Originally Posted by
Safety
It's not just as simple as being "forced" to wear a mask. There is a short term exposure limit and a permissible exposure limit based upon an eight hour work day. The level of protection needed for you to carry out your job is based upon medical and historical data collected that shows how the substance you are exposed to affects a human body. Based upon your work environment, it could require a N95 or higher mask, full or half face respirator, or even a self contained breathing apparatus. All of which requires a respirator program, medical surveillance with an annual physical, and a fit test prior to use. If your level of exposure is less than a established PEL or STEL, but the employee still wants to wear a mask and not be enrolled in a respirator program, then a "comfort" mask is allowed to be worn. If an employer is giving an employee a "comfort mask" without the necessary precautions taken to make sure the employee is not exposed to any substance above the PEL and STEL, then the employer is at risk of being cited by OSHA for a violation.
Blood laws is how many regulations are established.