EHS on Tap E274: How Tariffs May Affect PPE and Worker Safety
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Nov 18, 2025 Cam Mackey, President and CEO of the International Safety Equipment Association, dives into the effects of tariffs on personal protective equipment (PPE) and worker safety. He highlights concerns from members about purchasing delays and quality downgrades. Mackey discusses the disturbing prediction that a 10% reduction in PPE could lead to 143 additional deaths. He shares how companies respond to cost shocks and the long-term impact of tariffs on the U.S. economy. The conversation underscores the urgent need for domestic manufacturing and clearer policies.
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Tariffs Harm Workers And The Economy
- Tariffs announced since April 2nd negatively impact workers, companies across the supply chain, and the U.S. economy.
- The industry commissioned a rigorous economic model to quantify these harms and guide policy outreach.
Companies Prioritize Passing Costs Then Labor Cuts
- Most companies won't stop buying PPE immediately; they will first pass higher costs to customers.
- If passing costs isn't viable, firms will cut labor costs before cutting PPE purchases in many cases.
Small PPE Cuts Produce Large Human Costs
- Even a conservative 10% reduction in PPE deployment could cause about 143 additional deaths and nearly 50,000 more injuries.
- Small cuts in PPE spending or usage have high human costs across industries.