Understanding OSHA Standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Federal law requires employers to provide workers with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is often necessary for ensuring the safety and health of employees in various industries. When PPE is necessary, your employer must provide it for you.

This article provides an overview of OSHA standards for PPE and the steps you can take if your PPE is insufficient. For tailored answers to specific questions about your workplace safety, you should contact an experienced employment lawyer.

OSHA Requirements Regarding Personal Protective Equipment 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide their workers with whatever PPE the workers need to stay safe. For some jobs, OSHA’s PPE standards may require protective clothing. For other jobs, that may mean specialized safety equipment to keep workers safe from workplace hazards, such as hazardous substances and illnesses.

OSHA requirements are not just suggestions. They are enforceable standards under federal law. OSHA regulations also make it clear that employers must provide and maintain all necessary PPE at no cost to you. Your employer should also train employees on the proper use of such equipment.

Types of Gear Employees Should Expect 

The use of PPE you should expect depends on your job. Safety equipment varies widely depending on the job and associated risks. Here’s a rundown of common jobs and the PPE standard that you should expect from your employer:

• Manufacturing and construction industries: Hard hats to protect from falling objects, safety glasses, gloves to guard against cuts and abrasions, respirators for dust and fumes, and steel-toe boots for foot protection
• Chemical handlers: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles to prevent chemical splash injuries, and hazmat suits for full-body protection against hazardous substances
• Health care professionals: Gloves and masks, protective gowns, and face shields or glasses
• Electricians: Insulated gloves and tools to protect against electrical hazards and shocks, arc flash protection clothing, and safety glasses
• Welders: Welding helmets with appropriate filtration and eye and face protection to shield eyes from harmful light, heat-resistant gloves, and aprons or jackets
• Laboratory technicians: Lab coats, safety goggles, and gloves to prevent chemical burns and contamination
• Food processing workers: Gloves for hygiene and protection from cuts, slip-resistant shoes, and face shields or goggles
• Landscapers and gardeners: Protective gloves, eye protection, ear protection from loud equipment, and respirators when applying pesticides
• Painters: Respiratory protection from fumes, gloves, and goggles
• Mining workers: Hard hats for head protection, safety glasses, hearing protection, and respirators
• Fishery workers: Gloves for handling equipment, slip-resistant boots, and waterproof protection
• Roofers: Harnesses and other fall protection gear, gloves, and knee pads
• Loggers and forestry workers: Helmets, safety goggles, hearing protection, chain saw protection like pants made with cut-proof material, steel-toe boots, high visibility clothing, and harnesses

Each job has its own health hazards. The PPE program should include the appropriate PPE to minimize the risks of the job. Using this equipment can help you stay safe and healthy.

Employers or Employees Bear the Cost 

Employers must provide necessary PPE to employees at no cost to employees. This includes replacing worn-out or damaged PPE. Some personal items used outside the job may not fall under the employer-paid-for PPE if you use it outside the job site. 

What To Do if You Do Not Have PPE 

If you find yourself without the types of PPE you need, you should take immediate action: 

• Report the lack of PPE to your supervisor: Highlight the specific equipment you do not have and why it’s necessary.
• Document your request: Keep a record of all your communications with your employer about the need for PPE.
• Contact OSHA: If your employer does not give you the PPE you need, you can file a complaint with OSHA. You have the right to do this anonymously. 
• Contact an employment lawyer: It is never too early to call an attorney to discuss your legal rights.

How a Lawyer Can Help When Employers Refuse 

You have the right to safe working conditions and to work free from the constant threat of workplace injuries. If you face retaliation for raising concerns about safety standards or if your lack of PPE leads to an injury, an employment lawyer can tell you about your legal rights, OSHA standards, and your legal options. A lawyer can help you file a complaint with OSHA or file a civil lawsuit for damages to get the compensation that you deserve.