The Labour Hire Authority in the Australian state of Victoria reminded labour hire firms on Wednesday that they may face penalties for charging workers for personal safety equipment. Labour hire firms may face loss of licence or conditions placed on the licence for violations. In addition, it said one labour hire firm serving the meat manufacturing and processing industry recently had licence conditions imposed on it after it was found to be requiring workers to pay for their own Q Fever vaccinations and safety boots.

In that case, the labour hire provider agreed to address all concerns identified by the Labour Hire Authority.

However, the authority said labour hire firms can be liable for penalties of up to AUD 145,000 (USD 103,132) per breach as well as cancellation of their licence.

“Where a labour hire worker requires [personal protective equipment] to safely perform their work, labour hire providers and hosts should ensure that PPE is provided at no cost to the worker,” according to the authority. “Providers and hosts must make sure that PPE and other safety equipment continues to meet standards required by health and safety legislation.”

Examples of PPE include:

• Hardhats and helmets
• Safety glasses and goggles
• Earplugs
• Gloves
• Facemasks and face shields
• Safety boots

It also noted that in the meat manufacturing and processing industry, specifically, labour hire firms and client companies:

• must not require any worker to pay to get the Q Fever vaccination
• must provide Q Fever vaccination to workers free of charge where it is a requirement for work

“Hosts (including providers who subcontract) should note that if they do not pay their providers enough to ensure the provider can meet their legal obligations, they may be held responsible for those breaches.”