Safety Industry Warns New Tariffs Could Raise PPE Costs, Endanger Workers
A new ISEA report warns that tariffs on personal protective equipment enacted in 2025 could increase costs, reduce access to safety gear, and put millions of U.S. workers at risk. The study highlights how even small increases in injury rates could cost billions and threaten national economic stability.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Nov 13, 2025
The safety equipment industry is warning that new tariffs on personal protective equipment could raise costs, increase workplace injuries and fatalities, and cost the U.S. economy billions.
A report from the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) says tariffs enacted on and after April 2, 2025, could make it harder for American businesses to afford critical protective gear. The study, “The Hidden Costs of PPE Tariffs: The Impacts of Tariff-Induced PPE Price Spikes on Worker Safety and U.S. Economic Strength,” found that higher prices could slow growth and threaten the safety of millions of frontline workers.
“When tariffs make it harder to afford quality protective gear that keeps workers safe, everyone pays the price,” said Cam Mackey, ISEA president and CEO. “This isn’t about politics — it’s about protecting the people who make America run.”
According to ISEA, about 125 million Americans rely on PPE to do their jobs safely across construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and energy sectors — industries that together generate roughly $15 trillion in annual economic activity. The report projects that even a 1-percent increase in workplace injuries linked to reduced PPE use could result in 40,000 additional injuries and cost the economy $1.8 billion annually.
The association argues that higher PPE prices could force companies to make difficult choices — from cutting jobs to scaling back on safety investments. “Businesses don’t want to cut corners,” Mackey said. “But when costs rise and budgets tighten, difficult choices follow.”
ISEA’s analysis also highlights potential risks to energy, defense, and healthcare sectors, where reliable PPE supplies are essential for national security and economic stability.
“Safety isn’t a cost — it’s an investment in America’s success,” said Dan Glucksman, ISEA’s senior director of policy.
The group is calling on the Biden administration to exempt PPE, safety equipment, and related components from new tariffs. “Protecting workers protects America,” ISEA said in a statement, urging collaboration between government, labor, and industry to ensure continued access to affordable, high-quality protective gear.
ISEA has represented the safety equipment industry for more than 90 years, developing ANSI-accredited standards and advocating for policies that protect workers.
The full report is available at safetyequipment.org/tariffs-impact-worker-safety.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.