Who Is Responsible for Buying Workers' Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is found in nearly all workplaces. From construction and manufacturing to veterinary and maritime, most workers wear PPE when performing their respective jobs. Whether you're an employer or an employee, though, you might be wondering who's responsible for buying PPE.

The Basics of PPE

PPE consists of any piece of wearable equipment -- including clothing -- that offers some degree of protection against work-related injuries. Research from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that over 2.8 million workers sustain a nonfatal inury each year in the United States. 

Some injuries are minor, whereas others are more severe. Some work-related injuries, in fact, can prove fatal. Regardless, PPE minimizes the risk of work-related injuries. When worn, it will protect workers so that they are less likely to sustain an injury while on the job.

Common types of PPE include the following:

• Hard hats
• Goggles
• Safety glasses
• Respirators and masks
• Gloves
• Fall restraint systems
• Ear plugs or sound-canceling headphones
• Body suits
• Boots
• Face shields
• Knee pads and leg pads

Why PPE Is Important

PPE is important because it protects workers from injuries. Different jobs expose workers to different hazards. A hazard is something that has the potential to cause an injury or illness. Fortunately, PPE can minimize workers' risk of injury. There are many different types of PPE, but they all provide at least some level of protection against injury.

Who's Responsible for Buying PPE

Now that you know the basics of PPE, it's time to investigate who's responsible for buying it. In most cases, this financial burden falls on the employer's shoulders. Employees typically aren't required to pay for PPE. Rather, safety standards require employers to pay for PPE.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) explains most OSHA standards call for employers paying for workers' PPE. Employers can either purchase and pay for workers' PPE, or they can compensate their workers' for their PPE. Regardless, it's the employer's financial responsibility to pay for PPE and not the employees'.

In Conclusion

PPE plays an integral role in protecting against work-related injuries. OSHA realizes that employees shouldn't be responsible for paying for their own PPE, so it places this burden on the employer's shoulders. If you're the owner of a small- or medium-sized business with multiple employees, you'll need to pay for their PPE to comply with OSHA's standards.