Tariffs Jeopardize Worker Safety

Every day, 125 million American workers rely on PPE and safety equipment to stay safe. The tariffs announced on and after April 2 are driving up PPE costs, disrupting supply chains, and forcing American workplaces to make dangerous compromises. The risk to our workforce, economy, and emergency readiness is growing by the day.

Safety is Critical to a Strong Economy

When workers are protected, businesses and the U.S. economy thrive. A safe workforce means fewer injuries, lower medical and insurance costs, a more productive workforce, and a strong economy. 

Annual economic activity generated by the 125 million U.S. workers using PPE on the job
Annual cost of worker injuries and deaths to the U.S. economy

PPE Prices Are Rising Sharply

97% of ISEA members surveyed report higher costs for materials, components, and finished PPE since April 2. For 77%, these cost increases are significant. This is already having an impact on prices, innovation, and the hiring of American workers. 

Innovation is Slowing

60% of ISEA members have already delayed product development or launch plans in direct response to the tariffs. Another 17% are considering doing so. 

Hiring is Slowing

40% of ISEA members have already delayed hiring plans, and another 33% are considering doing so. 

PPE Tariffs Put Workers at Risk

Spikes in the prices of critical PPE and safety equipment force PPE manufacturers and American workplaces to make dangerous trade-offs—choosing lower-cost, lower-quality protection or swallowing significant cost increases.

Workplaces Are Using PPE Past Its Useful Lifespan

59% of ISEA members report safety professionals delaying purchases of critical PPE, in many cases using PPE far beyond its useful lifespan.

Workplaces Are Downgrading PPE Quality

41% report safety professionals switching to cheaper, less protective PPE, potentially putting worker safety at risk. 

The Worst May Be Yet to Come

Behind the statistics about price increases and negative economic impact, there’s a significant human toll: the real cost of worker injuries and deaths. Over 90% of ISEA members expect that these tariffs will have a negative impact on the safety of the 125 million workers using PPE & safety equipment.

But there’s still time for the Administration to change course— and protect the workers who rely on us.

The Human Cost Could Be Staggering

If worker injuries increase by just a single percentage point as a result of these changes, over 40,000 American workers will be injured on the job, costing the American economy $1.8B.

"Workplaces will cut corners to accommodate the extra costs. They'll use PPE too long, buy inferior and less protective PPE, and not use PPE when they should. We haven't yet seen the full consequences."
ISEA Member

Invest in Safety

ISEA urges the Administration to reconsider how these tariffs imposed on April 2 impact PPE and worker safety. Protecting America’s workforce requires practical policies that support—not hinder—the availability of lifesaving equipment.

Visit investinsafety.org to learn more.

Explore ISEA's position on the tariffs announced on April 2, 2025.

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