Personal Protective Equipment (PPE – head, eye, face, leg, and hand protection)

Every day, workers in most industries are exposed to hazards that can lead to serious and costly injuries such as broken bones, bruises, severe cuts, burns, permanent disability, and even death.

Personal protective equipment is worn to protect the eyes, face, head, body, arms, hands, legs, and feet from hazards.  Examples of PPE include the following:

• Hardhats.
• Eye protection and face shields.
• Fall protection systems.
• Respirators.
• Hearing protection.
• Protective gloves.
• High-visibility vests and ballistic vests.
• Chaps.
• Steel-toe shoes and safey boots.

Employers must conduct a PPE assessment to identify hazards, determine if PPE is necessary, and provide training to ensure correct use and maintenance, which should be addressed in an effective Accident Prevention Program.

Related Topics

• Accident Prevention Program
• Agriculture
• Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP)
• Boats
• Construction Industry Safety & Health
• Emergency Washing
• Fall Protection, Fall Restraint & Fall Arrest
• Firing Range Hazards
• Hazard Communication and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
• Hazardous Drugs
• Hearing Loss Prevention & Noise
• Job Hazard/Safety Analysis (JSA/JHA)
• Logger Safety Initiative (LSI)
• Outdoor Heat Exposure
• Recordkeeping and Reporting of Worker Injuries (OSHA 300 Log)
• Respirators

More help from L&I

Getting Started with Safety.
Consultation Services.
Workplace Safety Complaints.
Worker Rights to a Safe Workplace.

For general information, call 1-800-423-7233.