According to regulations, who cannot be charged for the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

The correct interpretation is that employees cannot be charged for the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE) under health and safety regulations. This is primarily based on the legal responsibility of employers to provide a safe working environment, which includes ensuring that employees have access to necessary PPE without incurring personal costs.

The rationale behind this regulation is grounded in the principle that it is the employer’s obligation to mitigate risks in the workplace. By providing PPE at no cost to employees, employers help ensure that all personnel can perform their tasks safely, thereby reducing the likelihood of injuries and related costs associated with workplace accidents. This provision also encourages compliance with safety standards and promotes a culture of safety within the organization.

Regulations typically place this financial responsibility on employers as part of their duty of care, meaning other entities such as manufacturers or importers would not typically face this obligation in the same context regarding end-users, i.e., the employees.