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The implementation of behavior-based safety is discussed with reference to its impact on personal protective equipment (PPE). Seven guidelines which can help to increase the use of PPE and make it more effective are presented.

Business owners must equip their workers with protective garments in order to prevent the prevalence of work-related injuries or disorders. One of most widely used protective apparels employed by firms are chemical-resistant footwears. These boots, which come commercially in three different types, are usually made of synthetic materials necessary to prevent the feet from coming in contact with chemicals and toxics.

Proper pesticide handling should start in the farm where pesticides are a common companion of farmers to eliminate weeds, control plant diseases, enhance crops growth and fumigate soils. Exposures, whether acute or chronic, can damaged the body internally and externally. Dermal exposure can be experienced upon mixing, applying and handling pesticides while inhalation exposure can occur through inhaling pesticide vapors, dust and spray. Protective equipment may be used such as gloves, boots, shoe covers, coveralls and protective eyewears and respirators.

The selection of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential part of a company's comprehensive occupational safety and health program. Safety engineers should not rely solely on laboratory tests in determining which PPEs to use. They should also consider the environment in which such PPEs will be used and the clothing's fit. Aside from the selection of PPEs, engineers should develop worker training programs on the use of such clothing.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act mandates that employers provide a safe and healthful working environment for workers but details on personal protective equipment (PPE) are left to the discretion of the management. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific manufacturers' standards on warehouse PPE which includes protective footwear, safety helmets, goggles or glasses with side shields, ear plugs and gloves. However, management and employees must cooperate on what PPE are needed for specific areas and on the development of emergency response procedures as the OSHA formulates the specific guidelines in these aspects.

Some companies have easily adapted to the revised standards on personal protective equipment (PPE) by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration but others are encountering some difficulties. Choosing the right PPE is merely a small part of the task at hand. Compliance efforts also need teamwork, job safety analyses, and training. Companies which do not have the resources and personnel to implement changes are bound to face many impediments. The revised regulations are so extensive that time and resources are sometimes not enough to ensure compliance.

Usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) can significantly improve workers' safety and diminish workplace accidents. More and more companies such as Tennant Co., H.B. Fuller Co. and Lincoln Electric Co are implementing usage of protective clothing in the workplace as suggested by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. Some manufacturers are also investigating the possibility of making full-body uniforms out of the PPE pieces for multi-purpose jobs.

Protective clothing preferences of workers are described. Workers seem to prefer comfortable, non-intrusive safety clothing that is also lightweight.

The need to adopt safety measures in the corporate environment has raised issues on whom the cost of purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) would be burdened. A recent case involving a trucking company in Cleveland, TX, revealed that employers are liable to pay for the necessary protective equipment if such devices would not serve any practical benefits to workers beyond business purposes.