UNOFFICIAL OHS DATABASE
Key:
boots, safety boots, hard hats, footwear
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Under the "hierarchy of control", personal protective equipment is the lowest risk control method because it is reliant on being used correctly by the worker. Before considering using PPE employers should consider eliminating or substituting the risk, using engineering controls, isolating the risk, or using administrative controls. Safetyline WA explains this concept well.
PPE (personal protective equipment) is generally required as a result of an employer's risk assessment. Ref: clauses 9 to 15 of the NSW Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 2001
Employers cannot charge employees for protective equipment or clothing as per section 22 of the OHS Act 2000 .
Points to note with PPE issues in NSW:
· In certain instances where the PPE is not readily transferable to new employees in the advent of high turnover or high casualisation of the workforce (eg. safety boots), employers may decide to make ownership of PPE a condition of employment.
· Employees must comply with an employer's directions to wear PPE as per section 20(2) of the OHS Act 2000.
· Employees who do not comply with their employer's directions in this regard are open to normal disciplinary action, as per the employer's discipline policy. Information in regard to disciplinary procedures can be found at the Office of Industrial Relations' website.
If employees are not wearing PPE as directed, employers need to ask themselves why. Points to consider are:
» is the PPE comfortable?
» does it fit properly?
» is it clean and properly maintained?
» is it appropriate for the task and work procedures?
» have the employees been trained in its use and
maintenance?
» are there written policies and procedures available?
Policies regarding the use of PPE should be made in consultation with workers, as per sections 13 to 19 of the OHS Act 2000. This will ensure maximum compliance with the policies.
Further References
FAQs
WorkCover NSW website
Personal Protective Equipment (NOHSC - many pamphlets & articles)
Prevention of eye damage (NOHSC)
Personal Protective Equipment Welding Safety (Qld Health & Safety)
OSHA website (USA)
TestSafe (testing of PPE)