Construction PPE: Types, Hazards, Benefits & More

What Are the OSHA Requirements for Construction PPE?

OSHA is part of the U.S. Department of Labor. This regulatory agency sets the rules around construction safety and includes PPE.

Under 29 CFR 1926.28(a), employers must ensure that workers wear appropriate PPE whenever and wherever a risk of injury (regardless of its extent) is present.

These PPE requirements cover a vast range of hazards, from head protection and respiratory protection to hearing protection and the type of footwear to be worn. 

OSHA’s original regulations on PPE for construction work were set in 1971. As the industry evolved, so did the regulations. 

One thing hasn’t changed, though: to be considered effective, the gear must at least meet ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards. 

Proper care and maintenance of PPE is also required. Workers should engage in safety training to learn the gear’s limitations and when it should be replaced.

PPE should be considered more than just something to check off a list. Smart construction risk-management plans consider the real dangers on-site and choose the right worker-safety gear for the job.

What PPE is Required for Construction?

The right PPE depends on the task you’re performing and the gear you’re using. OSHA makes it clear: different jobs on construction sites call for different and appropriate types of PPE. 

A worker cutting concrete needs eye, hearing, and respiratory protection. Someone working on a rooftop needs fall protection. What you wear needs to match what you’re doing.

The type of construction equipment also matters. Heavy machinery like jackhammers, excavators, and grinders means more risk and more PPE gear. Construction equipment types should dictate what kind of safety equipment is required.

The common types of PPE used in the construction industry are shown in the image below.

Each item of PPE plays a specific role in keeping construction workers safe on the job.

1. Head protection

Wearing head protection is required on any active job site. Falling tools, low beams, or even flying debris can cause serious injuries. That’s why OSHA mandates the wearing of hard hats and helmets for all construction workers when there’s any risk of head injury.

Helmets must meet ANSI Z89.1 standards. These cover things like impact resistance, fastening, and electrical insulation. If worn incorrectly, a hard hat can fly off when you least expect it. If worn too tightly, it can restrict movement and be just as distracting. Proper fit is important. 

2. Eye protection

If your job requires grinding, sawing, or using heavy machinery, there’s a significant risk to your eyes. Eye protection in the form of safety glasses, goggles, or full-face shields is required by OSHA if there is even the slightest chance of ingress by dust or chemicals, or injury by flying debris.

Poor eye protection (or none at all) on construction sites can cause permanent damage to your eyesight. Glasses should fit snugly without slipping or fogging up. If you’re working with chemicals or power tools, face protection shields that prevent contact with the surrounding tissue of the eyes add an extra layer of defense.

3. Hearing protection

Construction is loud. Tools such as pile drivers, impact wrenches, and hammer drills operate at around 100-120 dB. That’s as loud as a close clap of thunder or a stadium full of people cheering all at once. 

ANSI regulations state that ear protection is required for any situation with sounds at 85 dB and louder (that’s about as loud as a forklift crane).

Options include earplugs and earmuffs. Earplugs fit directly into the ear, while earmuffs cover the entire ear and are easier to put on and remove throughout the day.

Regardless of which hearing PPE you use, it must fit correctly. 

If it’s loose, sound waves get through and the protection equipment becomes useless. If it’s too tight, it can irritate the ear canal, and you end up trading hearing damage for ear pain. 

4. Respiratory protection

Breathing in fumes, dust, or chemical vapor can cause long-term and debilitating lung damage. Respiratory protection helps keep the lungs clear and workers breathing easily on site. Depending on the job, OSHA can require a simple dust mask or a full respirator to be worn.

Some particles emitted during construction are only 2.5 micrometers in size. To put this into perspective, a human hair is 70 micrometers in width. Combustion products, dust, and even some metal byproducts all fall into the PM 2.5 category. 

Respiratory protection must be fitted snugly to prevent these particles from entering your lungs. No air should be able to enter via leaks, which commonly occur around the cheeks and nose on poorly fitted gear. 

5. Fall protection

Falls are one of OSHA’s most cited violations. Any time you work at six feet or higher, fall protection is required by OSHA regulations.

This typically means you’ll be wearing a harness, an anchor point, and a lanyard or lifeline. This setup spreads the force of a fall across your body to reduce injury. 

Like all PPE, it must fit correctly. If a harness is too loose, you risk slipping out. If it’s too tight, it can reduce blood flow and hinder work.

6. Hand protection

Cuts, burns, and abrasions happen fast if a worker is not wearing appropriate hand protection. OSHA regulations state that employers need to select the correct gloves for the task.

Gloves are ideal if you need grip. Leather or rubber protection is ideal if you’re handling rebar or steel. Nitrile gloves should be worn at a minimum if you’re working with chemicals. 

Fit matters here, too. Loose gloves get caught in tools, and tight gloves can cut off blood flow to the fingertips.

7. Foot protection

If you’ve ever dropped a brick or stepped into a pool of oil, you know why foot protection is important. On most construction sites, OSHA requires protective footwear to adhere to the ANSI 1910.136(b)(1)(i, ii, iii) guidelines, which include toe protection (steel-toe boots), puncture-resistance in the soles to prevent injuries when stepping on sharp objects, and slip-proof tread. 

Some jobs might also require coveralls and shin guards for more protection. Footwear should match the terrain and hazards.

8. High-visibility clothing

Construction zones are busy. Visibility matters, especially when you’re working around vehicles and heavy machinery. High-visibility clothing helps prevent workers from being accidentally overlooked and hit. 

This category includes bright vests, safety vests with reflective tape, and any wearable gear designed for maximum visibility. OSHA requires construction workers and workers in traffic management around construction sites to wear high-visibility clothing. 

9. Electric shock protection

If you’re working on a site with live electricity and energized circuits, you’ll need more than standard gloves. Electrical hazards can cause serious injuries or even fatalities, so OSHA requires construction workers to wear PPE rated for electrical risks. 

PPE designed to protect from electrical hazards must pass AC and DC protection tests rated to the site’s electrical infrastructure. 

Rubber insulating gloves, sleeves, and sometimes head protection made from non-conductive materials are required, as this type of gear reduces the chance of electrical shock or arc flash injuries. 

10. Skin protection

Not every hazard is visible. Chemicals, extreme temperatures, and UV exposure can damage skin over time. PPE equipment like long-sleeve shirts, coveralls, and specialized gloves is required to protect workers in certain tasks.

These can be thick thermal gloves for welders or chemical-resistant sleeves for on-site lab work. You may not feel a splash or burn immediately but the damage can escalate quickly. Good skin protection lets you work safely without paying for it later. 

What Are the Main Construction Hazards That PPE Protects From?

Working on a construction site means facing some serious workplace hazards daily. Falls, noise, sharp tools, and chemicals are all just part of the job. These risks are also why using PPE is so important.

The main construction hazards that PPE protects from are:

• Fall hazards: Falling from scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops is one of the leading causes of injuries and death on job sites. 

• Head injuries: Falling tools or materials can cause severe head trauma. Without hard hats, construction workers are exposed to dangerous impacts. 

• Chemical exposure: Solvents, paints, and cleaning agents can cause significant burns and damage if they come in contact with the skin or the eyes. 

• Respiratory hazards: Breathing in dust, fumes, and airborne PM10 and PM2.5 particles can cause long-term health and lung issues. 

• Hearing loss: Acute and constant exposure to high noise levels from tools and heavy machinery can lead to permanent hearing damage.

Choosing the right gear for each job is the core of construction site safety. It’s also the first step in keeping your crew protected and helping them return home safely at the end of each day.

Who should wear PPE in construction?

Everyone, from workers to foremen, needs to wear PPE based on their job. Even the C-suite executives on a site tour need to wear PPE.

If there’s any risk of injury, no matter how big or small, every single person on site needs the right protection gear. There are no exceptions.

What Are the Benefits of Using Construction PPE?

PPE benefits construction professionals by reducing injuries, saving lives, and keeping jobs on track. Yes, compliance is one factor when it comes to PPE, but mostly it’s about protection that works when needed.

Here’s how proper safety equipment makes a real difference:

• Injury prevention: Gear like hard hats, respirators, and gloves helps prevent everything from little cuts and bruises to death at the work site. It creates a barrier between workers and the hazards they face every single day.

• Increased productivity: Fewer injuries mean far less downtime. A fully protected crew stays focused, confident, and efficient.

• Better team culture: A well-equipped construction team feels safer and more supported. Workers who can trust their employer to keep them safe receive a huge morale boost and feel more accountable to one another.

• Compliance and cost savings: Using PPE gear that meets functionality and industry standards, fits properly, and protects workers helps avoid citations and violations. It also helps to keep workers’ compensation claims in check and lowers the cost of workers' compensation overall.

The real power of PPE comes from consistent use, the proper fit, and training that sticks.

How to Properly Choose and Use PPE in Construction

To correctly choose and use construction PPE, it’s important to focus on the gear itself and how it’s used on-site. Buying equipment is only one step. How you train your team, store it, and keep tabs on it is just as critical.

When the stakes are high, small decisions make a big difference:

• Choose reputable brands: Stick with manufacturers that consistently meet certifications. It’s tempting to cut costs, but you can’t put a price tag on the safety of your crew.

• Consider proper fitting and size: PPE should fit securely without being too tight. Poor fit reduces protection and makes the gear less likely to be worn.

• Train your employees on PPE: Employers are required to provide safety training. Workers need to know when PPE is required, what kind they should use, how to wear and adjust it, and how to clean, maintain, and dispose of it correctly. This is an OSHA requirement and cannot be overlooked.

• Assess job-specific hazards: Always match appropriate PPE to the tasks at hand. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work in high-risk environments.

• Ensure employee comfort: Gear that’s too hot, too heavy, or too hard to move in will not get worn. Choose gear that balances protection with comfort.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: This is non-negotiable. Instructions are there to preserve functionality and make sure the gear provides long-term performance.

Where can you buy construction PPE?

Buying construction PPE isn’t one-size-fits-all either. Typically, contractors purchase it from these vendors:

• Local safety distributors: These vendors know the needs of your region and can offer in-store advice—something you can’t get online.

• Industrial supply stores: If you already know what you want, these distributors can order it in bulk.

• E-commerce platforms: Online PPE stores provide a quick and easy way to order your gear. Read reviews from other professionals to ensure you’re not buying knock-offs or inferior gear.

Whatever route you choose, do your research. Your needs may vary based on location, job type, and crew size. 

A construction inventory template can simplify tracking PPE levels across multiple job sites. This way, you’ll always know what’s missing before placing the next order.

How to Maintain and Store Construction PPE

Maintaining PPE isn’t just good practice. On a busy construction site, it’s pretty easy to forget where the gear is supposed to go or overlook minor damage. However, skipping steps lowers workplace safety and increases the risk of injury.

Here’s a brief look at what you need to do to maintain your gear and keep it fit for purpose:

• Return your PPE to its designated place

• Regularly inspect your PPE

• Replace PPE when needed

• Clean your PPE

• Keep track of your PPE stock levels

Proper care keeps gear effective and makes using PPE part of your everyday workflow. Smart systems like ServiceTitan’s Contractor Inventory Management software help by tracking storage, replacements, and inspections. 

1. Return your PPE to its designated place

After every shift, construction workers should return their gear to a safe, clean, and designated storage area. While leaving a hard hat on the dash might seem harmless, heat and UV rays weaken its construction material.

Each job site should have a well-known and accessible dry, sanitary place for storing PPE. In the field, this could be a storage container on a truck or inside a demountable building. If conditions aren’t up to par, report it to managers, as it could affect the safety of your team.

ServiceTitan’s Mobile Inventory app’s barcode-scanning feature makes it easy to check gear in and out of storage. It also keeps everything organized and workers accountable when gear goes missing.

2. Regularly inspect your PPE

A quick inspection can catch problems well before they become a life-threatening hazard. Damaged or worn-out gear doesn’t protect anyone.

With ServiceTitan’s Inventory Management software, you can quickly log inspections and flag gear for repair or replacement—no clipboards required.

All inventory adjustments and stock levels are centrally managed. This means once someone knows the gear is out of service, everyone does.

3. Replace PPE when needed

PPE doesn’t last forever; it has an expiration date. It has to go once the gear is worn, damaged, or no longer meets safety standards.

Whether it’s a cracked helmet, stretched harness, or boots worn out so badly you can see your socks, they should be replaced to comply with industry-standard regulations. 

With serialized inventory tracking in ServiceTitan’s Inventory Management system, it’s easy for workers to keep tabs on the age and usage of gear. It can even auto-generate replenishment orders when you’re running low.

4. Clean your PPE

Dirty PPE can be just as risky as damaged gear. It’s important to always clean and sanitize safety equipment after each use, especially if it has been exposed to dust, chemicals, or moisture.

The proper cleaning method depends on the material. Some items can be simply wiped down, while others, like respirators or gloves, may need washing and disinfecting. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging protective features.

How often should construction PPE be replaced?

PPE should be replaced anytime it shows signs of damage or wear, or is past its expiration date.

There’s no universal timeline. Some gear, like gloves or masks, may be single-use. Others, like hard hats, can last years if undamaged. Environmental exposure, job type, and material also affect how long the gear lasts. 

Always inspect PPE before use, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and check expiration dates.

If you’re ever in doubt, swap it out. Your safety simply isn’t worth the risk.

5. Keep track of your PPE stock levels

Running out of PPE can delay work or force crews to go without (which is never an option). It’s a risk that no team should ever have to take.

With ServiceTitan’s Construction Management software, you can keep track of PPE stock in real time. This includes everything you take for granted to protect your safety, including bin locations, usage rates, and expiration dates. 

Its purchase order management system and barcode scanning make handling everything from warehouse stock to the gear you keep in every truck easy. You’ll always know what you have, when you need it, and exactly where it is.

What Are the Differences Between Reusable and Disposable PPE in Construction?

Reusable PPE is made to last through multiple uses with proper cleaning and care. It’s best for ongoing work on construction sites where the gear isn’t exposed to heavy contamination.

Reusable PPE in construction includes hard hats, safety goggles, face shields, hearing protection like earmuffs, harnesses, and steel-toed boots.

Disposable PPE is designed for one-time use only. It should be discarded after contamination, wear, or damage.

Examples of disposable PPE in construction include dust masks, nitrile gloves, disposable coveralls, shoe covers, and respirators that have been used short-term in extremely hazardous conditions.

The right choice depends on the task, hazard exposure, and your crew’s proactive clothing needs.

Does Construction PPE Compliance Vary Among Different Countries?

Yes, construction PPE compliance varies wildly from country to country. Different legal systems, safety standards, and enforcement levels all influence what’s considered acceptable and mandated.

In the U.S., OSHA.gov is leading the charge, while the EU focuses more on collective protection measures through the EU-OSHA. The UK’s HSE (Health and Safety Executive) enforces PPE use through thorough risk assessments, and countries like Germany and France have strict worker protection laws.

In Australia, construction workers must follow the Work Health and Safety (Safe Work Australia) regulations. Australia places an extremely strict and strong emphasis on employer responsibility and hazard control. 

In contrast, many developing nations face numerous challenges with enforcement and training. Cultural attitudes, cost pressures, and economic sanctions can impact access to quality PPE.

Over to You

If there’s one thing you should take away from this guide, it’s that PPE simply isn’t optional. PPE is the last line of defense on any construction site, and using it correctly means your team can go home safely to their families at the end of every day.

Choosing the right gear, using it properly, and keeping it in good condition prevents serious injury and saves lives.

Safe crews are effective, and it all starts with good habits and smart systems.

Looking for a better way to manage PPE across your construction sites? ServiceTitan is a powerful, easy-to-use platform built for residential and commercial contractors. With inventory tracking, purchase order management, and stock level automation, it simplifies how you handle safety gear. With ServiceTitan, you can focus on running a safer and more efficient business.