The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued its final rule requiring employers to pay for required personal protective equipment, with the exception of certain safety-toe shoes, prescription safety eyewear, and ordinary or everyday clothing. In addition, lost or intentionally damaged protective gear does not have to be replaced at the employer’s cost. The rule affects general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshore, and construction. It goes into effect 90 days from the Nov. 15 date of publication in the Federal Register, and must be implemented within six months by employers. Hawaii employers should note that HIOSH already requires employers in Hawaii to pay for personal protective equipment required by HIOSH regulations, except where the PPE is very personal and usable by the employee off the job (such as safety shoes and prescription safety glasses). See Haw. Admin. Rule §12-64.1-3. OSHA Issues Final Rule on Protective Gear
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued its final rule requiring employers to pay for required personal protective equipment, with the exception of certain safety-toe shoes, prescription safety eyewear, and ordinary or everyday clothing. In addition, lost or intentionally damaged protective gear does not have to be replaced at the employer’s cost. The rule affects general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshore, and construction. It goes into effect 90 days from the Nov. 15 date of publication in the Federal Register, and must be implemented within six months by employers. Hawaii employers should note that HIOSH already requires employers in Hawaii to pay for personal protective equipment required by HIOSH regulations, except where the PPE is very personal and usable by the employee off the job (such as safety shoes and prescription safety glasses). See Haw. Admin. Rule §12-64.1-3.