PPE for Riggers: Gear That Keeps You Safe and Compliant

Riggers handle crushing loads, swinging gear, and risky heights. Miss one piece of PPE, and it’s a trip to the ER (or worse).

Must-have PPE items for riggers:

• ANSI-rated hard hat
• Cut-resistant, oil-grip gloves
• Steel-toe, slip-resistant boots
• Hi-vis, breathable shirts (ANSI/ISEA 107)
• Full-body fall protection harness
• Safety glasses with side shields
• Hearing protection (plugs or muffs)

If you’re a rigger, safety officer, or jobsite supervisor trying to figure out what PPE actually matters, and which brands won’t melt into your armpits by lunch, you’re in the right place.

At Armed American Supply, we make workwear that earns side-eye smirks and full-belly laughs from the crew. 

Keep reading, we’ll walk you through why each piece of gear matters, how to choose the right one, and how to stay safe without ditching comfort or culture.

PPE Checklist for Riggers: What’s Mandatory vs. What’s Smart

Not all gear is created equal, and not all of it is legally required. But if you’re the guy under the load or working on a beam three stories up, you want to know exactly what you need and what’s just smart insurance.

Here's a no-BS checklist every rigger should keep close:

Mandatory PPE (Non-Negotiables)

These items are required on any legitimate jobsite, especially under OSHA guidelines:

• Hard Hat (ANSI Z89.1) – Impact and penetration resistance
• Steel-Toe Boots (ASTM F2413) – Protect against crush injuries
• Cut-Resistant Gloves (ANSI-rated) – Handle steel, slings, and wire rope safely
• Hi-Vis Apparel (ANSI/ISEA 107) – Be seen in chaotic or low-light zones
• Fall Protection Harness – Required if working at 6 feet or higher without guardrails

Smart, Recommended PPE

These aren’t always required, but your body will thank you later:

• Knee Pads – When kneeling on rebar, decking, or unforgiving surfaces
• Sunscreen & UV-Protection Gear – Critical for outdoor rigging
• GoPro-Friendly Helmet Mounts – For safety auditing or training purposes
• Tool Tethering Clips – Prevent dropped tools on busy sites
• Safety Goggles (Over Glasses) – If your tasks kick up debris beyond the side shields

Pro Tip: Funny doesn’t mean noncompliant. We build shirts that pass visibility tests and still get laughs on site. If your gear’s ANSI-rated and breathable, it doesn’t have to suck, or look like it was designed by a flavorless corporate memo.

What the Standards Say: OSHA, ANSI & CSA Compliance

You don’t need to be a lawyer to follow the rules, but you do need to know who sets them.

Whether you're ordering gear for your crew or trying to avoid your next OSHA fine, here's the quick breakdown of the three major safety standards that matter most for riggers:

You don’t need to memorize each line of code, but here’s the gist: OSHA makes sure you have the gear, while ANSI and CSA define how tough that gear needs to be.

Now, one of the most common questions we get: “Do funny shirts still count as hi-vis if they’re printed?”

And the answer is yes, if the shirt meets the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard for high-visibility apparel.

That means it must include the right reflective materials, placement, and contrast. So no, your cousin’s neon tank top doesn’t qualify, but yes, Armed American’s reflective shirts with ANSI-compliant inks absolutely do.

Gear Built by Guys Who Get It

If your crew’s tired of stiff high-vis that screams “designed by suits,” check out Armed American Supply’s lineup. Same compliance. Way more character.

We build workwear that gets worn, not just because it checks the safety boxes, but because it feels good, fits real bodies, and brings jobsite culture to life. Every shirt, every sticker, every high-vis piece we ship out is designed to protect, perform, and maybe get a few laughs in the process.

Because at the end of the day, you shouldn’t have to choose between doing the job right and being comfortable doing it. With Armed American, you don’t have to.

👉 Shop our hi-vis collection today and gear up with PPE that works as hard (and laughs as loud) as you do.