Title: PPE – Personal Protective Equipment
Type: Lesson
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to any gear or clothing worn to protect workers from injury or illness due to jobsite hazards.
PPE does NOT eliminate hazards — it helps protect you when hazards can’t be fully controlled through engineering or administrative methods.
Employers must:
Provide PPE at no cost to the worker
Train workers on proper use, care, and limitations
Replace worn or damaged PPE
Ensure workers use PPE correctly and consistently
| Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hard Hat | Protects against falling objects and overhead strikes |
| Safety Glasses / Goggles | Protect against flying particles, dust, chemicals |
| Hearing Protection | Prevents hearing loss from high noise levels |
| Respirators | Protect against airborne dust, fumes, and vapors |
| Gloves | Shield hands from cuts, chemicals, heat |
| Steel-Toed Boots | Protect feet from crush injuries and punctures |
| High-Visibility Vest | Increases visibility around vehicles and equipment |
| Fall Protection Harness | Prevents falls from heights (used with anchor points) |
Never modify or “DIY” your PPE — it must meet safety standards to protect you.
PPE is your last line of defense. Don’t just wear it — use it properly and consistently to stay protected from common jobsite hazards.
Click “Mark Complete” to continue to Lesson 6: Health Hazards in Construction, where we’ll cover long-term exposures like silica, asbestos, and noise.