PPE — Head, Eye, and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.95)

What 29 CFR 1926.95 (Subpart E) Requires

PPE requirements under Subpart E start with a hazard assessment — the employer must evaluate the workplace to determine what protective equipment is needed. This written assessment is the foundation for all PPE requirements and is the most commonly missing document during inspections:

• Hazard assessment required to determine what PPE is necessary for each task
• Employers must provide PPE at no cost to employees
• Hard hats required where there is danger of head injury from falling or flying objects
• Eye and face protection required where there is danger of injury from flying particles, chemicals, or radiation
• PPE must meet applicable ANSI standards (e.g., ANSI Z89.1 for hard hats, ANSI Z87.1 for eye protection)
• Training on proper use, care, and limitations of each type of PPE

Most Common Violations

PPE violations are among the most preventable OSHA citations. Most result from either a missing hazard assessment document or workers simply not wearing required equipment. These are visible violations that inspectors identify within minutes of arriving on site:

• No written hazard assessment for PPE selection
• Workers not wearing required hard hats in overhead hazard areas
• Missing eye protection during grinding, cutting, or drilling operations
• PPE not meeting current ANSI standards (outdated hard hats, non-rated glasses)
• No training documentation on PPE use and limitations
• Damaged or defective PPE still in use without replacement

Penalty Exposure

Penalty range: $1,190–$16,550 per serious violation; up to $165,514 per willful violation

PPE citations are typically classified as serious violations, with penalties up to $16,550 per violation in 2026. The written hazard assessment is a single-document requirement — its absence can generate a citation that applies site-wide. When multiple workers lack required PPE, OSHA may issue per-instance citations for each unprotected worker.

The good news is that PPE documentation is straightforward to create and maintain. A certified hazard assessment plus training records can prevent the most common PPE citations entirely.

Documentation You Need

PPE documentation is one of the most straightforward compliance areas — but it must be done formally. A verbal assessment is not sufficient. The written hazard assessment must be certified with a signature and date:

• Written PPE hazard assessment certified by a responsible person (with name, date, and signature)
• PPE selection records linking specific hazards to specific equipment
• Training records showing employees were trained on required PPE for their tasks
• PPE inspection and replacement records
• ANSI compliance documentation for all PPE in use
• Retraining records when workplace conditions or PPE change

What Inspectors Look For

During an OSHA inspection, PPE compliance is one of the fastest things to assess — inspectors can see whether workers are wearing hard hats and safety glasses from a distance. The document review focuses on the hazard assessment:

• Written hazard assessment — this is the foundational document for all PPE requirements
• Workers wearing appropriate PPE for the tasks being performed
• Condition of PPE in use — cracked hard hats, scratched lenses, expired equipment
• Training records tying specific workers to specific PPE requirements
• ANSI markings on hard hats and safety glasses
• Evidence of systematic PPE inspection and replacement program

Related Resources

• OSHA Top 10 Most Cited Violations in Construction (2026)
• OSHA Inspection Checklist for Construction (2026)
• OSHA Fine Amounts 2026: Current Penalty Rates
• OSHA Required Documentation for Contractors