Who bears the responsibility for supplying safety personal protective equipment (PPE)?

The responsibility for supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) primarily lies with the employer. This obligation is rooted in workplace safety regulations, such as those mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States. Employers are required to assess the workplace for hazards, determine the necessary PPE for employees, and ensure that it is provided at no cost to the workers. This responsibility encompasses ensuring that the PPE is properly fitted, maintained, and that employees are adequately trained in its use.

While employees are responsible for following safety procedures and wearing the PPE provided, they are not tasked with the obligation to supply it themselves. Contractors may have specific safety obligations under their contracts, but the legal requirement to ensure that PPE is supplied falls on the employer, who must adhere to safety regulations and create a safe work environment for all employees.

The role of a safety officer is generally focused on promoting and enforcing safety protocols and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, rather than directly supplying PPE. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the clear expectation that employers must meet in providing necessary safety equipment for their workforce.