The primary responsibility for buying personal protective equipment (PPE) lies with the employer. Employers must assess workplace hazards, select appropriate PPE that meets safety standards, and provide it to employees at no cost, except in limited cases such as everyday clothing or non-specialty footwear
. This responsibility is mandated by regulations such as OSHA in the U.S. and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 in the UK
. Employers must also ensure PPE fits properly, is maintained, inspected regularly, and replaced when necessary. They are responsible for training employees on the correct use of PPE and monitoring compliance
. Workers, once provided with PPE, are responsible for using it properly and reporting any damage or issues
. In some cases, employees may need to purchase specialized PPE like prescription safety glasses, but even then, employers must ensure the equipment meets safety requirements and may reimburse costs if they provide a budget
. In summary, employers are legally and practically responsible for procuring PPE to protect workers from workplace hazards, while employees share responsibility for proper use and care of the equipment.
