100 Vital Essential PPE Reminders That Could Save a Life

Essential PPE Reminders are crucial for every workplace to prevent injuries and save lives. Personal protective equipment (PPE) serves as the last line of defense against hazards—from chemical splashes to impact forces.

Despite comprehensive OSHA PPE standards and guidelines from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety and the CDC, lapses still occur.

Embedding these Essential PPE Reminders into daily routines can bridge the gap between compliance and true protection, reinforcing a safety-first mindset on every site.

Essential PPE Reminders for Head and Face Protection

Head injuries can be life-altering, and face shields often make the difference between minor cuts and severe trauma. Regular inspections and proper fitting ensure helmets and shields perform as intended.

For guidance on establishing a rigorous inspection program, see our article on Respirator Fit Testing: What Employers Need to Know.

• 1. Always inspect hard hats for cracks, dents, or deformities.
  2. Ensure helmet suspension systems are clean and undamaged.
  3. Replace any hard hat after significant impact, even without visible damage.
  4. Secure chin straps snugly to prevent slippage during work.
  5. Verify face shields are free of scratches that impair vision.
  6. Use full-brim helmets in outdoor or falling-object hazard areas.
  7. Confirm compatibility when wearing ear muffs with hard hats.
  8. Clean sweatbands regularly to maintain comfort and hygiene.
  9. Store headgear in a cool, dry place away from chemicals.
  10. Avoid stickers or paint that can weaken shell integrity.
  11. Check suspension webbing for fraying or loose stitching.
  12. Use clear anti-fog coatings on face shields in humid conditions.
  13. Replace foam liners every six months or per manufacturer instructions.
  14. Ensure welding helmets have the correct shade filter for the task.
  15. Rotate helmets among users to prevent overuse of a single unit.
  16. Keep helmet storage racks off the floor to avoid contamination.
  17. Label each hard hat with the user’s name to prevent mix-ups.
  18. Inspect visor pivots and adjustment knobs for smooth operation.
  19. Don’t modify or drill holes into helmet shells.
  20. Replace helmets within the recommended service life.

Essential PPE Reminders for Eye and Hearing Protection

Eye and hearing damage can be permanent—and often occurs gradually. Proper selection, fit, and maintenance of goggles, glasses, and ear protection are non-negotiable.

Refer to our Behavior-Based Safety: Does It Really Work? discussion on encouraging correct PPE usage among teams.

• 21. Use safety glasses with side shields for impact protection.
  22. Opt for prescription safety eyewear when needed—never remove for vision.
  23. Clean lenses with manufacturer-approved solutions to avoid scratches.
  24. Replace earplug foam tips after each shift to maintain hygiene.
  25. Check earmuff seals for cracks or hardening.
  26. Store hearing protectors in sealed cases to prevent dust buildup.
  27. Inspect anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings before each use.
  28. Choose ear muffs with a minimum NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) suitable for the environment.
  29. Provide disposable earplugs for visitors and contractors.
  30. Train employees on the correct insertion depth and angle for plugs.
  31. Fit-test custom-molded earplugs annually.
  32. Replace damaged headbands on earmuffs immediately.
  33. Keep spare lenses and foam tips on hand.
  34. Mark inspection dates inside goggles for scheduled replacement.
  35. Use over-the-ear hearing protectors with communication options when needed.
  36. Avoid wearing glasses under tight-fitting goggles—choose compatible models.
  37. Store eyewear in hard cases to avoid lens warping.
  38. Check for proper seal of wraparound safety glasses.
  39. Rotate disposable earplugs frequently to maintain effectiveness.
  40. Conduct periodic noise surveys to verify hearing protection adequacy.

Essential PPE Reminders for Hand and Arm Protection

Hands are the most frequent point of contact with hazards. Gloves and arm guards must match the specific risk—chemical, cut, or thermal—and be replaced at the first sign of wear.

• 41. Select gloves rated for the exact chemical or abrasion hazard.
  42. Inspect for tears, holes, or thinning before each use.
  43. Ensure cuff lengths protect wrists and forearms.
  44. Use heat-resistant gloves for hot work applications.
  45. Store gloves flat—avoid folding that can cause creases.
  46. Don rubber gloves over cloth liners in wet conditions.
  47. Verify proper grip texture for oily or slippery tasks.
  48. Label glove boxes with inspection and replacement dates.
  49. Provide multiple glove sizes to ensure a snug fit.
  50. Educate staff on safe glove removal to prevent contamination.
  51. Use cut-resistant sleeves when handling sharp objects.
  52. Discard bulk-packed disposable gloves that have exceeded shelf life.
  53. Rotate glove stock to use older inventory first.
  54. Replace chemical-resistant gloves after five exposures or per guidelines.
  55. Avoid storing gloves in direct sunlight or heat.
  56. Use nitrile over latex when dealing with unknown chemicals.
  57. Inspect gauntlets for secure stitching and seams.
  58. Offer hand cream stations to reduce skin cracking.
  59. Provide training on recognizing early signs of dermatitis.
  60. Keep sleeves rolled down and secured to avoid snag hazards.

Essential PPE Reminders for Body and Foot Protection

Protective clothing and footwear guard against impacts, spills, and slips. Proper fit and condition checks must be part of every pre-shift routine.

• 61. Wear high-visibility vests in low-light or high-traffic zones.
  62. Inspect coverall seams and closures for integrity.
  63. Choose flame-resistant apparel for hot work environments.
  64. Verify steel-toe boots meet ASTM impact and compression standards.
  65. Replace laces at first sign of fraying.
  66. Keep waterproofing treatments current on safety footwear.
  67. Use knee pads or work pants with built-in kneepads for floor tasks.
  68. Ensure gaiters are worn for off-road or dusty conditions.
  69. Check reflective tape for peeling or fading.
  70. Avoid using metal studs on indoor floors to prevent damage.
  71. Select boot soles with slip-resistant patterns.
  72. Provide tailored PPE sizing rather than “one-size-fits-all.”
  73. Launder protective clothing according to manufacturer instructions.
  74. Store boots off the ground on ventilated racks.
  75. Replace waterproof lining when signs of leakage appear.
  76. Use anti-static clothing in flammable environments.
  77. Label each garment with the user’s ID and inspection date.
  78. Rotate uniforms to extend service life.
  79. Check belt buckles and fasteners for rust or damage.
  80. Inspect boots for sole wear and replace when tread is compromised.

Essential PPE Reminders for Respiratory and Miscellaneous Protection

Respiratory hazards are often invisible but deadly. Proper selection, fit-testing, and maintenance of respirators—and attention to other specialty PPE—complete your protective strategy.

For more on building a full safety framework, see Comprehensive Safety Management Systems.

• 81. Choose respirators based on hazard type—dust, vapors, or gases.
  82. Conduct formal fit-testing before first use and annually thereafter.
  83. Replace cartridges or filters per manufacturer’s schedule.
  84. Store respirators in airtight containers when not in use.
  85. Inspect facepiece seals for cracks or warping.
  86. Keep spare gaskets and straps on hand for quick repairs.
  87. Label cartridges with installation date for easy tracking.
  88. Provide PAPR maintenance training to designated personnel.
  89. Use disposable coveralls in contamination zones.
  90. Ensure fall-arrest harnesses have legible inspection tags.
  91. Train on proper donning/doffing of contaminated gear.
  92. Use chemical boots with the correct resistance rating.
  93. Check gas-detector backpacks for sensor expiration.
  94. Replace disposable respirators after each high-exposure event.
  95. Store all PPE in a clean, dry area away from contaminants.
  96. Keep calibration records for any electronic protective equipment.
  97. Provide training on specialty PPE like arc-flash suits.
  98. Inspect eyewash stations and showers as part of PPE checks.
  99. Ensure tools and equipment do not compromise PPE integrity.
  100. Rotate PPE stock and discard expired items promptly.

Incorporating these Essential PPE Reminders into daily routines reinforces a culture of safety and compliance.

Regular training, equipment maintenance, and employee engagement ensure that PPE functions as intended—because every reminder matters when it comes to saving a life with Essential PPE Reminders.