Employers Must Cover the Costs of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Workers
OSHA ruling 191 0.132(f) requires employers to provide training to each employee required to use
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on the job so that each employee will know at least the
following:
- When PPE is necessary;
- What PPE is necessary;
- How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE;
- The limitations of the PPE; and,
- The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.
It is incumbent on employers to then provide a certification that the employee has been trained,
the date of the training, and demonstrates an understanding of the requirements
of using PPE.
Additionally, last year, OSHA clarified who must pay for personal protective equipment when
it issued ruling 191 0.132(h)(1).
The ruling states: "Except as provided by paragraphs (h)(2) through (h)(6) of this section,
the protective equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), used to comply
with this part, shall be provided by the employer at no cost to employees."
The ruling further states that "The employer must pay for replacement PPE,
except when the employee has lost or intentionally damaged the PPE."
Employees have the option to provide their own PPE that the employer is not required to pay
for. Employers do not have to pay for steel toed boots and shoes, metatarsal protection and
prescription safety eyewear and other non-required items that are listed clearly in the OSHA
ruling in sections (h)(2) through (h)(6).
The ruling went into effect May 18, 2008.
To read the ruling for yourself Click here
Hi-line is happy to help employers and employees alike comply with the OSHA standard by
offering PPE and a new line of Flame Resistant Clothing that is practically as soft as regular
clothing. The new UltraSoft™ Flame Resistant jeans, t-shirts, jackets, and coveralls feel good
to the touch and provide flame resistance and personal protection even when Arc Flash PPE isn't required.
Hi-Line also offers training, alleviating this burden from employers. Invite Hi-Line's safety
consultants in to your facility for Arc Flash PPE training today and we will also provide a free
assessment of your high voltage tool and equipment needs to enable your staff to be as productive,
and safe, as possible-maximizing your profitability.
The perfect garment for personal protection even
when Arc Flash PPE isn't required. |
