PPE Isn’t the Last Line of Defence — It’s the First One That Actually Works
You’ve probably heard it before:
“PPE is the last line of defence.”
In theory, that’s true.
In practice, PPE is often the first thing that actually protects workers.
The Hierarchy of Control in Reality
Elimination and engineering controls are often impractical.
What remains is administrative controls and PPE.
PPE moves with the worker. It adapts instantly when conditions change.
Why PPE Is Labelled Least Effective
PPE is human-dependent — but all controls are. PPE operates at the point of risk.
PPE Reduces Severity
PPE doesn’t prevent every incident. It reduces injury severity — and severity reduction saves lives.
Admin Controls vs Reality
Paperwork doesn’t stop incidents. Accessible PPE does.
Design PPE for Humans
If PPE depends on humans, it must be human-centred.
Where Thirsty Squirrel Fits
Hydration is already a habit. Integrating PPE with hydration removes friction.
Stop Treating PPE Like a Backup Plan
PPE is not a fallback. t’s a frontline control.
References:
Reason (1997); Salminen (1997); Hale & Borys (2013); Dekker (2014); Hollnagel (2014)
