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I'm supervising an intern working on a customer site away from the office at the moment. This is an industrial environment and the site rules specify full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) - Hard Hat, Glasses, Hi-Vis.

These rules were not being strictly enforced and we became lax with keeping our safety glasses on. As we changed work area and activity, I observed the rules becoming more strictly enforced and noted the majority of other contractors / customer staff had resumed wearing their safety glasses.

The following day; I met this intern for breakfast at the hotel as usual. I asked him to ensure he had his safety glasses with him and was wearing them in the new work area. He asked me why, to which I responded that they were the site rules. He continued to ask "if there was something he didn't know".

I responded "The correct answer if someone asks you to wear the PPE specified by the site is 'yes, no problem'", and ended the conversation.

Honestly, I was irritated by him questioning the completely reasonable and simple request - although I also realize that he was attempting to gain more context to the reasoning behind the request.

I'm concerned that had he been asked by the safety officer, he would not have complied immediately which could have risked our removal from site.

Was my response an overreaction, how else could I have got my point across?

You did the right thing to insist your colleague wears appropriate PPE. It's disappointing to hear that not everyone is taking PPE requirements seriously, but a lack of adherence doesn't diminish the importance of proper PPE.

Consider taking time to explain your thinking and concern with your colleague. Regardless of his or her status as an intern, he/she can benefit from your experience and from hearing your own thoughts. Consider grabbing coffee with your colleague to discuss:

1. Reinforcing the importance of PPE


2. Share that you were concerned both for your colleague's safety, and also about any adverse consequences had a safety inspector observed the lack of PPE


3. Admit that adherence to the PPE standard isn't uniform, but it's always better to error on the safer side of the norm

You might also consider apologizing for the way you initially handled the discussion if you feel like it didn't go well. Your comment that you expect your colleague to just say "yes" strikes an odd tone and might be worth following up. I think you were expressing frustration about the resistance you felt from your colleague. Share this and let your colleague know you value their thoughts and dissent.

Was my response an overreaction, how else could I have got my point across?

Quoting from your post:

Honestly, I was irritated by him questioning the completely reasonable and simple request - although I also realize that he was attempting to gain more context to the reasoning behind the request.

I think that, as this person was an intern (that is, he/she is there to learn and grow), a better response from your part would have been one focused on teaching this person, instead of scolding them.

Perhaps this intern completely ignores the existence of such PPE rules, and thus why they asked if "they were missing something".

A more polite, perhaps better response would have been something in the lines of:

Intern : "Is there something I don't know?"

You : "Yes there is. Here at Acme Co. we follow the PEE rules established by X, and those rules require us to wear safety glasses among other things when in the area. I suggest you review those rules so you are aware of the equipment you should use for your safety."