PPE

What is PPE?

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) refers to the equipment worn by workers to reduce their exposure to hazards.  PPE includes such items as:

• Eye protection (goggles, glasses)
• Hearing protection (ear plugs, ear muffs) 
• Respiratory protection (respirators, face masks, cartridge filters)
• Foot protection (safety boots)
• Head protection (hard hats)
• Body protection (aprons, safety harnesses).

Employer Obligations

Employers have a general duty of care obligation under the various Occupational Health and Safety Acts to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees and others at their workplace.

When should PPE be used?

An employer has an obligation to eliminate any reasonably foreseeable risk to the health and safety of any person at the place of work. If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk, the employer must control the risk. It is acceptable to use PPE as an interim control measure whilst more effective measures are being implemented. Providing PPE may help control the risk to health and safety.

Providing PPE will assist employers in satisfying their general duty of care.

Can PPE be used for controlling risks?

If an employer is using PPE to control risks, the employer must:

• Determine if PPE is the most appropriate control, based on the risk management process.
• Provide or pay for all PPE for every person at risk.
• Ensure the PPE is appropriate for each particular hazard in the workplace.
• Ensure the PPE is appropriate for each particular worker and controls the risk for that person.
• Provide or arrange instruction and training for all workers using PPE (including informing the person using PPE of its limitations).
• Provide additional training for supervisors so they understand their role in enforcing the use of PPE.
• Ensure PPE conforms to the relevant Australian Standard.
• Enforce the uniform and proper use of PPE by affected staff
• Ensure the equipment is provided in a clean and hygienic condition to the person.
• Ensure that PPE is maintained, repaired or replaced regularly or where necessary.
• Provide appropriate storage for PPE and ensure the PPE is stored in that place.
• Individually issue PPE where necessary.
• Clearly identify areas in places of work where PPE must be used.

What happens if an employee refuses to wear PPE?

An employer is expected to develop a PPE policy and procedure in consultation with employees [OHS Rep and Committee] that clearly explains the workplace requirements and the action that will be taken for failure to comply with the policy.

If an employee continues to resist wearing or using PPE, then the employer would be expected to take stronger action such as disciplinary action or moving the employee to another area in line with the Policy. The employer as well as the employee could be subject to fines or prosecution for the employee’s failure to wear or use PPE.