What is a requirement for employers regarding safety equipment?

Employers are required to provide appropriate safety gear to their employees at no cost to ensure a safe working environment. This obligation arises from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, which mandate that employers must furnish personal protective equipment (PPE) when there is a risk of injury or illness that can be mitigated by such equipment. This ensures that employees are adequately protected from hazards specific to their work environment, thus promoting their health and safety.

In contrast, suggesting that employers must provide safety equipment at half the cost would not comply with OSHA regulations, which emphasize full provision at no expense to employees. Moreover, placing the financial burden on employees to purchase their own safety gear contradicts the employer's responsibility to ensure worker safety. Lastly, indicating that safety gear is optional undermines the importance of employee protection; safety gear is essential when hazards are present, making it a crucial requirement rather than a choice.