Assess personal protective equipment needs, ensure OSHA compliance, and create comprehensive safety equipment specifications with cost analysis and training requirements.
Configure your work environment, hazards, and workforce information to calculate comprehensive PPE requirements and safety compliance analysis.
A comprehensive workplace hazard assessment is the foundation of any effective PPE program. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 requires employers to assess the workplace to determine if hazards necessitate the use of personal protective equipment.
| Shop Type | Primary Hazards | Risk Level | Annual PPE Cost/Worker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hobby/Small Shop | Dust, Noise, Impact | Low-Moderate | $200-400 |
| Cabinet Making | Dust, Chemical, Cut | Moderate | $400-600 |
| Production Shop | Noise, Impact, Dust | Moderate-High | $600-900 |
| Finishing Operations | Chemical, Respiratory | High | $800-1,200 |
| Industrial Facility | All Hazards | High | $1,000-1,800 |
Select PPE based on identified hazards, ANSI/ISEA standards, and specific performance requirements for woodworking applications.
| PPE Category | Unit Cost | Annual Replacement | Cost per Worker/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eye Protection (Safety Glasses) | $15-25 | 1-2 pairs | $20-40 |
| Hearing Protection (Earplugs/Muffs) | $10-30 | 2-4 sets | $30-80 |
| Respiratory Protection (Respirator) | $25-150 | 1 unit + 4-12 filters | $80-250 |
| Hand Protection (Work Gloves) | $12-45 | 4-12 pairs | $60-180 |
| Foot Protection (Safety Boots) | $85-165 | 1 pair | $85-165 |
| Training & Administration | - | - | $75-150 |
Initial Investment (Year 1):
Annual Replacement Costs (Year 2+): $4,200 ($280 per worker)
ROI: Prevented one lost-time injury ($15,000 cost) in first year - program paid for itself 2.3x over.
Equipment worn to minimize exposure to workplace hazards. Includes head, eye, hearing, respiratory, hand, and foot protection. OSHA requires employers to provide at no cost.
Lab-tested attenuation in decibels provided by hearing protection. OSHA derates by 50% for earplugs and 25% for earmuffs for real-world estimates.
American National Standards Institute standard for eye and face protection. Z87+ marking indicates impact-rated lenses. Required for all safety eyewear in woodworking.
OSHA-required evaluation of workplace to identify hazards needing PPE. Must be documented with written certification including assessor, date, location, and findings.
Quantitative or qualitative evaluation ensuring respirator seals properly to wearer's face. Required for all tight-fitting respirators per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134.
OSHA requires PPE based on identified hazards. Minimum for most shops: safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1), hearing protection (NRR 25+), dust mask (N95). Add respirators for finishing, cut-resistant gloves, and safety boots for production environments.
Disposables: daily (N95 masks) to weekly (foam earplugs). Semi-durable: 6-12 months (safety glasses, reusable earplugs). Durable: 12-24 months (safety boots, hard hats). Always replace immediately if damaged.
OSHA requires employers to provide necessary PPE at no cost to employees, except for everyday clothing and footwear. Employers must also ensure proper fit, training, and maintenance of all safety equipment.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132(f) requires training on: when PPE is necessary, what PPE to use, how to properly wear it, limitations, and care/maintenance. Initial training: 8-12 hours. Annual refresher: 4-6 hours.
Walk through facility during operations, identify impact/chemical/dust/noise/cut hazards, rate severity and probability, select appropriate PPE per ANSI standards, and document with written certification per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132(d).
Basic shop: $200-400/worker. Standard shop: $400-800/worker. Enhanced safety: $800-1,500/worker. Premium programs: $1,500-2,500/worker. Include initial purchase, replacements, training, and administration.