Employer Payment For Personal Protective Equipment - How Does This New OSHA Ruling Affect You?

The new OSHA ruling concerning employerstandards. The following are items that the
payment for personal protective equipmentemployer is not required to pay for.
becomes effective on February 13, 2008. OSHA- Any clothing, skin creams or other items used
has extended the compliance deadline until May 15,solely for protection from the weather.
2008. Although some time is given for employers- Any uniforms, caps, or clothing that is worn for
to become fully compliant, reviewing thethe purpose of identifying a person as an
requirements and determining the process foremployee.
compliance is best started now.- Items that are worn to prevent clothing or skin
According to OSHA, this ruling is applicable tofrom becoming soiled.
general industry, long shoring, and marine- Specialized tools for preventing fire, electrical,
terminals. Basically, if an employer must provideetc. hazards
personal protective equipment then this ruling- Specialty boots or shoes with built in metatarsal
applies to them as well.protection when employer provides detachable
This ruling does not effect in any way the PPEmetatarsal guards.
that the employer is required to provide. The- Items that are worn for product or consumer
OSHA standards relating to what PPE ansafety or patient safety and health rather than
employer must provide depending on the type ofemployee safety and health. Such as hair and
work has not changed. This ruling does not requirebeard nets, when not implemented for machine
any additional PPE for any industry. It onlyguarding.
specifies that PPE must be provided to each- Non-specialty protective footwear and
employee at no additional cost to the employee.Non-specialty prescription eyewear.
The employer must provide at no cost to the- Back belts
employee the PPE that is required by OSHAEmployers will not only be required to pay for the
standards. There are a few exceptions to thisinitial issuance of PPE, but also to provide and pay
ruling covered below. The following are examplesfor replacements. The only exception to this is if
of PPE that the employer must pay for.the employee has lost or intentionally damaged
- Rubber boots with steel toesthe PPE. However, since the employer is bearing
- Shoe covers-toe caps and metatarsal guardsthe cost of PPE, they also retain ownership unless
- Non-prescription eye protectionthey choose to convey ownership to the
- Prescription eyewear inserts/lenses for full faceemployee. Therefore, the employer may prohibit
respirators, welding and diving helmetsemployees from taking employer - owned PPE
- Gogglesaway from the workplace.
- Face shieldsExcept as otherwise stated in specific employer
- Fire Fighting PPEprovided OSHA PPE standards, the employer
- Hard hatneed not pay for or supply a multiple selection of
- Hearing protectionPPE or to pay for or provide for upgraded PPE
- Non-specialty gloves that are used forthat is not required for the job. As long as the
protection from dermatitis severe cuts oremployer is providing the PPE that is required,
abrasions. (The employer does not have to paythey do not need to supply any additional
for these gloves if they are used for cleanlinessselections. It is a matter between the employer
or protection from the weather when safety isand employee if an employee wants to provide
not the purpose for the gloves)their own personal PPE that is different, upgraded,
- Chemical resistant gloves/aprons/clothingor personalized from what the employer provides.
- Fall protectionThe only stipulation on this is that said PPE must
The employer is not required to pay for an itemnot provide less protection, and the employer
that is not PPE or is not required by OSHAmust ensure the PPE's adequacy and maintenance.