The new rule covers such items as respirators, hard hats, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, safety glasses and welding helmets. There are, according to SEMA, several exceptions.
Employers are not required to provide protection equipment if none was previously required, and don’t have to pay for equipment that is lost or intentionally damaged by employees.
In addition, the rule does not cover everyday clothing or weather-related clothes that can be worn off-the-job, such as winter coats, gloves, hats, etc., ordinary steel-toe shoes/boots, ordinary prescription safety eyewear or skin creams.
Employers must implement the new requirements no later than May 15, 2008, said SEMA. (Tire Review/Akron)