Why PPE Is the Very Last Line of Defense

By Tyler Doupe'

Keeping workers safe on the job site requires multiple layers of planning and protection. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an invaluable and highly visible barrier, but it’s important to recognize that PPE is the very last line of defense and should be used in conjunction with more effective methods of protection whenever possible.

With that in mind, you might be asking yourself which methods of protection should be implemented prior to, or in conjunction with, PPE. Well, we’ve got the answers you seek, dear reader. And it all comes down to the Hierarchy of Controls. 

What Is the Hierarchy of Controls?

The Hierarchy of Controls is a priority ranking system for navigating workplace hazards. It is set up like an upside-down pyramid, with the highest priority option positioned at the top. The Hierarchy of controls ranks control methods in the following order:

Elimination: Elimination sits at the very top of the pyramid. It is the best option when available because eliminating a hazard removes the risk entirely. This step might look like using a drone to inspect a confined space, ultimately eliminating the need for a human to enter.

Substitution: When elimination is not an option, substitution is your next best bet. Substitution involves replacing the hazard with a less dangerous alternative. An example of substitution is replacing a toxic chemical with a less-toxic alternative.

Engineering Controls: In the event that elimination or substitution are not suitable, the next best option is engineering controls. Engineering controls include strategies like putting a protective barrier (a machine guard, for instance) between the employee and the hazard.

Administrative Controls: The next step in the Hierarchy of Controls is administrative controls. Administrative controls relate to changing the way people work and adjusting behavior. Examples include limiting employee exposure to a particular hazard, training employees on mitigating risk, and posting warning signs.

Personal Protective Equipment: The final piece of the pyramid is personal protective equipment. PPE should be the very last line of defense and should be used in conjunction with other methods whenever possible because it does not remove, replace, or even isolate the hazard.

If you’re wondering how to use PPE in conjunction with other control methods, we’ve got you covered. For instance, if a worker is using a machine that creates flying debris, a guard should be installed to mitigate the risk and significantly reduce the exposure. In conjunction with  a guard, PPE like a face shield, eye protection, and gloves provide an extra layer of defense. If PPE is used in lieu of a guard, the worker is far more exposed and much more likely to succumb to some form of malady.   

For an overview of the use of PPE, be sure to check out OSHAcademy Course 108: Personal Protective Equipment: Basic.