When it comes to workplace safety, PPE is one of the most essential parts of shielding workers from health and safety risks and hazards. Whether it’s masks, hats, goggles or clothing, PPE comes in all sorts of forms all around the UK. But who is responsible for supplying employees with PPE?
In this helpful guide, we’ll take you through the different types available, discuss the responsibilities of employers and employees as well as what could happen without it.
What is PPE?
PPE stands for personal protective equipment, and it varies from job to job. Some of the most common types of PPE are as follows:
- Hard hats — to protect against falling objects.
- Eye goggles — to protect against flying debris or harmful chemicals.
- Gloves — to protect against sharp objects, chemicals or extreme temperatures.
- Ear defenders — to protect against hearing damage.
- High-visability clothing — to increase visibility in dark or dangerous areas.
- Lone-worker alarms — to protect you if you are isolated in high-risk areas.
PPE can be divided into general PPE, like high-visibility vests or safety helmets, and specialised PPE designed for specific industries and tasks.
Who is responsible for supplying employees with PPE?
Employers have a legal duty of care over their employees, outlined in the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. These regulations set out the following:
- Employers must provide appropriate PPE based on the risks present in the workplace.
- PPE must be free to employees.
- Employers must ensure PPE is being properly used and maintained — this includes clear instructions and training.
In order to ensure that PPE is being used correctly, it’s also up to employers to adopt regular safety briefings, regular inspections and disciplinary actions if employees are not complying.
Who provides PPE for self-employed workers and contractors?
When it comes to self-employment and contract work, the rules around PPE can be a little more complicated. Here’s a quick guide on the rules around PPE in these instances:
Agency workers
According to UK law, agency workers are treated as regular employees when it comes to health and safety. This means that the employer or the agency responsible for your placement must provide you with the same standard of PPE as permanent staff members.
Self-employed contractors
As a self-employed person working on-site, you are usually required to bring your own PPE. However, you must ensure that your equipment meets workplace safety standards. In certain high-risk environments, you might need to use specialised PPE provided by the hiring company to meet specific safety requirements.
What other responsibilities do employers have regarding PPE?
As well as providing PPE, employers have a range of other responsibilities when it comes to PPE:
Ensuring that PPE is CE/UKCA marked
All PPE should be marked up by employers with appropriate safety certifications, like CE or UKCA markings, indicating compliance with legal standards.
Training employees on using PPE
Employers must provide correct and relevant training for every piece of PPE they provide. This could include when and why it is necessary, how to use it and how to maintain and store it.
Ensuring PPE is properly maintained
Employers must implement a regular inspection routine to check for wear and tear or defects. If PPE is found to be damaged or unsuitable, it must be repaired or replaced as quickly as possible.
Monitoring PPE usage
PPE should always be used correctly — that means employers or their supervisors should monitor how PPE is being used in order to ensure maximum safety.
Consulting with employees
Employers should talk to their employees to ensure the appropriate PPE is always available. Workers will have a better idea of what PPE is needed as they do the job on a daily basis.
Accidents or injuries caused by inadequate PPE
If the worst has happened and you have been injured in an accident caused by a lack or failure of PPE, you could be owed compensation from your employer. Accidents in the workplace often happen because of the high-risk environment, especially in warehouses or construction sites.
If you’ve been injured due to inadequate PPE or an employer’s failure to meet safety obligations, Express Solicitors is here to help. Our experienced team specialises in workplace injury claims and can guide you through the legal process to secure the compensation you deserve. Ready to take the next step? Get in touch and we can iron out your case in a secure and confidential way. Call us on 0161 516 6501 or Start your claim online