Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors on personal protective equipment use in paper production facilities

This study examines the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of workers regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in several paper production facilities in Türkiye, where employees are exposed to various physical, chemical, and mechanical hazards. The aim of the research is to assess workers’ occupational health and safety (OHS) awareness, their knowledge and perceptions of PPE, usage habits, and the factors influencing compliance, with particular attention to demographic characteristics such as age, gender, education level, professional experience, accident history, and OHS training status. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to employees from different departments of the facility and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The results indicate that although most workers recognize the importance of PPE, regular and consistent use remains insufficient. Barriers to PPE compliance were primarily associated with discomfort, lack of ergonomic suitability, inadequate information, and limited supervision. Workers who had received OHS training demonstrated higher awareness levels, more positive attitudes toward PPE, and significantly higher compliance rates, while education level and work experience were also found to influence PPE usage behaviors. Overall, the findings emphasize the need for continuous training programs, improved ergonomic design of PPE, and stronger supervisory mechanisms to enhance safety culture and reduce occupational risks in paper production environments.