Toolbox talk · Personal protective equipment
PPE: the last line of defense
PPE is the last thing between you and an injury. We try to remove hazards first, but when something still goes wrong, your hard hat, glasses, gloves, and boots are what's left. This week, let's make sure our gear is the right gear, in good shape, and actually on.
Published 2026-10-23
Key points
- 1Check your PPE before every shift. Look for cracks in your hard hat, scratched or broken glasses, torn gloves, and worn-out boot soles.
- 2If your gear is damaged, don't make it work. Tell me and get a replacement before you start the task.
- 3Match the PPE to the job. Cutting, grinding, or chipping needs eye protection, and some tasks need a face shield over safety glasses.
- 4Your gear has to fit. A loose hard hat, gloves that are too big, or glasses that slide down won't protect you, so adjust it or ask for the right size.
- 5Keep it on the whole time you're exposed. Most injuries happen in the few seconds someone lifts their glasses or takes off their gloves "just for a minute."
- 6Clean and store your gear right. Wipe your glasses, keep your hard hat out of the sun on the dashboard, and keep gloves dry.
- 7Don't modify your PPE. No drilling holes, painting, or stickers that hide cracks on your hard hat.
Talk it over
- What task on our site right now needs more PPE than just a hard hat, glasses, and boots?
- When do you feel like taking your PPE off, and what would make it easier to keep it on?
- Is anyone's gear worn out, uncomfortable, or the wrong size today?
Remember
Right gear, good shape, on the whole time — it only works if you wear it.
Also in the other language: EPP: la última línea de defensa
Official sources
- 29 CFR 1926.28 — Personal protective equipmentecfr.gov
- 29 CFR 1926.95 — Criteria for personal protective equipmentecfr.gov
Print it with a sign-in sheet
Pro prints every talk on your letterhead with an attendance sheet, records who attended, and emails your foremen this week's talk every Monday.
General information, not legal advice. Templates and examples should be reviewed by a competent person before use. HardHat Binder is not affiliated with or endorsed by OSHA.