A worker is required to wear a hard hat, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots. The employer provides all equipment except safety glasses. According to OSHA, who is responsible for providing the safety glasses?

Option B: The union must provide safety glasses

Unions do not have legal responsibility under OSHA regulations to provide PPE to workers. While unions may negotiate for certain benefits or safety provisions in collective bargaining agreements, the legal obligation for PPE provision rests solely with the employer. OSHA holds employers accountable for workplace safety compliance, including ensuring all required protective equipment is available to workers at no cost.

Option C: Safety glasses are optional if other PPE is provided

Safety glasses cannot be considered optional when they are required PPE for specific job tasks or work environments. OSHA mandates that all necessary PPE must be provided based on workplace hazard assessments. The presence of other protective equipment like hard hats and steel-toed boots does not eliminate the requirement for safety glasses if eye protection is needed for the specific work being performed.

Option D: The employee must provide their own safety glasses

OSHA explicitly prohibits requiring employees to pay for their own PPE in most circumstances. The regulation is designed to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent workers from having proper safety protection. Employees should never be expected to purchase required safety glasses or other mandated protective equipment, as this would violate federal workplace safety standards and potentially create safety compliance issues.