Employers have a legal duty to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever workplace risks can’t be controlled by other means. Failing to do so isn’t just careless, it could be classed as negligence. If you’ve suffered an injury at work and weren’t given the right safety gear, you could be entitled to PPE injury compensation in the UK.

At Express Solicitors, we’ve helped thousands of workers across the UK claim compensation after PPE failures. Whether you’re unsure of your rights or ready to take action, we’re here to help, with clear advice and no-win, no-fee support.

What are your employer’s legal duties around PPE?

In the UK, your employer is legally required to protect your health and safety at work. That includes providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) free of charge if other safety measures aren’t enough to eliminate risk. 

These duties are set out in the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Under these laws, employers must identify hazards, assess risks and take steps to reduce harm. If PPE is needed, it must be provided, maintained and replaced as necessary.

Failing to meet these responsibilities may count as employer negligence. That could make them liable to a workplace accident claim if you’re injured.

What PPE should your employer provide?

Your employer must provide personal protective equipment that’s suitable for the specific risks of your job. That means identifying hazards through risk assessments and supplying gear that protects you from harm. Common examples of PPE include:

  • Construction — This includes hard hats, steel-toe boots, high-visibility jackets and gloves.
  • Cleaning — This includes waterproof gloves, aprons, eye protection and face masks.
  • Industrial work — This includes ear defenders, visors, respirators and flame-retardant clothing.

Whatever the role, PPE must be:

  • Fit for purpose and the correct size
  • Maintained and replaced if damaged or worn
  • Supported with training so you know how to use it properly

If your employer hasn’t followed these steps, they could be breaching UK health and safety law and you could claim for injury where no PPE was provided.

Is it a breach of health and safety law if employers don’t provide proper PPE?

If your employer doesn’t provide the necessary personal protective equipment, it’s a breach of UK health and safety law. Failing to provide or maintain proper PPE could be classed as employer negligence, especially if it results in injury. And that means you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation against them.

What counts as a PPE-related injury?

If your employer didn’t provide the right protective equipment and you were hurt as a result, you could be able to make a claim. PPE-related injuries can happen in all kinds of workplaces, from construction sites to commercial kitchens:

Construction

Cleaning

  • No gloves or eye protection → Could result in chemical burns or skin damage.
  • No mask → Could result in breathing problems from toxic fumes or dust.
  • No slip-resistant shoes → Could result in slips and falls on wet floors.

Industrial

  • No ear protection → Could result in noise-induced hearing loss.
  • No visor or gloves → Could result in cuts, burns or electric shocks.
  • No heat-resistant clothing → Could result in thermal burns.

Some injuries can cause long-term damage, including chronic pain, mobility issues or psychological trauma like PTSD or anxiety. If your health has suffered due to a lack of PPE, you have every right to explore your legal options.

What happens if you’re injured without PPE?

If you were injured because your employer didn’t give you proper PPE, you may be able to claim compensation. Express Solicitors can guide you through the process from start to finish, starting with a free, no-obligation consultation. This is how it works:

  1. We review your case — We’ll look at what happened, when and how PPE was missing or faulty.
  2. We help you gather evidence — This includes medical records, witness statements, photos and entries in your workplace accident book.
  3. We handle your claim — We always operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, so there’s no cost unless we win your case.

You usually have three years from the date of your injury to start a claim. Even if you’re still working for the same employer, you have the right to claim.

Why workers choose Express Solicitors

At Express Solicitors, we’ve handled thousands of successful claims involving missing or inadequate PPE. Our aim is to help workers like you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

We understand how tough it can be to speak out after an injury, especially if you’re still in the same job. That’s why we offer a no-win, no-fee promise, so there’s no financial risk to you and clear, expert guidance at every step of your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim if I wasn’t given gloves, boots, or goggles?

If your job required PPE like gloves, boots or goggles and your employer failed to provide them, you could be entitled to compensation, especially if you were injured as a result.

Is it my fault if I didn’t ask for PPE?

It’s your employer’s legal duty to assess risks and provide PPE without you having to ask. If they didn’t, the responsibility lies with them, not you.

What types of injuries qualify for PPE claims?

Common injuries include cuts, burns, broken bones, hearing loss and breathing problems, all made worse or caused by missing or faulty PPE. Psychological effects may also be covered.

Do I need to prove the PPE was missing or inadequate?

Photos, witness statements, medical records and accident book entries can help show that PPE wasn’t provided or failed to protect you.

What if I was pressured to work without safety gear?

If you were forced or pressured to work without the right PPE, that still counts as a legal breach. You could have grounds for a claim, even if you felt you had no choice.