Initially the employer must determine if there is a hazard and assess the risk associated with the hazard. An employer must then eliminate any reasonably foreseeable risk to the health and safety of any person at work.
If it is not possible to eliminate the risk, an employer must control the risk. PPE may assist in reducing the risk of harm. See the FAQ relating to hierarchy of control.
Example:
An employer must ensure the health, safety and welfare of all the employees, which includes ensuring the working environment is safe (Section 8 OHS Act).
To determine if employees working on a building site need to wear hard hats or safety shoes the general duty of care principles should be applied. As it was not possible to eliminate the risk, the risk is controlled through using PPE such as appropriate head and footwear.
If there is a risk to the employee of injury from objects falling on their head or feet then it is reasonable and in fact expected that the area be designated a hard hat and safety shoe area.