Why should Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) be considered a last resort?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be considered a last resort because it has inherent limitations in protecting the worker and is not a substitute for implementing safer work practices. While PPE serves an essential function in reducing exposure to hazards, it does not eliminate the hazards themselves. In many cases, relying solely on PPE can create a false sense of security, leading to a neglect of more effective safety measures.

For example, using proper engineering controls, administrative approaches, or safe work practices is often more effective in eliminating or mitigating risks. This ensures that hazards are managed at their source rather than relying on an individual to wear protective gear, which may not always afford complete protection. Effective safety measures aim to prevent exposure altogether, making PPE an option to be used only when other controls are not feasible or sufficient.

In practice, this emphasizes a hierarchy of controls, which prioritizes risk elimination and control measures over relying on personal protective equipment alone.