UPDATED 2:42pm: Frontline Corrections staff are about to get new stab resistant vests.

The new lightweight body armour is designed for high-risk prison environments, and will come into use next month.

Beven Hanlon of the Corrections Association expects staff will be pleased with the gear.

"I think they're going to be overwhelmed. It's a long time coming and it's a great decision."

Hanlon says it's a great first step, but stronger initiatives need to be introduced to stop violent prisoners.

He says you can't tell a prisoner to wait for an officer to arm themselves with a vest or pepper spray before attacking.

"You can't say to a prisoner, 'don't punch me in the heard just yet', or, 'stop stabbing that prisoner - I've just got to go away, grab my pepper spray, get approval and then I'm going to spray you with it.'"

The vests will be used in conjunction with on-body cameras.