Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE as it is more informally known, is equipment which you should wear or use to protect you from risks to your health and safety at work. PPE should only be used as a last resort where no other methods could protect you – for example, employers should not use PPE as a cheaper option in place of another method of safety which may protect you better.
There are strict regulations surrounding PPE in the workplace. Employers should not ask employees for payment for the PPE, or even for any contribution at all – the employer should cover the cost of the PPE in full.
PPE is an umbrella term which can cover a whole host of equipment ranging from safety goggles, to respirators, to safety boots. PPE not only protects from those one off accidents, such as a laceration to the finger, but it can also protect from long term risks to health which can build up over time and potentially cause life threatening diseases – an example of this would be respirators to prevent conditions such as asbestosis. This serves to highlight the importance of PPE around the workplace.
It does not go far enough to say employers have a duty to supply you with the necessary PPE. They must also make sure that the user is fully trained in its use – it’s no good being provided with PPE if you don’t know how to use it! Employers should also ensure the PPE is maintained frequently, and stored properly – this serves to ensure the PPE offers the fullest protection it can to the user.
If you feel that your employer is breaching any of their duties regarding PPE, it is advisable to bring this to their attention as a matter of urgency. Your employer should appreciate this information as it ensures safety in the workplace and decreases the chance of them having a claim brought against them.
Issues involving your health and safety at work are serious and should not be forgotten about or put off. If you have had an accident at work, or if you have been diagnosed with an industrial disease, it is advisable to get the advice of a specialist personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Beginning a claim against your employer encourages them to improve health and safety standards around the work place so the same thing does not happen to someone else.
