Why PPE is the last resort — and why the business pays for it
If PPE is needed, the business must provide it — free. Under the GRWM Regulations the PCBU directing the work must supply suitable PPE, make sure workers use it, and keep it maintained. PPE is the lowest control in the hierarchy, used only when higher controls can't remove the risk.
The business pays. Under regulation 15 of the GRWM Regulations, the PCBU directing the work must provide PPE to the workers carrying out that work — unless another PCBU in the contracting chain has already provided it.
Workers are entitled to receive necessary protective clothing and equipment free of charge. You cannot push the cost onto workers, and WorkSafe specifically advises against adding “PPE allowances” to pay to cover future PPE — it is not reasonable to expect workers to set money aside for it, and it risks people wearing worn-out gear because they can't yet afford to replace it.
Only if they genuinely and voluntarily choose to — for their own comfort or convenience — and you're satisfied it is suitable.
Regulation 16 allows a worker to provide their own PPE, but it has to be a genuine, voluntary choice, not something you require to avoid the cost. Even then, you must be satisfied the gear is suitable and meets the relevant requirements, and the worker can change their mind at any time and ask you to start supplying it. (Members of the Armed Forces cannot provide their own PPE.)
PPE sits at the bottom of the hierarchy of controls — it is used only when higher controls cannot adequately manage the risk.
The reason is that PPE relies entirely on the individual wearing it correctly every time, which is the least reliable form of protection. You are expected to first try to eliminate the risk, then substitute, isolate or engineer it out, then use administrative controls — and reach for PPE for whatever risk remains. WorkSafe also prefers controls that protect many workers at once over PPE, which protects only the person wearing it.
Providing PPE is not enough — it has to be the right gear, kept in good condition, and actually worn.
| Duty | What it means |
|---|---|
| Suitable | PPE must suit the task, the hazard and the person — the wrong PPE offers false protection. |
| Maintained | Keep it clean, hygienic and in good working order; repair or replace it when worn, damaged or past its use-by date. |
| Used | Ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workers use or wear it; workers also have a duty to wear it. |
| Trained | Make sure workers know how to use, wear, store and look after their PPE. |
The right PPE is whatever matches the residual risk — not a standard kit handed to everyone.
Depending on the work, that might include eye protection, hearing protection, respiratory protection, gloves, safety footwear, head protection, high-visibility clothing or fall-arrest equipment. Engage with your workers when deciding what is appropriate — they will tell you what actually works for the task and what gets in the way.
Track PPE requirements and issue records alongside your risk assessments. Book a demo and we'll show you how it works — free 30-day trial included.
Yes. Under regulation 15 of the GRWM Regulations, the PCBU directing the work must provide PPE to workers, unless another PCBU in the chain provides it. Workers are entitled to receive necessary protective equipment free of charge.
No. You can choose to provide your own PPE only if you genuinely and voluntarily want to, for your own comfort or convenience, and the business is satisfied it is suitable. You cannot be required to supply your own, and you can ask the business to start providing it at any time.
Usually not. PPE is the lowest control in the hierarchy because it relies on the individual using it correctly every time. You must first try to eliminate the risk and use higher controls such as substitution, isolation and engineering, and use PPE only for the risk that remains.
The business. PPE must be kept clean, hygienic and in good working order, and repaired or replaced when it is worn, damaged or past its use-by date. Replacement should be based on need, not a fixed annual cycle.
Workers are entitled to required PPE free of charge, so the cost should not fall on the worker. WorkSafe also advises against adding PPE allowances to pay, because it effectively shifts the cost and risks workers wearing gear past its use-by date.
