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PPE For Employees

Question: Does the municipality have to provide PPE for the employees?

Answer: 

For the most part municipalities do have to pay for PPE, but there are a few exceptions:

  • One is safety boots if the employee is allowed to use them outside of work. This is the most common way boots are provided as it allows the employee to select them. Many agencies have a boot allowance for the year and if the employee damages or wears out the boot, they are required to replace it with their own money if they have used up the boot allowance.
  • Another is weather gear such as raincoats. Many agencies provide these items to ensure they meet other standards such as being reflective for those working in the right-of-way. This could also be part of a union contract or employee agreement.

A good rule of thumb is that if the town requires a PPE and only allows it to be used at work, the town needs to pay for the PPE. A safety vest, hard hat, welding goggles, and chain saw chaps would be possible examples.

October, 2024