Safety first?
Workers in industrial environments want to do what everyone in the workforce does: talk with a colleague about the task at hand, have a sip of coffee or update their supervisor. In an industrial setting, these needs may be at odds with the protective equipment workers are required to wear to remain safe and healthy. Respirators require multiple steps to put on and take off; some have as many as five straps and latches which must be adjusted and snapped in place. All these steps so that a coworker can communicate or take a break. In addition, respirators can be very uncomfortable for long term wear. The different head shapes and hair styles of workers, plus the stiff and unforgiving materials used to manufacture the respirators made them unpleasant to wear for most.
