PPE Safety Toolbox Talk

Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is your last line of defense against jobsite hazards. When hazards cannot be eliminated, proper PPE helps protect you from serious injury.

This toolbox talk focuses on selecting, using, and maintaining PPE to keep crews safe on the jobsite.

Why This Matters

• PPE protects against common jobsite hazards
• Improper or missing PPE increases risk of injury
• Different tasks require different types of protection
• Most PPE-related incidents are preventable with proper use

Common Hazards

• Not wearing required PPE
• Using damaged or worn-out equipment
• Wearing the wrong PPE for the task
• Improper fit or incorrect use
• Removing PPE during active work
• Lack of awareness of required protection

Safety Checklist

• Identify required PPE for the task before starting work
• Inspect PPE before each use
• Wear hard hats, safety glasses, and high-visibility gear as required
• Use gloves appropriate for the task
• Wear hearing protection in high-noise areas
• Use respiratory protection where needed
• Ensure PPE fits properly and is adjusted correctly
• Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately
• Keep PPE clean and properly stored
• Follow all site-specific PPE requirements

Crew Talking Points

• What PPE is required for today’s tasks?
• Is everyone properly equipped and protected?
• Are there any damaged or missing items?
• Does all PPE fit correctly?
• What should you do if your PPE is damaged?

Stop Work If

• Required PPE is missing
• PPE is damaged or not functioning properly
• Workers are not using PPE correctly
• The wrong PPE is being used for the task
• Hazards are present without proper protection

Final Reminder

PPE only works if you wear it and wear it correctly. Take a moment to check your gear before starting work, it’s there to protect you.