Is the employer responsible for providing safety equipment and protective clothing to workers?

Yes, in almost all cases. This is because the employer is expected to first do whatever is reasonably possible to eliminate hazards and reduce the risk of injury or work-related disease. Protective equipment is only to be used if hazards cannot be dealt with fully in other, more effective ways. Workers are expected to provide their own safety footwear (steel-toed shoes or boots, and so on), general purpose gloves, safety headgear (hard hat or helmet), and rainwear, coat, or other protection from the elements, if they may be needed. The employer is responsible for providing any other safety equipment or protective clothing that may be needed. Examples include items like: ear plugs or ear muffs, impact-resistant safety glasses, respirators, chemical protective overalls, anti-splash goggles or face shields, fall protection harness and lifeline, chainsaw chaps, and so on. ... more