This book chapter presents a comprehensive overview of the role of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in occupational health and safety (OHS), focusing on its legal foundations, employer and employee responsibilities, and practical challenges in implementation. PPE is the final barrier in the risk control hierarchy and plays a crucial role in minimizing the consequences of occupational accidents and preventing occupational diseases when collective measures are insufficient or infeasible.

According to Turkish regulations, notably Law No. 6331 on Occupational Health and Safety, PPE provision is a legal obligation for employers. They are responsible for conducting a thorough risk assessment, determining PPE needs, providing appropriate equipment free of charge, and ensuring that all PPE complies with CE standards. Employers must also offer practical training and information on proper use, maintenance, and storage. On the other hand, employees are responsible for using PPE correctly, maintaining its condition, and reporting any damage or malfunction.

The chapter also covers the classification of PPE (e.g., head, eye, hearing, respiratory, hand, and full-body protection) and categorization under EU directives (Categories I, II, and III), as well as relevant regulatory definitions. It explores common implementation issues such as behavioral resistance among workers, non-compliant or poor-quality equipment, lack of training, and inadequate tracking systems. Suggested solutions include increasing employee engagement in decision-making, providing hands-on and recurring training, procuring ergonomically suitable and certified PPE, and introducing digital tracking systems for inventory and compliance monitoring.

In conclusion, the use of PPE is not only a matter of legal compliance but also a vital element of a sustainable workplace safety culture. Ensuring that both employers and employees fulfill their respective responsibilities is essential for creating safe working environments and protecting human life. This chapter emphasizes that PPE should be seen as a strategic safety tool embedded in the organizational fabric, rather than merely a last-resort requirement.