Enhancing PPE delivery and registration through augmented reality technology

• Mobile AR system tracks and delivers PPE onsite, ensuring traceability. • QR codes and training videos to help workers. • User validation: excellent usability and low cognitive load reported. • Method designed for regulation compliance and just-in-time training. • Solution ready for real-world deployment; some concerns on mass adoption. In most developed countries, legislation on personal protective equipment (PPE) requires employers not only to provide PPE to their workers but also to record the process in order to ensure adequate traceability. While employers are obligated to register the delivery of PPE, this process is often conducted manually, leading to mistakes and potential inaccuracies. This paper proposes an Augmented Reality (AR)-based system designed to streamline PPE delivery and registration by integrating marker-based recognition, mobile AR visualization, and interactive training modules. The system allows workers to scan PPE items using QR codes, ensuring automated tracking and digital record-keeping, while also providing on-demand safety training videos linked to each piece of equipment. A user study with 45 participants was conducted to evaluate the system’s usability, cognitive workload, and user satisfaction. The results indicate a high usability rating, with a System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 83.5, placing the system in the “excellent” category. The NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) assessment revealed low mental and physical demand, confirming its accessibility for users with varying experience levels. Despite these positive outcomes, challenges such as technological adoption barriers, hardware ergonomics, and scalability concerns were identified. The findings suggest that AR-based PPE management ensures compliance and provides an efficient digital alternative to conventional PPE tracking in construction environments.