Oregon Construction Contractors (CCB) Practice Test

Who is responsible for providing personal protective equipment?

1. The contractor/employer

2. The property owner

3. The employee leasing agency

4. The employee is charged with the task requiring PPE

The correct answer is: The contractor/employer

The contractor or employer is responsible for providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure a safe working environment for their employees. This responsibility is not only a matter of workplace safety but also a legal requirement under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and various state labor laws. Employers must assess their work environment to determine the necessary PPE for specific tasks and ensure that all employees have access to this equipment. Providing proper training on the use and maintenance of PPE is also a crucial part of the employer's responsibilities. While the property owner may have a role in maintaining overall site safety, their obligation typically does not extend to providing PPE for workers directly. Similarly, an employee leasing agency may provide staffing solutions and support but does not relieve the contractor/employer of the primary responsibility for workplace safety and equipment. Lastly, while employees should be aware of their own safety needs, it is ultimately not their responsibility to provide their own PPE as this could lead to discrepancies in safety standards and equipment effectiveness.