What is PPE?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to any clothing, equipment, or gear designed to minimise risks and hazards in the workplace. It plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of Australian workers across various industries, from healthcare to construction and chemical handling.
According to Safe Work Australia, PPE is considered the last line of defence when all other risk mitigation measures have been implemented. PPE is essential for preventing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities caused by workplace hazards such as falling objects, hazardous chemicals, airborne particles, loud noises, and extreme temperatures.
Importance of PPE in Australian Workplaces
In high-risk sectors such as construction, healthcare, and mining, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) serves as a critical safeguard, protecting workers from potential hazards and ensuring their safety on the job.
In 2023, 3 industries accounted for 62% of worker fatalities in Australia, according to Safe Work Australia: Key Work Health and Safety Statistics 2024. The Transport, Postal & Warehousing sector had the highest share at 26% (51 fatalities), followed by Construction at 23% (45 fatalities) and Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing at 14% (27 fatalities).
Safe Work Australia’s Safer, Healthier, Wealthier report highlights the significant economic and employment benefits of eliminating work-related injuries. Without these incidents, Australia’s economy could grow by an additional $28.6 billion annually.
The right selection and use of PPE can significantly decrease the severity of workplace injuries, minimise downtime, and improve overall workforce safety. Employers are legally required to provide PPE and ensure that employees understand its importance in reducing occupational risks.
Types of PPE
1. Protective Clothing
Protective clothing is designed to serve as a crucial barrier between workers and environmental hazards, reducing the risk of injuries and contamination.
High-visibility vests and jackets: Essential in industries such as construction, road maintenance, warehousing, and logistics, these garments enhance worker safety by increasing visibility. Made from fluorescent materials with reflective strips, they ensure workers remain easily seen in low-light conditions, at night, or in high-traffic areas. Hi-vis vests and jackets also help in preventing accidents involving moving vehicles, heavy machinery, and other workplace hazards.
Flame-resistant clothing: Crucial for professionals in fire-prone environments, including welders, electricians, firefighters, and workers in the oil and gas industries. These garments are designed to self-extinguish when exposed to flames. Unlike standard fabrics that can melt or catch fire, flame-resistant clothing significantly reduces the risk of severe burns and injuries.
Lab coats and coveralls: Widely used in healthcare, scientific research, and industrial workplaces, these garments protect workers from exposure to chemicals, biohazards, and contaminants. Lab coats help medical professionals safeguard against pathogens, while coveralls are used in chemical plants and manufacturing facilities to shield against hazardous materials.
2. Eye and Face Protection
Protecting the eyes and face is essential in workplaces where employees are exposed to flying debris, chemical splashes, intense light, or hazardous particles. Without proper protection, workers risk serious injuries such as eye irritation, burns, or even permanent vision damage.
Safety goggles & glasses: Wrap-around safety goggles or glasses meeting Australian Standards AS/NZS 1337.1-2010 offer reliable protection against splashes, sprays, and respiratory droplets from multiple angles.
They are widely used by laboratory technicians, construction workers, and factory employees to reduce the risk of eye irritation, infections, or chemical burns. Many safety goggles also feature anti-fog coatings and ventilation systems to enhance visibility and comfort during prolonged use.
Face shields: Single-use or reusable face shields offer an alternative to goggles or safety glasses, especially for protection against splashes and sprays of blood or body fluids. These face shields are commonly used in industrial settings, healthcare facilities, and laboratories where workers face exposure to infectious materials or high-speed projectiles.
Face shields feature a clear plastic barrier covering the face, extending below the chin and to the ears, with no gap between the forehead and headpiece. Shields with forehead gaps are unsuitable for high-risk settings.
Prescription glasses wearers can use a face shield, goggles designed to fit over glasses, or safety glasses with prescription lenses.
3. Respiratory Protection
Respiratory protection is crucial for workers exposed to airborne contaminants such as dust, fumes, toxic gases, and infectious particles. Without proper protection, prolonged exposure to hazardous substances can lead to respiratory illnesses, lung damage, and long-term health complications.
N95 or P2 respirator mask: N95 or P2 respirator masks are among the most commonly used respiratory protective devices, particularly in healthcare and industrial settings. These masks are designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including dust, bacteria, and viruses, helping to reduce the risk of respiratory infections and exposure to harmful contaminants.
Lightweight and disposable, N95 or P2 masks provide a secure fit, ensuring effective filtration while maintaining breathability. Some N95 or P2 models come with exhalation valves for enhanced comfort during extended wear.
Full-face respirators: For workers handling hazardous chemicals, painting, or engaging in toxic material cleanup, full-face respirators offer a higher level of respiratory protection.
These respirators cover the entire face, shielding the eyes, nose, and mouth from airborne toxins, vapours, and irritants. Equipped with replaceable filter cartridges, full-face respirators provide customisable protection depending on the type of contaminants present.
Surgical or Medical Masks: These masks provide effective protection when worn correctly, covering the nose, mouth, and chin with a secure fit. Designed primarily to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets, they help protect both the wearer and those around them from airborne particles, splashes, and sprays.
Surgical masks are made of multiple layers of non-woven fabric and feature a pliable nose strip for a better seal. Regular replacement is recommended, especially if the mask becomes damp or soiled.
4. Hearing Protection
A Hearing Australia survey of 1,012 Australians by Antenna (an independent consumer research agency) found that nearly 25% of Australians know someone with workplace-related hearing damage, yet one in three neglect their own hearing protection. Safe Work Australia limits noise exposure to 85 dB over an 8-hour day or 40-hour week, with a peak of 140 dB.
Exposure to excessive noise levels in the workplace can lead to permanent hearing damage, including tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and noise-induced hearing loss.
Earplugs: Made from foam, silicone, or rubber, these small devices are inserted directly into the ear canal to block out unwanted noise while allowing communication when needed.
Earplugs are widely used in manufacturing plants, construction sites, and warehouse environments where machinery and equipment generate continuous noise. They are lightweight, disposable, and convenient for prolonged use, making them a preferred choice for workers who need consistent protection without added bulk.
Earmuffs: Provide a higher level of noise reduction and are ideal for extremely loud environments where heavy machinery, power tools, and industrial equipment operate.
Designed with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband, earmuffs create a secure seal around the ears to block out excessive noise. They are commonly used in industries such as aviation, mining, and construction, where workers are exposed to sustained high-decibel sounds.
5. Hand Protection
As per the Safe Work Australia report, the wrist and hand are the most common sites of work-related injuries, accounting for 38% of all work-related hospitalisations in Australia.
Within this, fingers and thumbs represent 24% of these injuries. Choosing the right-hand protection depends on the specific risks present in the workplace. Ensuring workers have access to high-quality gloves tailored to their tasks is a key step in preventing injuries and maintaining a safe working environment.
Mechanical Gloves: Designed to safeguard hands from cuts, abrasions, and punctures caused by sharp tools, machinery, or rough materials, mechanical cut gloves are an essential piece of protective gear. Workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics depend on these gloves to prevent hand injuries while maintaining efficiency and productivity.
Nitrile Gloves: Nitrile Gloves: Known for their exceptional durability, nitrile gloves provide outstanding protection against chemicals, oils, and punctures, making them an essential choice for workers handling hazardous materials. They are commonly used by medical professionals, lab technicians, and individuals in industries such as food processing. Their resistance to a wide range of chemicals and harsh cleaning agents ensures both safety and reliability in environments that demand high levels of protection.
Vinyl Gloves: Cost-effective and practical choice for workplaces needing basic hand protection, particularly in food handling, cleaning, and light-duty tasks. Vinyl gloves are designed for ease of use, providing a reliable barrier against dirt, liquids, and contaminants to maintain hygiene and safety. Their lightweight construction ensures comfort during prolonged wear, making them ideal for environments where gloves must be changed frequently.
Chemical Protection Gloves: Specifically designed to offer robust protection against hazardous chemicals, these gloves are crucial in industries like chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and automotive. Made from durable materials, they effectively shield the skin from chemical exposure, preventing irritation or more severe injuries.
Latex Gloves: Known for their flexibility and high tactile sensitivity, latex gloves are commonly used in medical, dental, and food handling settings where dexterity is important. They provide a snug fit and excellent barrier protection, helping prevent contamination and the spread of germs.
Rubber Gloves: Strong, flexible, and highly resistant to water, making them essential for cleaning, janitorial, and heavy-duty tasks. Rubber gloves waterproof design safeguards workers from exposure to liquids, chemicals, and detergents, ensuring they can perform cleaning and maintenance duties safely and effectively. These gloves provide critical protection, preventing skin contact with harmful substances and reducing the risk of irritation or injury while maintaining a high level of comfort and durability for prolonged use.
6. Foot Protection
According to the Motor Accident Compensation, NSW, each year, over 23,000 Australians experience foot injuries, with the most common causes being workplace accidents, slips and falls, and motor vehicle incidents. These injuries can range from toe amputations and broken toes to crushed feet, often resulting in significant pain and long-term consequences. Foot and toe injuries can severely impact an individual’s daily activities and work life, making prevention and proper protection essential.
Ensuring proper foot protection in the workplace is essential for preventing a range of injuries, including crush injuries, punctures, and slips. The right footwear can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, improve worker comfort, and enhance overall workplace safety. Different industries require specific types of protective footwear based on their unique hazards.
Steel-Toe Boots: Commonly used in high-risk environments such as construction, mining, and warehousing, steel-toe boots provide reinforced protection against heavy falling objects, compression hazards, and sharp materials.
The steel cap embedded in the toe area absorbs and disperses impact force, reducing the risk of broken bones or severe foot injuries. Some designs also feature puncture-resistant soles, preventing sharp objects like nails or glass from penetrating the foot.
Anti-Slip Footwear: Designed for industries where workers frequently navigate wet, greasy, or uneven surfaces, anti-slip footwear plays a vital role in reducing slip-and-fall incidents.
These shoes feature slip-resistant soles with specialised tread patterns that enhance grip and stability, making them ideal for professionals in healthcare, hospitality, retail, and food service industries. Many models also include waterproof or stain-resistant materials to maintain hygiene and durability in demanding work environments.
7. Head Protection
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in Australia, a head injury leads to hospitalisation every four minutes. In 2020–21, head injuries caused 406,000 ED visits, 142,000 hospitalisations, and 2,400 fatalities.
Head injuries can have severe, long-lasting effects, making the right head protection a vital part of workplace safety. Proper headgear helps protect workers from hazards like falling objects, accidental bumps, and other potential dangers.
Hard hats: A must-have in construction, industrial, and high-risk work environments, hard hats provide crucial protection against falling objects, impact forces, and electrical risks. Hard Hats are designed to absorb shock and minimise head trauma, hard hats are built to safeguard workers in tough and potentially hazardous job sites.
Halo Hard Hat Brim: An ideal accessory for workers wearing hard hats to provide essential sun protection in demanding environments. Crafted from UV-stabilised polyester with a durable HDPE inner, the brim offers superior strength to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining its shape and integrity.
Designed for maximum coverage, the full brim offers excellent sun protection, and the neck flap shields the back of the neck from harmful UV rays. The Velcro fasteners ensure a secure and stable fit, even in high-wind areas, giving workers confidence in its reliability.
8. Fall Protection
According to the Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2024, in 2023, Falls from a height caused 29 worker fatalities, a 32% increase from the 5-year average of 22 fatalities.
Falls from height accounted for 15% of all worker fatalities. Nearly 80% of fatalities were Labourers (41%), Technicians and trades workers (21%), or Machinery operators and drivers (17%).
Working at heights presents significant risks, making fall protection essential in preventing serious injuries or fatalities. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for fall protection includes specialised gear designed to secure workers and minimise the impact of falls.
Safety harnesses: These full-body harnesses distribute fall forces evenly across the body, reducing the risk of injury in the event of a fall. They are commonly used in construction, roofing, tower work, and other elevated work environments.
Lanyards: These tethering devices connect the safety harness to a secure anchor point, preventing workers from falling freely. Shock-absorbing lanyards are often used to reduce the force of impact during a fall.
How to choose the right PPE gear for your workplace
With so many different PPE manufacturers and suppliers on the market, it can be hard to decide what PPE is right for you. Whether you are looking for PPE clothing or equipment such as a face shield or safety glasses for eye protection, here are a few things to look out for when purchasing new PPE gear for yourself or employees.
1. Complete a hazard assessment
Is there a specific hazard in your workplace? Does it require certain items of PPE that others don’t? For example, is heat an issue for you and do you need to wear high visibility clothing or reflective gear as well? It’s best to conduct a hazard assessment first to identify what PPE you need. Chances are your company’s risk management plan may also outline these hazards.
2. Know the limitations of different types of PPE
You should also be aware of what PPE can and cannot offer you in terms of protection. For example, wearing a mask over your mouth is great for protecting against certain types of fumes but it won’t protect you from inhaling larger particles that could irritate your lungs. If there are risks to breathing.
3. Check the regulatory guidelines
The law states that employers must provide employees with PPE and appropriate clothing for their work roles, as well as when it is needed by the nature of their duties. It is worth checking with the Department of Health, Work Safe or any other authorised source before purchasing to ensure you meet the guidelines and Australian Standards. PPE guidelines may also vary depending on your state. Be sure to also check local state regulations.
4. Research different suppliers and manufacturers
There are many suppliers and manufacturers of PPE out there, so you will need to research them all. Cheaper international suppliers might not manufacture PPE that meets Australian Standards. It’s important to do your research and find quality PPE that will withstand the hazards that your workplace may be exposed to. You can find this information by looking at a showroom, visiting an online store or contacting the supplier directly for more advice on their products.
5. Get input from workers
Another good idea is to get input from your workers. They will be able to give you feedback on what they think of the different types and brands available for purchase. Employees won’t want to wear PPE that is too uncomfortable!
6. Make sure you get the correct sizes
It’s important that you know how to use the PPE properly. You should be trained on how to put the PPE on and take it off, its limitations, etc. Not using PPE correctly defeats its purpose. For example, respirators that don’t fit, or are the wrong size, won’t do their job of protecting you from inhaling hazardous particles.
7. PPE Training and Compliance
In Australia, PPE training and compliance are crucial for maintaining workplace safety across various industries. Employers are required to ensure that workers are properly trained in the correct use, maintenance, and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent injuries and meet regulatory standards.
This includes understanding the types of PPE needed for specific tasks, ensuring the equipment is properly fitted, and conducting regular inspections. Compliance with Australian workplace safety regulations, such as those outlined by Safe Work Australia, helps minimise risks and ensure the wellbeing of workers.
