title: Piloting a personal protection equipment distribution program among Chicago day laborers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Occupational injury rates among day laborers have been estimated to be as high as 31%, where lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) use is repeatedly noted as a contributor to occupational injuries.
  
  
  METHODS
  We distributed duffel bags containing nine pieces of PPE and provided training on their use to Chicago day laborers during six distribution sessions over two summers. Participants were contacted 4-8 weeks post-distribution and queried on PPE use.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 117 participants who received the equipment, 42 completed the follow-up survey. Workers performed construction, demolition, and painting type tasks and most often used gloves, safety glasses, and respirators. Hardhats, coveralls, and earplugs were the least used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The PPE we provided was used during 94% of the jobs, and every one of the nine items was used. Hearing protection was underused. This project showed that providing PPE, along with training on its use, may increase PPE use among Chicago day laborers, likely preventing occupational injuries.
authors.affiliation: Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, 2121 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Contreras
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Buchanan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002641:Chicago / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D055815:Young Adult