An employer has a duty to safeguard all employees. This means that they have to provide staff with equipment, clothing, gloves or similar gear that prevents injury or reduces the risk of harm.
If an employer fails to comply with this basic Health & Safety requirement then they will be liable for any breach that results in a personal injury to an employee or for that matter any other person.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 provides the following guidelines:-
What are PPE’s?
PPE includes – safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses.
PPE does not include – hearing protection and respiratory protective equipment provided for most work situations because other regulations apply to them. However these items need to be compatible with any other PPE provided.
Similarly cycle helmets or crash helmets worn by employees on the roads are not covered by the Regulations. Motorcycle helmets are legally required for motorcyclists under road traffic legislation.
The main requirement of the PPE at Work Regulations 1992 is that personal protective equipment is to be supplied and used at work wherever there are risks to Health and Safety that cannot be adequately controlled in other ways.
The Regulations that apply to PPE require that the equipment:-
• is properly assessed before use to ensure its suitability;
• is maintained and stored properly;
• is provided with instructions on how to use it safely; and
• is used correctly by employees.
Contact Parmar Solicitors to start your work accident claim involving lack of PPE today
Parmar & Co Solicitors