Need to Know — Who Has To Pay For PPE?
Over the years, there has been some confusion about whether or not employers are required to pay for personal protective equipment (PPE). A late 2007 ruling from OSHA settles the issue — employers must provide, at no cost to employees, almost all personal protective equipment when the PPE is used to comply with OSHA standards. This final rule applies to PPE related to head, face, eye, hand and foot protection, with the exception of nonspecialty safety-toe protective footwear or non-specialty prescription eyewear.
When employers pay for PPE, they are more likely to select the PPE for the hazards, make sure the equipment is maintained and replaced as necessary, and generally take more responsibility for PPE selection and use. By clarifying who is responsible for paying for PPE, OSHA hopes to see fewer injuries and fatalities. This reduction in injuries is also expected to save the public over $200 million per year in direct costs, including medical and insurance bills.
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