Australia has some of the most stringent and expansive workplace safety laws anywhere in the world. These laws and regulations generally require businesses to work through a hierarchy of risk control measures that focus on how the workplace identifies, assesses and develops control measures to manage safety risks and hazards.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) – including appropriate workwear - is generally considered to sit at the lower end of these control measures in terms of effectiveness in dealing with workplace safety risks – as a control measure it should only form a last resort, interim or back-up safety measure. But, nevertheless, it forms an integral part of the safety management picture.
So do you understand what’s required to meet the safety workwear requirements for your job? Many work functions in Australia can rely on specific Australian and New Zealand Standards which outline what is required for specific types of work as well as for specific types of PPE.
Essentially, PPE refers to anything that is used or worn to minimise risk to a workers health and safety on the job. Comprehensive PPE lists often include items such as:
- Workplace appropriate boots
- Broad-brimmed hats
- Ear plugs
- Face masks
- Fireproof or non-conductive clothing
- Full length clothing
- Gloves
- Goggles or safety eyewear
- Hard hats
- High visibility clothing
- Respirators
- Safety harnesses
- Safety shoes
- Sunscreen
Essentially the PPE must be:
- suitable for the nature of the work or hazard
- a suitable size and fit for the individual who is required to use it and reasonably comfortable.
- maintained, repaired or replaced, which includes ensuring the equipment is:
- clean and hygienic
- in good working order.
- used or worn by the worker, so far as is reasonably practical.
Both employees and employers have a responsibility to ensure that the PPE is fit for purpose, is maintained, meets required regulations or standards and is worn as required and properly.
When it comes to keeping you safe on the job, the quality of your workwear and its suitability to the task is essential to your safety and the safety of others around you. It is also critical in ensuring workplace compliance with safety regulations.
The good news, of course, is that in meeting your workplace health and safety obligations, whether you’re an employer purchasing company uniform or you’re a worker purchasing kit, you don’t have to sacrifice style and comfort for safety compliance. The high quality workwear products in BAD Workwear’s stores provide the highest quality workwear products presented stylishly and fashionably and made from the very best quality materials.
BAD has a full range of high quality, affordable, compliant workwear and accessories that will not only keep you safe but keep you looking good on the worksite including shirts, socks, wide-brimmed and hard hats, gloves, protective eyewear and boots.
