Construction PPE Checklist for Jobsite Safety

Aug 25, 2025

Your crew doesn’t need a lecture, they need a PPE checklist that works. From busted gloves to “borrowed” hard hats, jobsite safety only works when the gear actually shows up and holds up.

This checklist covers the must-haves for every role on site:

Hard hats that pass the drop test (and stay on your dome)
Eye and face protection that doesn’t fog or flop
Ear gear that saves your hearing and your sanity
Gloves that match the job, not just what’s left in the gang box
High-vis apparel crews actually want to wear
Steel-toe boots that grip, flex, and last
Respirators that beat dust, fumes, and “just one cut” excuses
Fall protection that doesn’t fray, twist, or disappear midweek

And if the crew’s rocking stiff vests and faded freebies from some safety expo, that’s where we come in. At Armed American Supply, we build PPE that crews wear proudly, hi-vis that’s breathable, funny, and field-tested by guys who’ve walked the same joblines.

Keep scrolling for the full checklist, some laughs, and the gear that keeps your name off the incident report and on the “crew MVP” list.

PPE Basics by Body Part (The Core Checklist)

Let’s start at the top, literally. Here’s the essential gear you need for head-to-toe protection, organized so you can scan, print, and put it to use immediately.

Head Protection

Every worker near potential falling objects needs a hard hat. Not just any hat, but one that meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standards, fits snugly, and shows zero cracks or dents. Chin straps? If it’s windy or you’re working at height, they’re not optional.

Eye & Face Protection

Grinding? Cutting? Anything that shoots debris or creates sparks? Safety glasses or goggles are your first defense. For high-risk tasks, combine them with face shields.

Look for gear that’s anti-fog and scratch-resistant. If guys can’t see clearly, they’ll ditch it by lunch.

Hearing Protection

Let’s be honest: earplugs often get ignored unless a foreman is watching. But sustained noise, even from low-level machinery, can cause permanent hearing loss.

Fit matters, whether it’s foam plugs or earmuffs; if it’s not snug, it’s not safe. More than a few guys have said, “My tinnitus would be better today if I hadn’t ignored those plugs back in ‘08.”

Respiratory Protection

Dust, fumes, insulation particles, your lungs catch what your eyes can’t see. Masks and respirators must match the hazard and fit properly with no gaps. Regular filter changes are key, and don’t let “just a quick cut” be an excuse.

Hand Protection

One glove doesn’t fit all. Concrete work? Get chemical-resistant. Framing? Go cut-proof. And if they’re torn, soggy, or stiff, they’re worthless. Many workers default to whatever’s in the gang box, a habit that ends in stitches or worse.

Body & Visibility Gear

Here’s where function meets culture. OSHA requires high-visibility vests, but let’s be real, half the battle is getting guys to actually wear them. That’s why hi vis shirts with personality work.

We make high-vis tees that get worn because they’re funny, breathable, and don’t feel like HR issued them. If the crew’s laughing, they’re more likely to be compliant.

Foot Protection

Steel-toe boots should be standard, and checked regularly for sole grip, intact structure, and broken laces. A busted boot can be just as dangerous as no boot at all. And make sure they’re actually worn on site, not swapped out in the truck.

Fall Protection (If Applicable)

Working above 6 feet? A harness and lanyard are required. Inspect gear for fraying, rust, or cracks every day, and check that the D-ring is centered and snug.

One loose strap can turn a near-miss into a disaster. Mark inspections on a log and replace gear at the first sign of wear.

Helpful resource -> PPE for Construction: Essential Safety Gear Every Job Site Needs

Task-Specific PPE (Because Not Everyone Uses a Jackhammer)

Not every crew member is hauling rebar or hanging from scaffolding, but every role on a site still carries its own risks.

That’s why PPE should never be one-size-fits-all. Your checklist needs job-specific add-ons based on task exposure, work zone, and tool use.

Let’s break it down:

Welders

Required: Face shields, flame-resistant gloves, welding aprons/jackets, respirators.
Why it matters: Arc flashes, molten metal, and inhalation hazards demand more than just standard safety glasses.

Masons

Required: Dust masks or respirators, padded gloves, reinforced boots.
Add-on: Knee pads, these get overlooked but are lifesavers when laying block all day.

Electricians

Required: Insulated gloves, flame-resistant clothing, and dielectric boots.
Add-on: Arc-rated face shields for switchgear work, because electricity doesn’t care if you’re “just in there for a minute.”

Helpful resource -> PPE for Electricians: Essential Gear That Keeps You Safe

Surveyors

Required: High-vis vest, steel-toe boots.
Add-on: Hard hats and glasses if working near active equipment or excavation.

Should Different Roles Have Different Checklists?

Absolutely. A core checklist is your foundation, but your site-specific protocol should always layer in job role adjustments.

Build modular checklists, one master list, and a column for role-based extras. That way, your sheet adapts to the site without missing anything vital.

Common PPE Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake #1: Thinking PPE is your first defense

It's not. PPE is the last resort in the hierarchy of controls. You start with eliminating hazards, then engineering fixes, admin controls, and then PPE. Don’t skip straight to gear and call it a day.

Mistake #2: Buying cheap gear

You might save $5 on gloves today, but you’ll spend $5,000 on medical bills later. Thin, poorly stitched gear is like trusting a paper towel to stop a fall.

Mistake #3: Grabbing “whatever’s in the truck”

This happens more than you think. Workers rush, PPE gets left behind, and suddenly someone’s using welding gloves for demo work. That's not gear, that’s a gamble.

The fix? Train crews on why quality and task-specific fit matter. If they understand how gear protects them personally, they’re more likely to wear it and speak up when it’s worn out.

Digital vs. Paper Checklists: What Works Best on Site?

Let’s be real, most job sites still rely on crumpled paper forms shoved into clipboards. But those get ignored, lost, or faked. When OSHA walks in or there’s an incident? You need more than “I think it was checked.”

Paper systems fail because they depend on memory, trust, and legibility.

Digital checklists fix that. Tools like Glartek, Manifest, and mobile apps can:

Send automatic inspection reminders.
Flag missing or damaged gear in real time.
Keep a digital log of daily checks (hello, audit-proofing).
Share records instantly between crews and management.

Maintenance & Inspection Tips to Stay Compliant

If your gear’s collecting dust, it’s probably not collecting safety points. PPE must be checked regularly, not just tossed on and forgotten.

Daily Visual Checks: Look for rips, cracks, fogging, or worn soles.
Monthly Deep Inspections: Especially for fall protection gear, respirators, and helmets.
Retire Gear If: It smells weird, fits poorly, or shows any visible wear, don’t wait for failure.

Pro Tip: Assign a rotating “PPE monitor”, one person per crew who does the walkthrough and logs issues. It’s faster, builds accountability, and reinforces the idea that everyone owns safety.

Make PPE Stick (And Stick Out)

Want to go one better?

Make safety gear personal. Stickers, reflective decals, and high-vis tees that say something, that’s what gets remembered. When your gear gets laughs, gets noticed, and gets compliments, it doesn’t end up forgotten in a duffel bag.

If you want your crew to show up safe and show off a little, check out Armed American Supply. We make funny hi-vis shirts, hard hat decals, and reflective gear that’ll keep your team compliant and crackin’ up.

Because safety doesn’t have to be boring, and on our jobsites, it never is.

With this checklist in hand, and maybe a few jokes on your back, you’ll be one step ahead of the inspector, the clock, and the chaos.

FAQ

Let’s knock out a few of the most common questions safety leads and new foremen run into when building their PPE plans.

Do surveyors need different PPE?

Absolutely. While they might not be knee-deep in concrete, surveyors often work near heavy equipment, unstable ground, or roadside traffic. At a minimum, they need high-vis vests and steel-toe boots.

If they’re anywhere near active construction or moving gear, hard hats and safety glasses become essential. It's not just about compliance, it's about being seen and staying upright in sketchy terrain.

How do I make a checklist from scratch for my crew?

Start with a body-part breakdown: head, eyes, ears, hands, lungs, body, feet, fall. Then build from there, depending on job roles. A guy welding on a mezzanine needs different gear than a mason on flat ground.

Add task-specific notes for each position, then post the checklist in the trailer, and hand it out. Visual reminders matter more than you think.

Are earplugs really necessary?

Yes. And not just during demo. Prolonged exposure to moderate noise (like generators or air compressors) causes just as much damage over time as a single loud bang.

More than a few veterans on site have tinnitus stories that all start the same way: “I figured it was no big deal…”