Final answer:
OSHA requires employers to pay for most required personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to provide a safe workplace and reduce hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), employers are required to pay for most types of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This includes items such as masks, gloves, earplugs, safety helmets, safety harnesses, and other protective gear.
OSHA's aim is to ensure workplace safety and reduce hazards. Employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace and must first try to eliminate or reduce hazards by making feasible changes in working conditions, rather than relying solely on PPE.
Examples of personal protective equipment that employers must provide at no cost to workers include safety helmets, safety glasses, gloves, safety shoes, fall protection equipment, respiratory protection equipment, and more.