Can cost be a consideration in the process of selection of a safety device and still meet the intent of OSHA?
Cost is certainly an important consideration as is the cost-effectiveness in choosing a safety device. However, it cannot be the only consideration. The most important consideration, according to OSHA, is that front line workers are involved in choosing the device, as opposed to the employer selecting a device just because it is the lowest in cost. There may be opportunities for cost-effective devices under a group purchasing contract; however, the devices chosen by the front line worker must be implemented whether or not they are covered by a group purchasing contract.
