If you’re a small business owner in construction, auto services, retail, or even real estate, keeping your workers safe is a top priority, and OSHA’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standard is a big part of that responsibility.
OSHA requires that employers provide PPE like hard hats, goggles, gloves, and respirators when job hazards are present. More importantly, under the revised 2009 standard, general industry, construction, and maritime employers must provide this gear at no cost to employees.
What You Must Pay For
As the employer, you’re on the hook for:
- All required PPE when hazards exist
- Replacement PPE (unless the worker lost or intentionally damaged it)
- Special gear for extreme weather or unique job conditions (e.g., freezer suits)
Workers are allowed to bring and use their own PPE, but only if:
- It’s completely voluntary
- You approve the quality and maintenance of that equipment
- The employee can switch to your PPE at any time
What You’re Not Required to Pay For
There are exceptions. You’re not required to pay for:
- Steel-toed boots or safety glasses if they can be worn outside work
- Standard weather gear like coats, gloves, or sunglasses
- Basic work clothing like jeans or long-sleeve shirts
- Personal footwear with built-in protection, as long as you provide attachable guards
Know Your PPE Responsibilities
Providing PPE isn’t just about handing out gear. You must:
- Identify workplace hazards through a proper hazard assessment
- Select and enforce the correct PPE
- Make sure all PPE is clean, reliable, and properly maintained
- Provide PPE that fits the employee
- Keep written certification of your hazard assessments
Training is another big part of the standard. Every worker who wears PPE needs to know:
- When and why it’s needed
- How to put it on, take it off, and adjust it
- How to care for it and when to replace it
- The limits of what the PPE can protect against
If there’s any doubt that an employee understands PPE use or if something at the job changes, you’ll need to provide retraining.
For many small businesses, staying on top of OSHA standards can feel overwhelming, but PPE compliance protects both your team and your bottom line. The right insurance partner can help make sure you’re covered.
For more help with the content of this blog, please contact McHugh Insurance Group.