ASSE Thanks OSHA for 'Employer Paid' Standard
The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) has recognized the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) efforts in publishing a standard for employer-paid personal protective equipment (PPE).
“ASSE is pleased that OSHA issued its long awaited standard addressing employer payment for PPE,” said ASSE President Michael W. Thompson, CSP. “ASSE’s member safety, health and environmental professionals view the provisions of the standard as a realistic reflection of how they see this issue dealt with on the job each day and as an appropriate balance between the several interests that determine who should pay for PPE.”
Thompson added, “ASSE hopes that the publication of this standard signals a renewed commitment from OSHA to continue to advance appropriate standard setting.”
According to OSHA, under the final rule, most PPE must be provided to employees at no cost. The few exceptions include ordinary safety-toed footwear and ordinary prescription safety eyewear the employer allows to be worn off the job site, logging boots, and ordinary clothing and weather related gear. Employers also must pay for replacement PPE unless the employee loses or intentionally damages the PPE.
OSHA estimates that the final rule, which was published in the Federal Register, will lead to more than 21,000 fewer occupational injuries per year. The standard is available at this link.