What to Include in a Company Policy for Employee PPE compliance in warehouses

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is one of the most basic—and most essential—components of warehouse safety. In environments where workers handle heavy materials, operate machinery, and move through high-traffic areas, the right PPE can prevent serious injuries and costly incidents.

But simply providing PPE isn’t enough. You need a clear, enforceable policy that outlines expectations, responsibilities, and consequences. Here’s what your company PPE compliance policy should include to keep your warehouse safe and compliant with OSHA regulations.

• Purpose and Scope

Start by clearly stating the purpose of the policy—protecting employees from workplace hazards—and define the scope of who it applies to:

All warehouse staff

Temporary or contract workers

Visitors and vendors entering designated zones

Explain that the policy is designed to meet or exceed OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I requirements on personal protective equipment.

• Hazard Assessment Summary

Reference the types of hazards present in your warehouse that require PPE, such as:

Falling objects (hard hats)

Sharp materials (gloves)

Forklift traffic (high-visibility vests)

Dust and debris (eye protection, masks)

Noise (hearing protection)

You can summarize the results of a facility-specific hazard assessment to justify the PPE types mandated by the policy.

• Required PPE by Job Function or Area

Outline exactly what PPE is required, based on job duties or zones within the warehouse. For example:

Forklift operators: Safety shoes, high-visibility vest, hearing protection

Material handlers: Gloves, safety glasses, steel-toe boots

Loading dock workers: Hard hats, high-visibility vests, slip-resistant footwear

Visitors: Safety vests and eye protection when entering active zones

Be clear and consistent. Use charts or signage in your facility to reinforce these PPE zones visually.

• Issuance and Responsibility

Clarify who is responsible for providing PPE:

The company will provide required PPE at no cost to employees

Employees are responsible for the care, maintenance, and proper use of PPE

Damaged or worn-out PPE must be reported and replaced promptly

Also, explain how replacement requests and inventory management will be handled (e.g., through a supervisor or safety coordinator).

• Training Requirements

State that all employees will receive PPE training before starting work, including:

When and how to wear PPE

How to inspect and maintain gear

How to store PPE properly

Understanding PPE limitations and when to replace it

Training must be documented and repeated when new equipment, tasks, or hazards are introduced.

• Enforcement and Disciplinary Actions

Your policy should be enforceable. Make it clear that:

Failure to wear PPE is a safety violation

Supervisors will monitor compliance daily

Repeated non-compliance will result in progressive discipline (verbal warning, written warning, suspension, etc.)

Make enforcement consistent across all levels of staff to support a culture of accountability.

• Policy Review and Updates

Explain how and when the policy will be reviewed:

Annually, or more frequently if workplace hazards change

In response to new regulations or safety incidents

With input from supervisors and safety committees

Encourage employee feedback and questions to keep the policy relevant and practical.

Final Thoughts

A warehouse PPE policy is more than a rulebook—it’s a foundation for a safety-first culture. When employees know what’s expected, why it matters, and how to comply, PPE becomes second nature rather than an afterthought.

Whether you’re managing a small distribution center or a large-scale warehouse, having a clear and well-communicated PPE policy protects your people, your operations, and your legal standing.