Do i have to use my employer's safety equipment?

Question

Do i have to use my employer's safety equipment?

Answer 1

Of course you need to protect yourself and fellow employees

Answer 2

Well, if they don't fire you right off for not using required safety equipment on the job and putting yourself at risk, then if you are injured or killed while on the job you would not be covered by their insurance and would not recieve benefits.

Answer 3

If an employee consents to the risk then his employer may have a good defence. However, judges are very sceptical of this defence in the employment context and it can only be successfully invoked in extreme circumstances where there was a genuine full agreement, free from any kind of pressure, to assume the risk of loss.

Answer 4

If using the safety equipment is osha related then yes you do. If it is a part of company policy then yes you do.  If it is used to protect your eyes, hands and body then yes you do.  This is why it was purchased, It can take a while to learn to work with it, but believe me when I say its worth it in the long run.

Answer 5

YES - refusal to use it is grounds for " immediate " dismissal.

There are rules and regulations that the employer must follow in doing business.  Part of that is safety equipment and use of that equipment.

Answer 6

my "witty" answer is ....why wouldn't you?

my real answer is:  because of OSHA regulations.  Sure safety goggles don't look cool, that's not their purpose.  They're there to keep sawdust/metal frags/etc. from landing in your eye.

Answer 7

Yes, if you want to remain within insurance protection. Risk assessments are carried out for your own protection. If you have an accident and are not using the safety equipment provided,  you are in breach of company policy.