February 15, 2008
As an employee, there is certain PPE that your employer is required by OSHA to provide to you with. If ever you are told that there is PPE you need to pay for and bring to work yourself, then you can question that by using the resources on OSHA.gov. Companies can be unethical when it comes to cutting costs, so it’s in your best interest to question your rights as a worker.
OSHA defines PPE as equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, or coveralls, vests and full body suits” (osha.gov).
OSHA states that “many OSHA standards require employers to provide personal protective equipment, when it is necessary to protect employees from job-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. With few exceptions, OSHA requires employers to pay for personal protective equipment when it is used to comply with OSHA standards. These typically include: hard hats, gloves, goggles, safety glasses, welding helmets and goggles, face shields, chemical protective equipment and fall protection equipment.
For additional information on PPE, refer to OSHA’s Personal Protective Equipment Web page” (osha.gov).
