Who is responsible for purchasing respirators for asbestos workers?

The employer is responsible for purchasing respirators for asbestos workers because it is their duty to ensure a safe working environment in compliance with health and safety regulations. Employers are required to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, as part of their obligation to protect workers from exposure to hazardous materials like asbestos.

This responsibility includes assessing the specific risks present in the workplace, selecting the correct type of respirators based on those risks, and ensuring they are properly fitted and maintained. Regulations set by agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outline the employer's obligations regarding PPE, emphasizing that it is the employer's responsibility to equip workers adequately to safeguard their health and safety on the job.

In this context, while workers can provide input on their needs and preferences, ultimately, the legal and regulatory obligation falls on the employer to provide the necessary protective equipment.