There are a number of different types of personal protective equipment that can be used as protection against injury on the job. Below is a list of some of the personal protection equipment the Occupation Safety and Health Administration recommends that will help protect workers from work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

However, it is important to recognize that these devices are not substitutes for good engineering, work practices and administrative control in the work place. They should be used along with important ergonomic design and other safety measures to be safe in the work place.

Head Protection
Protective hats, such as hard hats, protect workers against impact and must be able to withstand penetration and absorb the impact of a heavy blow. Some protective hats may also protect against electrical shock.

Hard hats are rated by classes for different levels of protection. It is important to find the class of hard hat that is appropriate for workers based upon the degree of protection they need. It is also important that the hard hat is adequately inspected, maintained, and stored.

Torso Protection
To protect the torso from musculoskeletal injuries, equipment should be able to withstand impact and cuts. There are vests, jackets, coveralls, and body suits that are design to help protect workers. Be certain that equipment is appropriate for the working environment in which it will be worn.

Foot and Leg Protection
Most prevalent in foot and leg protection is the safety shoe. Safety shoes provide protection against objects falling on the foot, and impact. Safety shoes are classified by their ability to meet required needs for compression and impact. Safety shoes should be designed to fit the worker's protection needs.