Personal Protective Equipment or PPE is equipment which can be used or worn to protect you from risks to your health and safety. It is something which your employer is solely responsible for providing, and it is enshrined in regulation that you have no duty to pay for it, or even to provide a contribution.
PPE is extremely important in the workplace – this being said, however, it should not be used in place of another method of safety which protects you just as well, if not, better – PPE is a last resort failing all else even other methods may be more costly or inefficient to your employer.
There is a wide range of PPE which is available depending on the job that you do, and the risks involved. PPE can range from safety goggles, to safety boots, to anti-vibration gloves. PPE can be so vitally important, as it may not just protect from those one-off accidents, but also those which form over time – these may be known as industrial diseases. An example of an industrial disease is asbestosis – the risk of getting this condition can be greatly reduced through the use of PPE, such as respirators. There is no curative treatment for asbestosis and it can be fatal; so PPE in this respect is vitally important.
So, it can be seen that employers have a duty to provide PPE when appropriate and necessary; however, simply providing it does not go far enough. Employers must also ensure that employees are fully trained in its use, and also ensure that the PPE is properly maintained and stored so it can offer the fullest protection possible.
Not only this, employers must also ensure that the PPE itself does not cause a hazard, and that it is appropriately adapted for its use. For example, providing PPE that risks the user to overheating, or that which could get trapped in machinery, is not sufficient.
If you have had an accident as a result of a lack of or inadequate PPE at work, you may have a claim for compensation. In this situation it is advisable to report your injury to your employer as they may need to fill out an accident report and / or rectify the problem so the same thing does not happen to someone else. You should also get the advice of a specialist personal injury lawyer directly – many firms will offer free confidential claims assessments, so there is nothing to lose by getting the advice and assessing your options.
