It is the employer's responsibility to ____________ personal protective equipment.

The correct answer is that it is the employer's responsibility to supply and ensure usage of personal protective equipment. This encompasses two critical components: not only providing the necessary protective gear to employees to safeguard them against workplace hazards but also ensuring that the equipment is utilized properly during work activities.

Employers are legally bound to provide a safe working environment, which includes the provision of equipment that meets safety standards. This responsibility extends to training employees on how to properly use the equipment and making sure that it is available and worn as needed. This holistic approach is vital for mitigating risks associated with various jobs, particularly in environments where exposure to hazards is a concern.

The responsibilities of distributing, educating, and maintaining personal protective equipment are indeed relevant, but they fall under the broader umbrella of supplying the equipment and enforcing its usage. Distributing the equipment doesn't guarantee that employees will use it effectively, and while education on usage is important, the fundamental responsibility lies in the provision and enforcement of its proper use. Maintenance is also important, but it is secondary to the initial responsibility of ensuring that employees have access to and are using the equipment correctly from the start.