PPE: Are You Covered

Course Overview

OSHA requires employers to assess their workplaces for hazards and provide appropriate personal protective equipment at no cost to employees under 29 CFR 1910.132. Over two million workers experience job-related injuries or illnesses annually, and PPE violations remain one of OSHA's most commonly cited standards across both general industry and construction. Serious violations carry penalties of up to $16,550 per instance, while willful or repeated violations can reach $165,514. For employers, the stakes go beyond fines - inadequate PPE programs expose companies to increased workers' compensation costs and potential litigation.

This course prepares your employees to understand the hierarchy of controls and where PPE fits as the last line of defense. It covers employer responsibilities for conducting hazard assessments, selecting and providing appropriate equipment, and maintaining a written PPE program. Your team will learn to properly use, inspect, and care for eye and face protection, hard hats, foot and leg protection, hand and arm protection, hearing protection, respirators, and protective clothing. The training also addresses OSHA's requirements for employee training, documentation, and retraining triggers.

What You'll Learn

• OSHA's PPE standard (29 CFR 1910.132) and employer obligations for hazard assessment and equipment provision
• The hierarchy of controls and how PPE functions as the last line of defense after engineering and administrative controls
• Selection criteria for eye and face protection, head protection, hand and arm protection, and foot and leg protection
• Hearing protection requirements under OSHA's Hearing Conservation Program, including noise exposure thresholds
• Proper inspection, maintenance, and replacement procedures for all PPE categories
• Employer payment obligations under OSHA's PPE standard, including what employers must and must not pay for
• Employee responsibilities for proper wear, care, and reporting of damaged or defective PPE
• Documentation requirements including written hazard assessments and employee training certifications

Who Needs This Training

• Workers in manufacturing, construction, and warehouse environments where PPE is required daily
• New hires who need PPE orientation before starting work in hazardous areas
• Safety managers responsible for conducting workplace hazard assessments and selecting PPE
• Supervisors who must enforce PPE use and identify retraining needs on the job
• Maintenance and facilities staff exposed to chemical, physical, or electrical hazards
• Laboratory personnel working with hazardous materials requiring specialized protective equipment

Regulatory Background