PPE: what every employer absolutely needs to know in 2025

PPE, or personal protective equipment, is part of everyday life in many sectors: construction, logistics, industry, food, technical services... However, their use, obligation and management often remain poorly understood. However, a simple error on a PPE can have serious consequences: accident, work stoppage, or even criminal liability on the part of the employer.

In this article, we simply answer the questions that all QHSE managers, HR managers or field managers ask themselves (or should ask).

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What exactly is PPE?

A PPE is a equipment worn or held by an employee to protect him against a risk that may threaten his safety or health at work.

This includes:

• The construction helmet
• The protective gloves
• The glasses or visors
• Safety shoes
• Earmuffs or earmuffs
• Fall arrest harnesses
• And even high visibility clothing

💡 The employer must provide this equipment free of charge when a residual risk exists despite collective protections

📖 Regulatory reference: Labor Code — Article R4321-4

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When is PPE mandatory?

Always when a risk exists and no collective protection (guardrails, enclosures, ventilation, etc.) is sufficient.

Examples:

• An employee rides on a high platform without guardrails → mandatory harness
• An operator uses a corrosive product → adapted gloves, glasses and apron
• Handling takes place on an open dock → safety shoes + high visibility vest

❌ It's not an option. The absence or misuse of PPE can constitute a Inexcusable fault in the event of an accident.

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What are the employer's obligations?

The business must:

• Assess risks (via the DUERP) to identify the necessary PPE
• Provide the appropriate PPE free of charge, compliant and CE certified
• Training employees to use them
• Check their effective port
• Ensure their maintenance and replacement

ℹ️ THEINRS offers a very clear sheet on this subject.

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Why PPE is worn incorrectly (and how to fix it)

It's not just a “discipline” problem. A lot of employees don't understand the real purpose of their PPE, or find the equipment annoying, worn out, ill-adapted.

Here are the most common causes:

• The material is uncomfortable or of poor quality
• There is no no visual reminder or display On site
• The instructions are too technical or poorly communicated
• There is no no clear follow-up From who has what, and when to replace

The solution: focus on pedagogy + traceability. And that's exactly what Certalis allows.

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How to manage PPE in a professional way, without Excel or forgetfulness

Managing PPE in an Excel table or by hand can quickly become hell:

• Who got what?
• On what date?
• Does this harness need to be replaced?
• Is So-and-so trained in the right use?

With Certalis, you can:

• Track each PPE allocation per employee
• Automate alerts for periodic replacements
• Keep supporting documents and technical data sheets
• Add proof of delivery (digital signature)
• Train your employees online in the use of PPE via mobile
  👉 See the asset and equipment management sheet

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To remember

• PPE is mandatory as soon as a risk persists.
• The employer must assess risks, train and equip.
• Mismanaging your PPE means exposing yourself to human and legal risks.
• The right reflex: traceability, rigor, modern tools.

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👉 Do you want to centralize the management of your PPE, train your teams and remain compliant without drowning in administration?
Try Certalis's all-in-one QHSE platform for free — simple, clear, designed for industrial and logistics SMEs.

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