What is the employer's obligation regarding PPE when it is required?

• A. Employers must provide PPE at no cost when it is required.
• B. Employers may require workers to purchase PPE.
• C. PPE is optional.
• D. PPE is required to be provided after one year.

Answer: (A)

PPE required for workplace hazards must be provided by the employer at no cost to the employee. This ensures workers aren’t financially deterred from using essential protective gear. The obligation covers selecting appropriate PPE, ensuring it fits, training workers on proper use and care, and replacing or repairing gear as needed without charging the worker. Requiring employees to buy PPE, treating PPE as optional when a hazard exists, or delaying provision (such as after a year) would not meet OSHA requirements. PPE must be supplied promptly when its use is required to protect workers.