Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for protecting employees from various workplace hazards [1]. Employers are required to provide, ensure the use of, and maintain PPE in a sanitary and reliable condition whenever hazards exist that could cause injury or impairment through absorption, inhalation, or physical contact [1]. This includes equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, as well as protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers [1].

Key aspects of PPE programs include:

• Hazard Assessment: Employers must assess the workplace to identify hazards that necessitate PPE use 1, 7. A written certification of this assessment is required, including the workplace evaluated, the evaluator, and the assessment date 1, 7.
• Equipment Selection: PPE must be selected to protect employees from identified hazards and properly fit each employee 1, 7. The equipment should be of safe design and construction for the work performed 1, 7.
• Training: Employers must train employees on when PPE is necessary, what PPE is necessary, how to properly use and maintain it, the limitations of the PPE, and its proper disposal 1, 2, 7. Employees must demonstrate understanding and ability to use PPE properly before performing work requiring it [2].
• Maintenance and Inspection: PPE must be regularly inspected and maintained. Defective or damaged PPE must not be used 1, 7, 12.
• Payment: Generally, employers must provide PPE at no cost to employees [2], with some exceptions for non-specialty safety-toe footwear and prescription safety eyewear under certain conditions [2].

It's important to avoid both under-protection and over-protection when selecting PPE, as PPE use can create its own hazards, such as heat stress or impaired vision [3]. A comprehensive PPE program should include hazard identification, medical monitoring, environmental surveillance, and procedures for selection, use, maintenance, and decontamination of PPE [3].