Personal Protective Equipment PPE for coronavirus frontline workers including protection suit, face mask, gloves and goggles against white background


ISEA and the J. J. Keller Center for Market Insights released the results of the 2026 PPE Pain Points Study: Top Trends and Challenges. This collaborative research effort examines how organizations are managing personal protective equipment (PPE) and the obstacles that continue to affect worker protection.

Now in its fourth year, the annual PPE Pain Points Study analyzes PPE program management across industries and company sizes. Findings show that while most organizations have established PPE programs, compliance, comfort, fit, and safety culture remain persistent challenges.

In the commercial cleaning industry, PPE is the first line of defense from everyday health hazards—chemical exposure, slip and fall risks, airborne contaminants, and more. It's why organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require PPE compliance. This adherence addresses safety and health concerns and provides solutions for operational stressors such as absenteeism.

"PPE protects more than 125 million workers in the United States, but protection only works when equipment is worn correctly and consistently," says Cam Mackey, President and CEO of ISEA. "This study highlights where PPE programs are making progress and where additional focus is needed to better support workers and improve real-world safety outcomes."

Key findings of the study include:

Compliance: This remains the top PPE challenge, with more than two-thirds of organizations reporting they struggle to get employees to wear required PPE consistently

Comfort & Durability: These elements are the leading PPE purchasing criteria, yet some organizations (17 percent) still struggle to find PPE that fits all workers properly—particularly women (38 percent)

Employee Involvement: Limited staff input is given in PPE selection, despite evidence that input by workers improves comfort, acceptance, and consistent use

Safety Culture Gaps: Inconsistent enforcement (51 percent) and uneven communication around PPE expectations lead to ongoing safety culture gaps

PPE Adoption: Smart PPE adoption remains low, with only a small percentage (5 percent) of organizations currently using connected or sensor-enabled PPE

"Year after year, the data reinforces the human side of PPE compliance," shares Bob Larsen, Vice President of Research and Development at J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. "These insights can help safety leaders focus on the necessary changes that can improve PPE use, strengthen programs, and ultimately reduce injuries."

The full report provides detailed results, year-over-year comparisons, and practical tips and best practices to help commercial cleaning organizations improve PPE program effectiveness and worker safety.

ISEA and J.J. Keller will discuss key findings and implications during a free webcast on June 2, 2026. Attendees will also gain access to the full 2026 PPE Pain Points Study. 

For more information regarding PPE usage, refer to past CleanLink coverage here.