Employer payment for lineman belts and hooks when the equipment is used to comply with an OSHA standard.
OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.
May 1, 2008
Mr. Gil Niedenthal
Asplundh Tree Expert Co.
708 Blair Mill Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090
Dear Mr. Niedenthal:
Thank you for your February 20 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Directorate of Enforcement Programs (DEP). Your letter has been referred to DEP's Office of General Industry Enforcement (GIE) for an answer regarding OSHA's recent Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) payment standard, 29 CFR 1910.132(h).