Personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary to reduce the risks that a worker might face at work. These pieces of safety equipment are used in a variety of settings, including medical, industrial and manufacturing.

OSHA Standards for PPE

Occupational safety and health regulations require that employers provide and maintain the appropriate personal protective equipment for their employees. These PPE items should be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure that they are in good condition, fit properly and are safe to use.

Employees should be trained on the use of their PPE. They should also be given clear instructions on how to care for their safety gear so that it is always ready for use when they need it.

OSHA’s training institute has developed a handout about PPE that provides an overview of what employers must pay for and how they must ensure employees are using the right PPE.

PPE Self-Inspections and a Checklist

When conducting regular PPE inspections, employers must identify tasks that require PPE and ensure that staff is using the appropriate equipment. They can also conduct regular PPE self-inspections through a tool like SafetyCulture, which is an easy to use web and mobile inspection app.

Employers should follow a hazard assessment process that involves walking through the workplace to notice any potential hazards and to assess whether control measures have been implemented to mitigate those threats. Depending on the level of protection needed, workers might need hard hats, respirators, eye goggles, face shields, or gloves to prevent injuries and illnesses.

Other types of safety equipment include floor markings and fire extinguishers that are required by regulatory bodies. These items help guide employees and make it easier to locate emergency resources in the event of a fire or other accident.

Ear plugs and ear muffs are essential to protect employees from loud noise. They can prevent hearing loss and reduce the frequency of accidents caused by thunderous sounds.

Gloves and shoes are also important PPE items that protect workers from cuts, scrapes, abrasions, and burns. They must be made from strong materials and fit well. They must also be designed with a slip-resistant or anti-slip finish that can prevent falls.

Providing safety equipment can be expensive, so it’s best to invest in high-quality items that will last for years. Choosing safety gear that’s durable, comfortable and priced appropriately will help to keep your business profitable while ensuring your employees are working in a safe environment.

PPE Safety Checklists and Tools

OSHA and other government agencies recommend that employers complete a hazard assessment to determine which hazards require the use of personal protective equipment. This can include a facility walkthrough to note potential dangers and a history of injuries or illnesses.

Once a hazard assessment is complete, employees can use this information to purchase the correct safety equipment supplies. Many reputable suppliers offer an extensive selection of equipment and accessories.

If engineering and administrative controls can’t completely eliminate a hazardous hazard, PPE is the next best option. Safety equipment is critical to preventing work-related injuries, fatalities, and other adverse effects.