OSHA's final rule on employer payment for personal protective equipment (PPE) takes effect Feb. 13. Under the rule, employees have until May 15 to implement the PPE payment requirements.

OSHA had considered the rulemaking since 1999 before finalizing it in November. Employers will have to pay the full cost for almost all PPE used by their workers.

The agency anticipates that the rule will result in more than 21,000 fewer occupational injuries per year.