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 only exception in r44 is where another business (such as a labour-hire agency) has already provided it. A PCBU must not charge a worker for anything provided for work health and safety (WHS Act s273), and an agreement to buy your own can't contract out of the Act (s272). 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. A PCBU must not levy or charge a worker for anything done or provided in relation to work health and safety (WHS Act s273), and an agreement can't contract out of that (s272). An employer also cannot make you use unsuitable PPE. 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 2026Jump to calculator ↓

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 a genuine contractor supplies as part of their own business. This tool gives general guidance for your situation — it is not legal advice.

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