Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a critical role in warehouse safety, especially in the building materials industry, where workers regularly handle heavy, sharp, or hazardous materials. As regulations continue to evolve, 2025 brings several key updates to PPE compliance that warehouse operators and safety managers must understand and implement to stay compliant and protect their workforce.
New ANSI/ISEA Standards for Eye and Face Protection
In 2025, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) released updated guidelines for eye and face protection. These revisions focus on:
Improved impact resistance requirements
Enhanced testing for anti-fog coatings
Clearer labeling for compatibility with other PPE (such as respirators or hard hats)
Warehouses should ensure that all eyewear used on-site meets the updated ANSI Z87.1-2025 standard and replace outdated gear as needed.
OSHA Emphasis on Heat Stress PPE
With increasing temperatures impacting indoor and semi-indoor facilities, OSHA has increased its focus on heat-related safety. New guidance released in early 2025 emphasizes the use of PPE that helps manage heat stress, including:
Moisture-wicking garments
Cooling vests or accessories for high-exertion tasks
Break scheduling tools integrated into PPE plans
Employers are now expected to assess environmental risks and provide appropriate gear during hot conditions—especially in non-climate-controlled warehouses.
Smart PPE Integration
One of the most significant shifts in 2025 is the growing emphasis on “smart PPE”—wearable technology that can monitor conditions like body temperature, posture, and movement. While not yet mandated, OSHA and industry groups are increasingly encouraging warehouses to adopt these systems for high-risk tasks or confined-space work.
Early adopters of smart PPE are already seeing improved compliance tracking and real-time incident prevention, which can also reduce insurance premiums and improve audit outcomes.
Stricter PPE Fit Testing Requirements
Fit matters more than ever. New enforcement guidance released in 2025 requires warehouses to provide properly sized PPE for a diverse workforce. One-size-fits-all approaches are no longer acceptable, especially for:
Respirators and face masks
Safety harnesses for elevated work
Gloves for chemical or sharp material handling
Employers are now responsible for offering size and gender-inclusive PPE options and must maintain documentation proving that proper fitting procedures have been followed.
Enhanced Recordkeeping and Inspection Expectations
Compliance is no longer just about having PPE—it’s about proving it. Regulatory bodies now expect detailed documentation on:
PPE training records
Fit test results
Maintenance and inspection schedules
Replacement timelines based on manufacturer guidelines
Digital tracking systems are being recommended to help companies maintain compliance without drowning in paperwork.
Emphasis on Worker Training and Accountability
OSHA’s 2025 guidance reinforces the importance of consistent, high-quality training on PPE usage. Key changes include:
Mandatory annual PPE refreshers (previously bi-annual for some categories)
Specific training for task-based PPE (e.g., handling corrosive materials, working around silica dust)
Encouragement of peer-check systems to ensure PPE is being worn and used correctly on the floor
Training should be tailored to warehouse-specific hazards and delivered in multiple languages if needed.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 updates to PPE compliance reflect a growing emphasis on personalization, documentation, and proactive safety culture. Warehouses in the building materials industry must take a close look at their current PPE programs and update policies, inventory, and training procedures accordingly.
Staying ahead of these updates isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about building a safer, more efficient, and more resilient workplace for every employee.
