Under what circumstances are employers required to provide Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)?

Employers are required to provide Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) specifically when there is a risk of drowning. This situation typically arises in environments where employees are working over or near bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, or oceans, where the potential for accidental falls into the water exists. Ensuring that personnel are equipped with PFDs in these scenarios is crucial for their safety, as these devices can provide buoyancy and significantly increase the chance of survival in case of a water-related emergency.

The requirement to have PFDs on hand aligns with safety regulations aimed at reducing workplace hazards and preventing fatalities caused by drowning. By recognizing situations where drowning can occur, employers can take proactive measures to protect employees, including the provision of appropriate safety equipment like PFDs.