Are employers required to provide face coverings for employees?

The requirement for employers to provide face coverings for employees is rooted in occupational safety and health standards designed to protect workers from potential hazards, including airborne pathogens. When there's a risk of exposure to communicable diseases, such as during a pandemic, OSHA emphasizes the importance of implementing effective safety measures. Providing face coverings is one such measure that can help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets in the workplace.

Employers are generally responsible for ensuring a safe work environment, which includes controlling health risks. This responsibility often extends to supplying necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) like face coverings, especially when required for compliance with public health guidelines. This requirement is highlighted in OSHA's General Duty Clause, which mandates that employers maintain a workplace free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm.

While specific regulations can change based on local health directives or circumstances, during times of heightened health concerns, employers have a clear obligation to provide protective equipment, including face coverings, to safeguard their employees' health.