| |
Policy on the issue of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as the principal means of risk control of hazards in the workplace
Where PPE (vests, safety glasses, ear muffs, gloves, helmets, respiratory equipment etc) is issued as a control measure to manage a hazard in the workplace, a detailed risk assessment must be undertaken and documented by the employer, after consultation with the employees and their representative, identifying how the control measure was derived with consideration in regards to appropriate risk management principles and the hierarchy of controls.
Position Statement
For example; providing ear muffs to prevent hearing damage can only be concluded after satisfying the requirements of a detailed risk assessment undertaken by the employer with regards to the Noise Regulations; taking into account issues such as exposure and measured noise levels taken by a competent person (e.g., an occupational hygienist), and only after considering the higher order of control measures, i.e. elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering controls, administrative controls etc, and only after a written plan of how the control measures are to be implemented and maintained, having regards to training, supervision, etc, etc. Only after all the requirements of the Regulations are met, are employees required to use the equipment supplied, and only after appropriate training, their selection, use, fit maintenance etc has been provided to the employee by the employer.
Similar examples of PPE being issued without due consideration of hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures are roofers wearing high visibility vests on roofs where there is no hazard of conflict with mobile traffic; respiratory devices issued when mechanical ventilation is reasonably practicable; gloves being issued when they present a further risk such as operating particular mechanical equipment are further examples.
The Union encourages and supports any initiative shown by an employer to provide the highest level of safety to our Members through consultation with the Members and their OH&S Rep, however, a blanket approach of an employer demanding PPE being worn at all times without the above approach to risk management procedure, with the view that punitive action can be taken by the employer breaches the obligation and duty of care placed on an employer under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and its Regulations for an employer to provide a safe workplace. It is simply an attempt to shift the responsibilities of the employer onto the worker, that is; if a worker is injured, the employer then attempts to argue and perpetuate the myth of the careless worker and apportion liability on that injured worker.
|
Tune in to the Plumbers radio program, every second Thursday morning, 6.30 am on 3CR (855 0n the AM band)
|
|