Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.

All personal protective equipment should be safely designed and constructed, and should be maintained in a clean and reliable fashion.

It should fit comfortably, encouraging worker use. If the personal protective equipment does not fit properly, it can make the difference between being safely covered or dangerously exposed. 

These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards.