The Role of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Workplace:
What You Need to Know
Under New Zealand's Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA 2015) and the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a critical role as part of the hierarchy of controls for managing workplace risks.
While PPE should never be the first line of defence, it remains an important safety measure when higher-order controls—like elimination, substitution, or engineering controls—cannot fully eliminate risk.
Here’s what you need to know about PPE: its role, requirements under HSWA 2015, and best practices based on WorkSafe NZ guidance materials.
The Role of PPE in the Hierarchy of Controls
The hierarchy of controls is a framework that prioritises risk management solutions. PPE is considered the last line of defence, meaning it is only used when other measures cannot fully control risks.
The hierarchy includes:
Elimination – Remove the hazard entirely.
Substitution – Replace the hazard with something safer.
Engineering controls – Isolate people from the hazard.
Administrative controls – Change the way work is performed to reduce exposure.
PPE – Use protective gear to reduce the impact of any remaining risks.
While PPE does not control hazards at the source, it can minimise harm when combined with other safety measures.
Legal Requirements for PPE Under HSWA 2015
Under the HSWA 2015, PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) have specific duties regarding PPE, including:
Ensuring appropriate PPE is provided to workers free of charge.
Ensuring PPE is fit for purpose, well-maintained, and meets relevant safety standards.
Providing training and instruction on how to properly use, store, and maintain PPE.
Monitoring that PPE is used as required and remains effective.
Workers, in turn, have a responsibility to:
Wear PPE correctly as instructed.
Take reasonable care to maintain their PPE.
Notify their employer if PPE is damaged, defective, or inadequate for the task.
Types of PPE and Their Uses
PPE comes in many forms, tailored to specific workplace hazards. Common examples include:
Head Protection: Hard hats protect against falling objects, impacts, and head injuries.
Eye and Face Protection: Safety glasses, goggles, and face shields protect against dust, debris, chemicals, and sparks.
Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs reduce exposure to hazardous noise levels.
Respiratory Protection: Masks or respirators protect against airborne contaminants like dust, fumes, and toxic gases.
Hand Protection: Gloves guard against cuts, abrasions, chemicals, and thermal risks.
Body Protection: High-visibility clothing, coveralls, or flame-resistant garments protect against visibility risks, spills, and extreme conditions.
Foot Protection: Safety boots prevent injuries from heavy objects, punctures, and electrical hazards.
WorkSafe NZ provides detailed guidance on selecting PPE that meets recognised AS/NZS standards for protection and performance.
Best Practices for Implementing PPE
To ensure PPE is used effectively, PCBUs should follow these steps:
Conduct a Risk Assessment
Identify workplace hazards and determine where PPE is necessary to minimise risks.Select the Right PPE
Choose PPE that is fit for the task, comfortable, and suitable for the individual worker. Ill-fitting PPE can compromise safety and compliance.Provide Training
Workers must understand when and how to wear PPE, its limitations, and how to care for it.Ensure Proper Fit and Maintenance
PPE must be inspected regularly to ensure it remains in good condition. Damaged or worn-out PPE must be replaced immediately.Monitor and Enforce Use
Supervisors should ensure workers are consistently using PPE as required and address any barriers to compliance (e.g., discomfort or lack of understanding).
Key Considerations from WorkSafe NZ
WorkSafe NZ emphasises that PPE should never be a stand-alone solution. It should always be used alongside other control measures. Additionally:
Employers must consult workers when selecting PPE to ensure it is suitable and practical.
PPE must account for worker diversity, including fit and usability for all genders, body types, and cultural considerations.
Providing clear signage and reminders can reinforce PPE use in hazardous areas.
Final Thoughts
PPE is an essential component of workplace safety but must be treated as part of a broader risk management strategy. Under HSWA 2015 and supporting regulations, PCBUs have a clear responsibility to ensure PPE is provided, fit for purpose, and used effectively.
At Advanced Safety, we work with businesses to help implement practical, compliant health and safety systems—including advice on effective PPE use and risk management strategies. If you’re unsure about your workplace PPE requirements or want to improve your safety culture, get in touch today.
Let’s work together to keep Kiwi workers safe—every day, on every job.
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