Personal Protective Equipment

Using personal protective equipment (PPE) is another example of a safe work practice.

According to OSHA regulation CFR 1910.1030, employers must provide appropriate PPE at no cost to the employee.

On May 15, 2008, a new OSHA rule about employer payment for PPE went into effect. OSHA now requires employers to pay for PPE that is used to comply with OSHA standards. The final rule does not create new requirements regarding what PPE employers must provide. The standard makes clear that employers cannot require workers to provide their own PPE. When workers use their own PPE, it must be completely voluntary. Even when a worker provides his or her own PPE, the employer must ensure that the equipment is adequate to protect the worker from hazards at the workplace.

Examples of PPE that employers must pay for are as follows:

• Foot protection for bones in the feet
• Rubber boots with steel toes
• Non-prescription eye protection
• Prescription eyewear inserts or lenses for full face respirators
• Goggles and face shields
• Hard hats
• Hearing protection

To learn more about Backover Safety visit our Construction Backover Safety Online Training web page.