Who is responsible for supplying workers with ear protection on a loud job site?

In a construction setting, it is typically the contractor or employer's responsibility to supply workers with necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes ear protection on loud job sites. This obligation stems from safety regulations and standards aimed at ensuring worker safety. Contractors are required to assess hazards present on the job site and provide appropriate protective gear to mitigate risks associated with noise exposure.

Employers must also ensure that workers are trained on the use of ear protection and the importance of wearing it consistently when in noisy environments. This proactive approach helps to prevent long-term hearing damage and promotes a culture of safety on the job.

While site supervisors and occupational safety officers may play roles in promoting safety and compliance on-site, it is the contractor or employer who holds the primary responsibility to furnish the necessary safety equipment. Workers should certainly take personal accountability for using provided safety gear, but the provision of such equipment falls under the employer's duties as stipulated by workplace safety regulations.