We are on the horns of a real Health and Safety nightmare at work.
It all comes down to a "new" idea called PPE,(You guys in the US have had this for years)but there has been no REAL definition of PPE(Personal Protective Equipment) until now!.
We are under a new bunch of Employment Contract negotiations and this has been brought up to encompass who provides what, in the way of PPE.
To MY way of thinking and that of OSH(Occupational Health And Safety) the Employer must provide:
  • Safety Glasses
  • Hard Hat
  • Overalls
  • Earmuffs, or similar Hearing Protection.

Now, I may be a tad jaded in this respect, having worked for a PoCo in the past, where everything was provided.
I add to the list:
  • Safety Boots
  • Insulated Gloves and Leather Outers (some Electricians also wear these, here)
  • Climbing Belt

A lot of Employers are trying to wimp out of thier legal requirements to provide even the most basic of PPE, saying that Safety Boots are provided in the Tool Allowance. (NZ$0.22/hour)
Don't spend that all in the same shop!.
Sure, I have always had and maintained my own set of PPE, but is this really fair?.
No safety gear, no work!. [Linked Image]