Stay Safe, Stay Compliant
Your Guide to Jobsite Safety Standards
May is National Safety Month — the perfect time to ensure your team is equipped with the right jobsite safety gear, in full compliance with OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. From fall protection and respirators to hard hats and hearing protection, this guide walks you through the essential PPE every contractor should have on hand.
At CMU Supply, we stock everything from fall protection systems to high-visibility apparel — all in line with OSHA and ANSI standards. Here’s what every crew needs to stay compliant, productive, and protected.
Fall Protection: Required at 6 Feet or Higher
According to OSHA 1926.501, fall protection is mandatory any time a worker is exposed to a fall of 6 feet or more. That means harnesses, lanyards, anchors, and SRLs should be standard gear on rooftops, scaffolds, or elevated decks.
Must-Have Fall Protection Equipment:
FallTech 7015 Contractor Harness – ANSI-certified and cost-effective for daily wear
FallTech 82706SA1 6' DuraTech SRL – Compact and rugged with quick-acting brake system
FallTech 8256 ViewPack Energy Absorbing Lanyard – Reduces force in the event of a fall
FallTech 8593A Roofer's Kit – Includes anchor, rope adjuster, and harness — ready to deploy
How Regulated Is Each Safety Category?
Some PPE categories are more tightly regulated than others — here’s a look at the most frequently cited areas under OSHA’s construction safety standards.
| PPE Category | # of Key OSHA Standards |
|---|---|
| Fall Protection | 3+ |
| Respirators & Masks | 3+ |
| Hard Hats | 1+ |
| Eye Protection | 1+ |
| Hearing Protection | 1+ |
| First Aid | 1+ |
Respiratory Protection: N95 and Beyond
Concrete dust, silica, welding fumes — they’re all jobsite hazards. OSHA 1910.134 mandates respiratory protection where air contaminants exceed permissible exposure limits.
Top Picks for Respiratory Safety:
3M 8511 N95 with Valve (10-pack) – Trusted performance with cooler breathing
3M 8210 N95 (20-pack) – Reliable, comfortable, and affordable
Reusable respirators & cartridges – For long-term protection in enclosed environments
Hard Hats & Eye Protection: Non-Negotiables
Head and eye protection are required in almost all construction environments (OSHA 1926.100 and 1926.102). Whether it's falling tools or flying debris, you need certified gear on-site.
Contractor Favorites:
Jackson Safety CH-400V Hard Hat – Vented, climbing-style, ANSI Z89.1 compliant
Lift Safety DAX Carbon Fiber Hard Hat – Lightweight, heavy-duty, premium fit
Crossfire Infinity Eyewear – Meets ANSI Z87.1 for impact resistance
DeWalt Laser Enhancement Glasses – Improve visibility with green beam tools
Which PPE Protects Against Which Hazards?
Use this quick-reference grid to see which PPE types align with common jobsite risks.
| PPE Type | Falls | Dust/Fumes | Impact | Noise | Cuts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harness / SRL | ✔️ | ||||
| N95 Mask / Respirator | ✔️ | ||||
| Hard Hat | ✔️ | ||||
| Safety Glasses | ✔️ | ||||
| Earmuffs / Earplugs | ✔️ | ||||
| Gloves | ✔️ | ||||
| Knee Pads | ✔️ |
First Aid: OSHA-Compliant Kits for Any Size Crew
OSHA doesn’t just require first aid — it requires access to first aid that’s appropriate to the hazards of the worksite (OSHA 1926.50).
Be Prepared With:
First Aid Only 25-Person Kit – Compact and OSHA-compliant
First Aid Only 50-Person Kit – Water-resistant case, ANSI Type I & II
Emergency response kits – For vehicle fleets and on-the-go crews
Gloves, Vests, Masks & More: OSHA PPE Basics
Gloves, hearing protection, high-vis gear — these fall under OSHA 1926 Subpart E, which outlines PPE for hands, body, face, and ears.
CMU Supply Picks:
DeWalt DPG20 All-Purpose Gloves – Durable and dexterous
DeWalt DPG740 Fleece Gloves – For cold-weather grip
GlovePlus Black Nitrile Gloves – Disposable, chemical-resistant
CLC Knee Pads – Reduce long-term strain for concrete work
ERB Sound Shield Earmuffs – Attach to hard hats for dual protection
Reflective safety vests – ANSI Class 2 and 3 available
Quick OSHA PPE Checklist
| Hazard | Required PPE |
|---|---|
| Fall from height | Harness, anchor, SRL or lanyard |
| Dust/fumes | N95 or half-face respirator |
| Head impact | ANSI Z89.1-compliant hard hat |
| Eye debris | Safety glasses or face shield |
| Loud noise | Earmuffs or earplugs |
| Hands-on work | Task-specific gloves |
| Sharp edges/kneeling | Knee protection, cut-resistant gloves |
| Low visibility | ANSI-rated high-viz clothing |
Don't Cut Corners on Safety
Don’t wait for an incident to rethink safety. Whether you're outfitting a new crew or replacing worn-out gear, CMU Supply has the OSHA-compliant PPE and expert support you need to protect your workers and your bottom line.
