatorial Guinea to provide rapid emergency response services and has deployed experts to assist with MARV epidemiology, case management, infection prevention, laboratory, and risk communication4. Recommendations Equatorial Guinea took more than a month to announce an outbreak after the reported date of the first mortality caused by the MARV. This highlights a need for rapid diagnosis and a capacity limitation in public health. The western part of Equatorial Guinea needs immediate action to bolster its monitoring system and limit additional virus transmission through contact tracing. In addition, as there are 2 probable cases in Cameroon, immediate action must be enforced to halt the local dissemination of the virus. Further, providing guidance to medical personnel concerning case management alongside access to appropriate diagnostic testing will further dissipate viral transmission. We must reinforce the paramount importance of Personal Protective equipment in health care professionals as is essential for limiting viral spread. The MARV vaccine needs to be developed, and antivirals specific to the virus need to be produced as quickly as possible. To conclude, the government’s efforts towards making sure the public has access to timely, reliable information about the virus should be strengthened, at the same time it would also be beneficial for the global community to launch campaigns to raise public knowledge about the MARV globally through the mass and social medias. Ethical approval None. Sources of funding None. Author contribution None. Conflict of interest disclosures The authors declare that they have no financial conflict of interest with regard to the content of this report. Research registration unique identifying number (UIN) None. Guarantor None.

Newborn Screening in a Pandemic—Lessons Learned

The COVID-19 pandemic affected many essential aspects of public health, including newborn screening programs (NBS). Centers reported missing cases of inherited metabolic disease as a consequence of decreased diagnostic process quality during the pandemic. A number of problems emerged at the start of the pandemic, but from the beginning, solutions began to be proposed and implemented. Contingency plans were arranged, and these are reviewed and described in this article. Staff shortage emerged as an important issue, and as a result, new work schedules had to be implemented. The importance of personal protective equipment and social distancing also helped avoid disruption. Staff became stressed, and this needed to be addressed. The timeframe for collecting bloodspot samples was adapted in some cases, requiring reference ranges to be modified. A shortage of essential supplies and protective equipment was evident, and laboratories described sharing resources in some situations. The courier system had to be adapted to make timely and safe transport possible. Telemedicine became an essential tool to enable communication with patients, parents, and medical staff. Despite these difficulties, with adaptations and modifications, some centers evaluated candidate conditions, continued developments, or began new NBS. The pandemic can be regarded as a stress test of the NBS under real-world conditions, highlighting critical aspects of this multidisciplinary system and the need for establishing local, national, and global strategies to improve its robustness and reliability in times of shortage and overloaded national healthcare systems.

Pengaruh Pengetahuan Alat Pelindung Diri Terhadap Tingkat Kecelakaan Kerja Konstruksi Menggunakan Metode Rank Spearman

Knowledge of personal protective equipment is the most basic thing that must be understood by construction workers. Low knowledge makes workers ignorant and negligent of the importance of personal protective equipment while working. This will increase the risk of work accidents that will affect work productivity. This study aims to determine the relationship between the level of knowledge about personal protective equipment against construction work accidents in Yogyakarta. The method used in this study is a quantitative study by observing construction work accidents. This research was conducted by taking data directly from the field (questionnaire) which was then analyzed using the Rank Spearman correlation test method, to determine the relationship between the level of knowledge about Personal Protective Equipment. The population is 52 a sample of sample of 30 respondents. From this data, then analyzed the relationship between workers' knowledge of personal protective equipment and work accidents using Spearman rank correlation. The results showed calculated value of 0.760 and when compared with the Spearman rank correlation coefficient table (Rho), the arithmetic value bigger table was 0.361 at a significance level of 0.05. This value is in the ranges from 0.70 to 0.89 which states that the relationship was very strong. The results can be used as a basis in improving the condition and exsisting construction management, so that work accidents can be minimized.

Analysis of occupational health and safety at a maritime warehouse using Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRARC)

This study aims to identify and determine risks and risks using the Hazard Identification Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRARC) method. By conducting prior monitoring and interviewing workers to find out the risks and impacts experienced by workers. Making a HIRARC table by assessing each aspect of hazards, work risks and controls that have been carried out and classifying controls based on 5 hierarchies. Data processing is conducted by analyzing the potential hazards with the HIRARC method. This study identified 12 potential hazards at Gandasari Energy. The findings of 12 risks can be carried out by risk with a hierarchy where there are 5 risk control efforts, including elimination, substitution, engineering control, administrative control, and personal protective equipment. Of the 12 potential hazards, many workers still do not use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The importance of PPE is to minimize the occurrence of work accidents.

The Manchurian pandemic of pneumonic plague (1910-1911).

China's winter of 1910-1911 was one of its most difficult. A deadly airborne pneumonic plague, believed to have originated from tarbagan marmots, broke out in October 1910 in a northeastern Chinese province commonly known by the exonym Manchuria. The disease had a near 100 percent mortality rate, affecting mainly the lower socio-economic classes and eventually killing more than 60,000 people over six months. By April 1911, the epidemic was suppressed, in large part due to the efforts of a Western-educated Chinese physician, Wu Lian-Teh. Similar to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Great Manchurian Plague outbreak highlighted the importance of personal protective equipment, such as face masks, and a quick and efficient international medical response.

Lessons Learnt from the COVID-19 Pandemic in Pediatric Otolaryngology.

Purpose of ReviewThe current COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the international paediatric otolaryngology community: we review its impact in clinical, resource, and human settings.Recent FindingsThe SARS-CoV-2 virus, while generally mild in paediatric populations, has caused an increased incidence in severe croup, invasive fungal sinus disease, and multi system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). The incidence of other common otolaryngology presentations such as otitis media and tonsillitis has decreased due to quarantine measures. The pandemic has also changed the way in which we work: guidelines for aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) have changed, digital technology and videoconferencing platforms have flourished, and new pathways of providing healthcare have been developed to minimise footfall and avoid overcrowded waiting rooms. Finally, the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect healthcare workers and patients cannot be understated, although the mental and physical toll is considerable.SummaryThere has been a tectonic shift in paediatric otolaryngology and healthcare globally. Continued adaptability and resilience are required to face these challenges in the coming months. With lessons learnt from managing SARS-CoV-2, we are hopefully well equipped to combat any future pandemics.

Tracking the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic-related debris on wildlife using digital platforms

Since the start of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19) pandemic in December 2019, there have been global surges of single-use plastic use. Due to the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitation items in protecting against virus transmission and from testing, facemasks, respirators, disposable gloves and disposable wet wipes have become global staples in households and institutions. Widespread use and insufficient infrastructure, combined with improper waste management have resulted in an emerging category of litter. With widespread presence in the environment, such items pose a direct threat to wildlife as animals can interact with them in a series of ways. We examined the scope of COVID-19 pandemic-related debris, including PPE and sanitation items, on wildlife from April 2020 to December 2021. We document the geographic occurrence of incidents, debris types, and consequences of incidents that were obtained from social media searches, unpublished reports from colleagues, and reports available from the citizen science database “Birds and Debris”. There were 114 unique sightings of wildlife interactions with pandemic-related debris (38 from 2020 and 76 from 2021). Within the context of this dataset, most incidents involved birds (83.3 %), while fewer affected mammals (10.5 %), invertebrates (3.5 %), fish (1.8 %), and sea turtles (0.9 %). Sightings originated in 23 countries, and consisted mostly of entanglements (42.1 %) and nest incorporations (40.4 %). We verified sightings by contacting the original observers and were able to identify replicated sightings and increase the resolution of the data collected compared with previously published results. Due to the complexities associated with global use and accessibility of digital platforms, we likely underestimate the number of animals harmed by debris. Overall, the global scope of this study demonstrates that online and social media platforms are a valuable way to collect biologically relevant citizen science data and track rapidly emerging environmental challenges.

Evaluation of Various Risk Factors Caused by Mechanized Equipment Used in Forest Operations

Forestry is among the dangerous work classes due to its working conditions. Especially fatal accidents that may occur during forest operations take an important place in this regard. In addition to occupational accidents, there are various risks such as physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic. These risks are often ignored and can cause serious health problems in long periods. Considering the previous studies on this subject, the main risk factors can be classified as noise, particulate matter and gas. The noise caused by motor movements and particulate matter exposure caused by wood raw material or machine-ground interaction are important conditions. The release of waste gases to the environment during operations are often encountered. The main gases polluting the air include carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur oxides, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. CO is very dangerous because of its rapid mixing with the blood. In this study, a synthesis of previous studies in machine-based risk factors during forest operations was provided and Fine Kinney Method, as one of the most common risk assessment methods used in the subject, were presented. This review paper providing a synthesis of previous studies in machine-based risk factors pointed out the working conditions of forest workers, importance of personal protective equipment and how to use risk assessment methods in the purpose of occupational health and safety.

The Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic on Current and Future Endoscopic Personal Protective Equipment Practices: A National Survey of 77 Endoscopists.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness about the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE). We aimed to study and compare PPE practices among Canadian endoscopists before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA 74-item questionnaire was emailed from June 2020 to September 2020 to practicing endoscopists in Canada. Survey questions collected basic demographics and differences between PPE practices pre- and post-COVID-19. PPE practices were categorized into four endoscopic procedure types including upper or lower endoscopy and diagnostic or interventional. Outcomes for specific procedures were reported as rates, with ranges shown when evaluating all procedure types together.ResultsA total of 77 respondents completed the survey with the majority of respondents aged 40 to 49 (44%) and identifying as Gastroenterologists (70%). Gender was evenly split (49% females versus 51% males). In the pre-pandemic era, the majority of endoscopists wore gowns (91 to 94%) and all endoscopists wore gloves (100%). However, the majority of endoscopists did not wear surgical masks (21 to 31%), face shields (13 to 34%), eye protection (13 to 21%), hair protection (11 to 13%), or N95 respirators (2 to 3%). In the post-pandemic era, more surgeons plan on wearing face shields (33 to 47%, P = 0.001 to 0.045), goggles (38.5 to 58.7%, P < 0.001), hair protection (33 to 36%, P = 0.011 to 0.024), and a trend suggests more surgeons will wear surgical masks (51 to 61%, P = 0.163 to 0.333). More endoscopists also plan on wearing N95 respirators during lower endoscopy (6 to 7%, P < 0.005).ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has changed the attitudes of many endoscopists regarding future PPE use in routine endoscopy. Ongoing studies are needed to inform new post-pandemic PPE consensus guidelines.

The day after tomorrow: cardiac surgery and coronavirus disease-2019.

The impact of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced the governments worldwide to deal with an unprecedented health crisis. The aim of this review is to summarize what happened to cardiac surgery worldwide during the first wave of this pandemic. A literature search was performed to extrapolate key concepts regarding guidelines and reorganization of cardiac surgery wards during COVID-19. Supporting literature was also included to discuss the hot topics related to COVID-19 and cardiac surgery. Hence, both official documents from national scientific societies and single- or multiple-center experiences during the pandemics are reviewed and discussed. In Italy, the first western country hit by the pandemic, two different models were proposed to cope with the need for ICU/ward beds and to reallocate cardiac surgical services: Hub-and-Spoke system ('Hubs', dedicated to perform urgent and nondeferrable surgery, and 'Spokes', turned into COVID centers) and/or a progressive reduction in surgical activity. Worldwide, several guidelines/consensus statements were published, suggesting how to deal with the outbreak. Two different approaches for stratifying surgical indications were proposed: dynamic, based on the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients; static, based only on the severity of the cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the importance of personal protective equipment was stressed. Several measures should have been adopted to deal with an unprecedented need for healthcare resources allocation to care for COVID-19 patients, putting the healthcare systems under serious stress. Cardiac surgery has, as have most surgical activities, been asked to reduce its own activity, giving priority to emergency and nondeferrable cases.

Self-Efficacy and Concerns of Graduate Nursing Students Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: Many nurse practitioner students work as nurses while balancing family obligations and graduate school work. The purpose of this project is to learn more about the self-efficacy and concerns of rural graduate nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sample: Family nurse practitioner students at a rural, public, liberal arts university in the Southeastern United States participated in the study. Method: Demographic information and survey information was obtained from graduate nursing students to assess their self-efficacy and concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, using the 10-item General Self-Efficacy (GSE) Scale. Findings: Respondents reported varied effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on work schedules. The mean GSE self-efficacy score was 3.32 across two-time points (n=67). Nine qualitative themes were revealed: concerns about contracting and transmitting COVID-19, importance of personal protective equipment and hygiene, impacts at home, stress, decreased clinical placements, coping strategies, public health preparedness, future effects of COVID-10, and a renewed commitment to nursing. Conclusion: This study provides insight into the experiences of rural graduate nursing students caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: graduate nursing education, self-efficacy, pandemic, COVID-19DOI: https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v21i2.678

AVALIAÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO DE PRODUTORES RURAIS DO MUNICÍPIO DE CAMBUCI-RJ SOBRE OS RISCOS DA UTILIZAÇÃO DE AGROTÓXICOS E DESCARTE DE EMBALAGENS

Over the years, the indiscriminate use of pesticides has caused numerous problems, both in the environment and in human health. In Brazil, rural workers have suffered from morbidities related to the negligent use of these components, constituting an important field of investigation. The present work aims to evaluate the knowledge of rural producers in the city of Cambuci, belonging to the State of Rio de Janeiro, about the risks of using pesticides in crops, both for the environment and for the health of workers. It also seeks to investigate the use of protective equipment and the methods used by farmers to dispose of packaging. For data collection, a questionnaire containing 18 questions was prepared. Thirty rural workers of both sexes participated in the research, with ages varying between 18 and 67 years. It was found that farmers recognize the risks of using pesticides and the importance of personal protective equipment, as well as the need for correct disposal of empty packaging. Despite this, a part of the interviewees does not follow the guidelines, as they consider their work safe in the face of the routine of years of practice. There is a need to reinforce educational campaigns, seeking to emphasize the importance of using protective equipment during the application of these chemical compounds, as well as the correct disposal of their packaging, alerting rural workers of the negative impacts that these compounds cause to the environment and human health.

Use of Simulation to Visualize Healthcare Worker Exposure to Aerosol in the Operating Room.

Simulation resources offer an opportunity to highlight aerosol dispersion within the operating room environment. We demonstrate our methodology with a supporting video that can offer operating room teams support in their practical understanding of aerosol exposure and the importance of personal protective equipment.

Covid 19 occupational or environmental hazard or both?

Covid -19 has taken a huge toll on health care sector. Many health care workers (HCWs) fall susceptible to this pandemic infection leading to occupational health hazard. It also has significantly changed the practice of dentistry. Importance of personal protective equipment cannot be enough stressed upon in present scenario due to uncertainity of vaccine availability and efficacy. Major role in protection of health care workers is played by face masks and respirators. Due to crisis in present scenario, there has been an acute shortage of masks though the production has been upregulated. Also due to increased production of masks, it has posed a significant environmental hazard. This review aims to summarize different types of masks available, their effectiveness and optimization of usage of masks to derive adequate protection thus preventing occupational health hazard with emphasis on eco-friendly masks for a better environmental safety.  Â

A comparison of owner/operator and worker perspectives on workplace safety in the West Virginia logging industry.

The logging industry is known to have one of the highest rates of fatal and nonfatal occupational injuries in the United States. Perspectives on why this study is so hazardous may differ between logging company owners/operators and workers. In this study, we explored and compared the safety perspectives of logging company owners/operators and workers in West Virginia. Using a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed survey (n = 245) and interview (n = 14) data collected in 2015 from logging company owners/operators and workers in West Virginia. Survey data were analyzed via logistic regression; interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Response patterns were contrasted by occupational status (owners/operators vs. workers) in both analyses. Owners/operators and workers agreed on several aspects of workplace safety including the importance of personal protective equipment and the benefits of mechanization when timber harvesting. Key differences observed between owners/operators and workers included why injuries are underreported and the effects of production pressures on safety. While there was much agreement, owners/operators and workers in the West Virginia logging industry reported differences in key domains of workplace safety. These differences should be taken into account when designing and implementing safety programs in the logging industry.

Evaluating splatter and settled aerosol during orthodontic debonding: implications for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction Dental procedures produce splatter and aerosol which have potential to spread pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. Mixed evidence exists on the aerosol-generating potential of orthodontic procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate splatter and/or settled aerosol contamination during orthodontic debonding.Material and methods Fluorescein dye was introduced into the oral cavity of a mannequin. Orthodontic debonding was undertaken with surrounding samples collected. Composite bonding cement was removed using a speed-increasing handpiece with dental suction. A positive control condition included a water-cooled, high-speed air-turbine crown preparation. Samples were analysed using digital image analysis and spectrofluorometric analysis.Results Contamination across the eight-metre experimental rig was 3% of the positive control on spectrofluorometric analysis and 0% on image analysis. Contamination of the operator, assistant and mannequin was 8%, 25% and 28% of the positive control, respectively.Discussion Splatter and settled aerosol from orthodontic debonding is distributed mainly within the immediate locality of the mannequin. Widespread contamination was not observed.Conclusions Orthodontic debonding is unlikely to produce widespread contamination via splatter and settled aerosol, but localised contamination is likely. This highlights the importance of personal protective equipment for the operator, assistant and patient. Further work is required to examine suspended aerosol.Zusatzmaterial online: Zu diesem Beitrag sind unter 10.1038/s41415-020-2503-9 für autorisierte Leser zusätzliche Dateien abrufbar.

Intensidade de ruídos e conscientização da equipe de enfermagem no centro de materiais e esterilização

Objetivo: Identificar a intensidade sonora, por meio de decibéis (dB), no Centro de Material e Esterilização (CME) e orientar os colaboradoresquanto à importância dos protetores auriculares como equipamento de proteção individual (EPI). Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, do tiporelato de experiência. Utilizou-se o aplicativo Sound Meter para medir a intensidade de ruído no CME. A pesquisa foi realizada em hospital de grandeporte de São Paulo, no período de uma semana, em 2018. Resultados: Os ruídos mais intensos foram mensurados no expurgo (93,0 dB), na área de preparo(92,3 dB), nas áreas de esterilização a baixa temperatura (91,6 dB) e a vapor (87,9 dB), diferentemente da percepção dos colaboradores. A conscientizaçãoda equipe deu-se por exposição dos resultados mensurados e discussão sobre importância do EPI. Conclusão: Verificaram-se ruídos mais intensosnas áreas de trabalho com maior número de maquinários, e houve divergência entre a intensidade do ruído mensurado e o percebido pelo profissional.Medidas educativas reflexivas são necessárias para a conscientização sobre a importância e adesão ao uso do EPI.

Problems Encountered by Nurses Due to the Use of Personal Protective Equipment During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Results of a Survey

The purpose of this study was to further examine PPE-related physical problems experienced by nurses as well as the role of wear time on these problems. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, a survey was conducted among nurses working for state or university hospitals across Turkey who actively cared for patients with COVID-19. Survey questions included demographic variables, type of PPE used, physical problems experienced, and length of time PPE was worn (4 hours or less, or more than 4 hours). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Three hundred and seven (307) nurses completed the survey. The most commonly reported problems were sweating when wearing a surgical (50.9%) or N95 (64.2%) mask, dry hands from wearing gloves (73.9%), perspiration when wearing overalls/gowns (84.1%), and vision problems when wearing goggles/face shields (47.9%). Logistic regression analysis indicated a signifcant relationship between > 4 hours length of use and the occurrence of the following: redness of the cheeks, dry mouth, redness of the nose bridge, and redness of the ears for N95 masks; dryness of the mouth when wearing surgical masks; skin dryness, sweating, and redness from wearing gloves; headaches from wearing goggles/face shields; and sweating when wearing overalls or a gown (P < .05 for all variables). The results of this study show that physical problems related to the use of PPE are common and increase when PPE is worn for more than 4 hours. The availability, safety, and effectiveness of PPE are crucial to help protect nurses. Studies to examine PPE quality, characteristics, efficacy, and optimal use are necessary to maintain the healthy workforce needed to care for patients during this pandemic.