If an employer does not provide metatarsal guards, what is their responsibility regarding employee purchases?

The correct response is that if an employer does not provide metatarsal guards, they are indeed responsible for reimbursing the employee for their purchases. This requirement stems from workplace safety regulations that mandate employers to ensure a safe work environment. If an employer does not supply specific personal protective equipment (PPE) like metatarsal guards, which are essential for safeguarding employees’ feet from injuries in hazardous work conditions, they hold the responsibility to reimburse employees who take the initiative to purchase these safety items on their own.

This reimbursement obligation encourages employers to properly equip their workforce and is part of their broader responsibility to protect employees' safety and health. Thus, if employees are compelled to spend their own money on necessary protective gear due to the employer's failure to provide it, the employer must cover those costs, ensuring employees don't bear the financial burden of their safety equipment.