Does my employer have to pay for my PPE?

Yes, for PPE that controls a workplace hazard. Under the model Work Health and Safety Regulations (r44), a PCBU that directs the carrying out of work must provide suitable personal protective equipment to the workers it directs and bear the cost — you should not have to buy hazard-control PPE or have it deducted from your pay. This covers items such as hard hats, hi-vis, hearing protection, respirators, safety gloves, eye protection and harnesses. The exceptions are narrow: where you have genuinely agreed to supply your own suitable equipment, or another business has already provided it. Victoria (Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and Regulations 2017) and Western Australia (Work Health and Safety Act 2020) have equivalent employer duties to provide PPE.

Does my employer have to pay for steel-cap boots or prescription safety glasses?

It depends on whether the item is controlling a workplace hazard. Steel-capped boots on a site with falling-object or crush risks are hazard-control PPE, so the employer should provide them and bear the cost (r44). Ordinary everyday prescription glasses are personal items the employer generally does not have to pay for — but where the job needs prescription safety eyewear to control an eye hazard the business directs you to face, that is PPE and the provide-and-pay duty can apply. Many awards, agreements and workplace policies set a boot or safety-eyewear allowance, so check those before paying out of pocket.

Do I have to pay for my own PPE if I am a contractor or labour-hire worker?

Usually no, if a business directs your work. Under WHS law, contractors and labour-hire workers are 'workers', and the business that directs the carrying out of the work is a PCBU with the duty to provide and pay for hazard-control PPE (r44). For labour-hire, that duty can be shared between the host and your agency. If you are genuinely self-employed and direct your own work, you are your own PCBU, so the duty — and the cost — to provide your PPE sits with you, although a host business must still manage its workplace so you are not exposed to risk.

Can my employer make me buy my own PPE?

Generally not for PPE needed to control a workplace hazard. The provide-and-pay duty in r44 exists so that cost is not a barrier to using protective equipment, and an employer cannot push that cost onto you to avoid its duty. An employer also cannot make you use unsuitable PPE. The exception is where you genuinely choose, by agreement, to supply your own suitable equipment. If you feel pressured to buy PPE you need to work safely, raise it with your WHS regulator, the Fair Work Ombudsman, your union or a workplace lawyer.

What are my employer's other PPE duties besides paying for it?

Beyond providing it, your employer must make sure the PPE is suitable for the hazard and the work, the right size and a proper fit for you, and reasonably comfortable; keep it clean, hygienic, in good working order and maintained, repaired or replaced as needed (r44); and give you information, training and instruction in how to use, wear, store and maintain it (r45). For your part, you must use the PPE as instructed so far as you are reasonably able and not intentionally misuse or damage it (r46).

PPE — Does My Employer Have to Pay?

Find out whether your employer must provide and pay for personal protective equipment (PPE) under the WHS Regulations, and the exceptions.

Last verified: 21 June 2026

Under the model Work Health and Safety Regulations (r44), a business that directs your work must provide the PPE used to control a workplace hazard — at no cost to you — and ensure it is suitable, a proper fit, clean and maintained, and that you are trained in its use (r45). You must use it as instructed and not misuse it (r46). The grey areas are general clothing, everyday prescription glasses, and equipment you have genuinely chosen to supply yourself. This tool gives general guidance for your situation — it is not legal advice.

Who pays for your PPE?

Answer three quick questions to see whether your employer must provide and pay for your personal protective equipment (PPE), what their other duties are, and your duty to use it. This is general guidance, not legal advice.

Check who must pay for your PPE

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1. What is your role?

2. What kind of equipment is it?

Answer the questions to see where you stand

We cannot assess your situation until you have answered each question above.

Your duties as a worker

Use or wear the PPE in line with the information, training and instruction you have been given, so far as you are reasonably able (r46).
Do not intentionally misuse or damage the PPE (r46).
Tell your supervisor if PPE is damaged, does not fit, or is missing, so it can be repaired or replaced.

The law: Model Work Health and Safety Regulations r44 (a PCBU that directs the carrying out of work must provide suitable PPE to workers and ensure it is a proper fit, clean, hygienic and maintained), r45 (the PCBU must train and instruct workers in its use), r46 (a worker must use the PPE as instructed and must not misuse it) and r47 (other people at the workplace must use PPE provided to them). Victoria's Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and Regulations 2017, and Western Australia's Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA), contain equivalent employer duties to provide PPE — confirm the exact provision for your state or territory.

This is general information about work health and safety duties, not legal advice, and it does not decide your situation. Who must provide and pay for PPE turns on the specific facts, your award or agreement, and the WHS laws in your state or territory. If you are unsure, or your employer refuses to provide or pay for PPE you need, contact your WHS regulator, the Fair Work Ombudsman, your union or a workplace lawyer for advice.

Looking after the wider safety picture? Try the WHS Quick Check or browse the Safety Hub for the full set of work health and safety tools.

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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