What is PPE?
Personal protective equipment, or PPE, protects workers from serious workplace injuries or illnesses resulting from physical, electrical, mechanical, chemical, or other workplace hazards. Examples of PPE include hard hats, face shields, goggles, gloves, vests, respirators, safety shoes, and coveralls.
PPE is required for many transportation maintenance activities. Both employers and employees have responsibilities for maintaining a safe work environment.
Employers: What You Must Do
The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers protect their employees from workplace hazards that can cause injury. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry administers and enforces workplace safety and health rules in the state. Employers must ensure that employees have PPE equipment in accordance with federal OSHA and Minnesota state standards.
Employees: What You Should Do
Use PPE for the hazards of your job and set an example for your agency:
- Always use PPE when required.
- Attend PPE training.
- Tell your supervisor about worn or damaged PPE.
- Encourage others to use PPE.
Additional Resources
- US OSHA Personal Protective Equipment website
- Personal Protective Equipment fact sheet (US OSHA, 2006)
- Personal Protective Equipment guide (US OSHA 3151-12R 2004)
- Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
- MNOSHA
- Safety and health protection on the job poster (MNOSHA, Aug. 2017). Posting required by law in a location where employees can easily see this notice.
- Minnesota Safety Council
- FHWA Worker Safety
- National Safety Council