What is the maximum fee an employer can charge employees for personal protective equipment?

Employers are required to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees at no cost when such equipment is necessary for their job tasks in order to ensure their safety and comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. This policy is in place to protect employees from hazards they might encounter while performing their work, making it a fundamental aspect of workplace safety programs.

Since the correct answer states that PPE must be provided free of charge, it highlights the employer's responsibility to cover the cost associated with ensuring employee safety. Options like varying fees or charging specific amounts misinterpret the legal obligations under OSHA, which mandates that PPE fees should not fall to the employee if the equipment is necessary for performance of their job duties. Employers may have different state allowances or interpretations regarding other costs, but for PPE specifically, the standard remains that it should always be provided at no cost to the employees.