Advancing Safety, Supporting Industry, Shaping Smart Policy
ISEA’s members play a critical role in protecting millions of workers across the United States. Each year, we identify the policy issues that matter most to the safety equipment industry and the workers who rely on compliant, high-quality personal protective equipment.
This page serves as a clear, public reference point for ISEA’s current member priorities. It is designed to be shared, cited, and revisited throughout the year by members, partners, policymakers, and regulators.
Our Top Policy Priorities for 2026
At the core of ISEA’s advocacy is a simple goal: keeping workers safe while supporting innovation and market stability in the safety equipment industry.
Our 2026 priorities reflect the most pressing economic, regulatory, and workplace safety issues affecting PPE manufacturers and suppliers today. They also guide how ISEA engages with federal and state policymakers on behalf of our members.
Economic and Trade Policy
Keeping Safety Equipment Affordable and Available
Access to affordable, high-quality PPE is essential for worker safety. When costs rise, safety can be compromised.
What matters
- Tariffs on PPE and safety equipment increase costs across the supply chain.
- Higher costs can pressure employers to delay replacement or choose less protective options.
- PPE, safety equipment, and their components should be exempt from recently imposed tariffs.
Our advocacy
- ISEA is actively advocating for tariff exemptions that protect workers, reduce injury risks, and support a competitive safety equipment market.
Federal Safety Infrastructure
Investing in OSHA and NIOSH
For decades, OSHA and NIOSH have played a central role in improving workplace safety and health.
What matters
- These agencies face ongoing funding challenges despite their proven impact.
- Workplace injuries and fatalities cost the U.S. economy billions each year.
- Strong, consistent funding for OSHA and NIOSH is essential for worker protection and economic growth.
Our advocacy
- ISEA supports robust federal investment and reinforces the message that investing in safety is an investment in America’s workforce.
Rules, Standards, and Regulatory Integrity
Protecting Workers in High-Heat Environments
Heat exposure is a growing safety concern across many industries.
What matters
- High-heat conditions pose serious risks to worker health.
- Cooling PPE and hydration solutions are critical safety tools
- A national heat stress rule should recognize cooling PPE and electrolyte beverages as essential protective equipment.
Our advocacy
- ISEA promotes policies that reflect real-world working conditions and the life-saving role of safety equipment.
Protecting Performance and Certification Integrity
Safety equipment is engineered, tested, and certified to perform in specific ways.
What matters
- Improper repairs or modifications can compromise PPE performance.
- Certification integrity is critical to worker protection.
- PPE and safety equipment should be exempt from Right to Repair legislation.
Our advocacy
- ISEA is working with policymakers to ensure worker safety is not unintentionally put at risk.
Keeping Safety Standards Up to Date
Standards evolve as technology and best practices improve.
What matters
- Outdated references can limit innovation and access to safer solutions.
- OSHA should regularly update references to national consensus standards.
Our advocacy
- ISEA is seeking bipartisan support to modernize standards references and support innovation.
Evolving Regulatory Issues
Supporting Clear, Science-Based Policy
PFAS requirements continue to change at both the federal and state levels.
- Regulations should be grounded in sound science and provide regulatory certainty.
Our advocacy
- ISEA monitors developments and helps members understand evolving obligations.
Balancing Environmental Goals and Safety Needs
Sustainability initiatives increasingly impact manufacturers.
- Sustainability policies must recognize the unique performance and regulatory requirements of PPE.
Our advocacy
- ISEA provides analysis and education to help members navigate sustainability initiatives responsibly.
Preserving Access to Essential Equipment
Leather PPE remains critical for many high-risk jobs.
What matters
- Questions around hazardous waste regulations could restrict access to essential leather-based PPE.
- Leather-based PPE should not fall under hazardous waste regulations.
Our advocacy
- ISEA is engaging with EPA to seek clarity and protect access to vital safety equipment.
State-Level Advocacy and Compliance
State Level Occupational Safety Activity
State-level safety regulations continue to expand.
ISEA supports
- Policies that promote worker safety while remaining practical for manufacturers and end users.
Our advocacy
- ISEA tracks state activity and advocates for balanced, safety-driven outcomes.
California Proposition 65
Helping Members Navigate Compliance
What matters
- Proposition 65 presents unique labeling and compliance challenges.
ISEA’s role
- ISEA supports clear, workable implementation and serves as a compliance resource for members.
Get Involved
ISEA’s advocacy is strongest when members are engaged.
Visit Washington, DC
Join ISEA during meetings with federal leaders and lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Host a Lawmaker Tour
Invite elected officials to see firsthand the innovation, workforce, and community impact of the safety equipment industry. ISEA can help coordinate visits.
Contact Us
For support engaging with federal or state policymakers, please reach out:
Dan Glucksman
Senior Director, Policy
dglucksman@safetyequipment.org
