Exploring end-user acceptance of half-mask powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs)

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Human Factors Engineering
• Industrial Hygiene

Background:

• Respiratory protection is crucial for safeguarding workers from airborne contaminants in diverse industries.
• Half-mask powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) represent technological advancements in personal protective equipment.
• Understanding end-user experiences is vital for the successful implementation and adoption of new safety technologies like PAPRs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the barriers and facilitators influencing the acceptance and use of half-mask PAPRs among Australian quarry workers.
• To apply the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework to analyze user experiences.
• To generate actionable recommendations for enhancing the design and implementation of PAPRs in occupational settings.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative research approach was utilized across two Australian quarry sites.
• Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 23 participants, including workers, managers, and supervisors.
• The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology framework guided the data collection and analysis.

Main Results:

• User experiences strongly correlated with the four constructs of the UTAUT framework: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions.
• Identified barriers included communication challenges, physical discomfort associated with the devices, and inconsistent implementation policies.
• Key facilitators were the perceived safety advantages, operational simplicity, and supportive management.

Conclusions:

• Effective implementation of half-mask PAPRs requires addressing user-identified barriers such as discomfort and communication issues.
• Facilitating conditions, including strong supervisory support and clear, consistently enforced policies, are critical for successful technology adoption.
• System-level strategies focusing on consistent policy and leadership support are essential for integrating PAPRs into high-risk work environments.