OSHA #511 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry course

What must an employer ensure regarding personal protective equipment (PPE)?

1. The employee must purchase their own PPE

2. The employer will pay for PPE

3. PPE is optional for the worker

4. PPE is only for specific tasks

The correct answer is: The employer will pay for PPE

An employer is required to pay for personal protective equipment (PPE) as part of their responsibility to ensure a safe working environment. According to OSHA standards, it is the employer's duty to provide necessary PPE to employees at no cost when the use of such equipment is required for protection against workplace hazards. This includes equipment such as gloves, helmets, eye protection, and other gear essential for minimizing risks associated with specific tasks or working conditions. PPE being optional for the worker contradicts the requirement for a safe workplace, as this might lead to employees not using the equipment when it is necessary for their protection. Similarly, stating that employees must purchase their own PPE puts an undue burden on individuals rather than the employer, who is primarily responsible for worker safety. Finally, limiting the provision of PPE only to specific tasks does not account for the overall assessment of workplace hazards that may necessitate protective equipment in various roles or contexts across the facility.