Why Chimney Sweeps Skip Safety: Barriers to Personal Protective Equipment Use

Chimney sweeping is a high-risk occupation involving exposure to hazardous conditions such as working at heights, inhalation of soot particles, and musculoskeletal strain. Despite these risks, personal protective equipment (PPE) is often inadequately used, misused, or omitted. This study explored factors influencing PPE use among Swedish chimney sweeps, focusing on organizational structures, cultural norms, and practical constraints such as anthropometric measures and gender. Data were collected through a web-based survey (n = 48) and semi-structured interviews (n = 9) with professional sweeps and industry experts. Time pressure emerged as a key barrier, with PPE often deprioritized during tightly scheduled workdays. Employer attitudes and company ownership structures influenced safety practices; municipal companies generally offered better conditions and higher quality equipment than profit-driven firms. Comfort, fit, and compatibility between different types of equipment were critical determinants of use. PPE that was uncomfortable or impractical was frequently avoided. Protective gear, such as fall protection harnesses and respirators posed additional risks, especially when working alone. A normalization of risk and prevailing macho culture contributed to the perception of PPE as unnecessary or shameful, particularly among older workers. Younger sweeps were more likely to use PPE, partly due to formal training and different attitudes toward work-life balance. Female sweeps reported difficulties obtaining properly fitted equipment, affecting both safety and inclusion. The study concluded that PPE use is shaped by broader working conditions and occupational culture. To improve safety, manufacturers should design PPE that functions effectively in real work contexts and in combination with other gear. Employers should allocate time for fitting, donning, and maintaining PPE, and actively shape expectations around its use. These recommendations offer practical strategies to support correct usage and promote a safer, more inclusive work environment in the chimney sweeping industry.

Keywords: Personal protective equipment, PPE, chimney sweeps, organizational factors, risk normalization, safety culture, anthropometrics, fall protection, occupational safety.