Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Employers must provide and pay for personal protective equipment (PPE). 

PPE is equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. Examples include items such as gloves, foot and eye protection, hearing protection, hard hats and respirators.

Employers Must Pay for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

 With few exceptions, OSHA requires employers to pay for personal protective equipment used to comply with OSHA standards; employers cannot require workers to provide their own PPE. Even when a worker provides his or her own PPE, the employer must ensure that the equipment is adequate to protect the worker from hazards at the workplace.

Employers are not required to pay for:

     Everyday clothing; such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants and normal work boots (including protective toe).

     Ordinary clothing; such as winter coats, jackets and gloves.

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