OSHA issues directive on PPE standards

In January, OSHA withdrew its proposal that would have required many businesses to develop administrative or engineering controls in place of personal protection equipment, or PPE (e.g. goggles, face shields, ear muffs, etc). As a sign that the agency intends to ramp up enforcement, OSHA has now issued a directive that provides OSHA personnel with instructions for determining whether employers have complied with the agency’s personal protective equipment standards. The new Enforcement Guidance for Personal Protective Equipment in General Industry clarifies what type of PPE employers must provide at no cost to workers and when employers are required to pay for PPE. The directive also helps employers determine when PPE complies with current consensus standards, and updates PPE enforcement policies based on court and review commission decisions. See the news release for more information.