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).

DES PLAINES, IL - 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 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 all PPE, with a few exceptions, will 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.