Employees working over or near water where the danger of drowning exists shall be provided with which of the following?

When employees are working over or near water, it is crucial to provide them with appropriate safety equipment to mitigate the risk of drowning. The use of both U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets and buoyant work vests serves to enhance the safety measures in such hazardous environments.

U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets are designed to keep an individual afloat in water and are essential for personal flotation. They must meet specific safety standards to ensure they perform effectively in emergencies. These life jackets are particularly important for workers who may unexpectedly find themselves in the water.

Buoyant work vests, similarly, provide flotation assistance but are structured to function while accommodating a worker's activities. These vests are typically lighter and offer a greater range of motion, making them suitable for work tasks while still ensuring safety should a fall into the water occur.

Combining both types of safety gear – life jackets and buoyant work vests – provides comprehensive safety measures to cover varying scenarios and enhances worker protection significantly. Thus, selecting both options underscores a commitment to employee safety and compliance with OSHA regulations regarding working near water hazards.