OSHA: Employers Duty to Provide Personal
Protective Equipment and Training

In December 2008, a rule was revised to clarify that in order for employers to be in compliance, they must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazards training for each employee covered by an OSHA standard that requires such devices or training.

Each employee not protected may be considered a separate violation and penalties assessed accordingly.

The final rule amendments do not add new compliance obligations. Employers are not required to provide new kinds of PPE or hazards training or use a different approach than what is already required. Additionally, employers are not required to provide PPE or training to employees not already covered by existing requirements.