Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be considered as a first line of defense against occupational hazards in South Africa. PPE is a critical component of workplace safety and should be used in conjunction with other control measures, such as engineering controls and administrative controls, to ensure the highest level of protection for workers.
In South Africa, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) places a legal obligation on employers to provide PPE to their employees where necessary. PPE is required in many different industries, including construction, mining, healthcare, and manufacturing.
It is important to note that PPE should not be considered a substitute for other control measures, such as engineering controls, which can eliminate or reduce hazards at the source. However, when these measures are not feasible or sufficient, PPE should be used to provide an additional layer of protection for workers.
Overall, PPE should be viewed as a critical component of a comprehensive safety program in South Africa, and employers should prioritize the selection, use, and maintenance of PPE to ensure the health and safety of their employees.