Why is PPE important?

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is the last line of defence in worker’s safety. The hierarchy of controls considers elimination the first line of defence – for example to keep safe when working at heights, remove the need to work at heights by using a pulley or telehandler.

If elimination is not possible, the second most effective control is to substitute the danger for something less dangerous. Failing that, create a barrier or other administrative control to keep those who don’t need to be near the danger away, and lastly, kit the worker out in protective clothing to help keep them safe from harm.  

PPE refers to all kinds of personal equipment work by the worker such as high visibility clothing, hard hats, ear and eye protection, gloves, harnessing, breathing apparatus and steel cap boots.

How do I know which PPE I need?

Choosing the right PPE 

SafeWork Australia helps us out with this one.

“As the PCBU, you must select the type of PPE that: 

• protects the worker’s health and safety 
• is the right PPE for the work, and any hazards posed by the work 
• fits properly and is comfortable, and 
• is compatible with other PPE worn (for example, a combination of protective eye wear, hearing protection and a hardhat).

Before making a decision about the best PPE, as a PCBU you need to:

• consult with their workers about selecting the most suitable PPE 
• ensure that the PPE is used or worn by the worker properly as far as they reasonably can, and 
• provide the worker with information, training and instruction in the proper use and wearing of PPE and its storage and maintenance. ”

Your workers must be comfortable in their equipment and supervisors must ensure that it is worn correctly and at all times it is required.

Not wearing the correct PPE can result in nasty accidents and death.

Can I get advice about PPE?

WHS Consulting helps small to medium businesses around Perth and WA with all their work health and safety needs and that includes providing advice about who should be wearing PPE and what they should be wearing. A failure to ensure PPE is provided and at your workplace can lead to heavy fines, not to mention putting your workers in danger of harm.

Contact WHS Consulting to see how we can help you with your WHS.