PPE equipment

None of us likes to think about having an accident at work but the reality is, more and more accidents at work are happening each year. There are many reasons for this but alarmingly, a considerable number of cases arise from employees not being supplied with essential PPE by their employer. Employees have been left vulnerable and seriously hurt as a result of this. PPE is an important issue that should be taken seriously by both the employer and also the employee who has been supplied the PPE.

What is PPE?

PPE, or Personal Protective Equipment, comprises various clothing items and accessories such as masks, gloves and eyewear. It is worn by an employee in their job to protect them from injection or injury.

Why is PPE important?

It is extremely important for employees to wear PPE if their job has been deemed hazardous. This could be because of exposure to chemicals, electrical, hazardous materials, airborne matter, heat or biohazards.

Why PPE is supplied

PPE is supplied by an employer to protect their employees against the types of hazards listed above to prevent harm to them. It is an employer’s responsibility to protect their employees and to avoid accidents at work.

Why employers should supply staff with PPE

It is very important that employers take PPE seriously and supply their staff with the appropriate items. It is also important that PPE is regularly checked and stays in good working order to ensure maximum protection.

If employees have been supplied with PPE by their employer, they should be wearing it. It’s easy to let things slide or forget but the reason that you have been supplied with PPE is because a risk to your health has been identified.

What you should do if PPE is not supplied

Regulation 4 of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 states that employers must supply PPE to employees where it has been identified that they are being exposed to a risk to their health. Section 9 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states that an employer must not charge their employee for the supply of PPE. You should talk to your employer immediately if you have not been supplied PPE and you are at risk of exposure in your job.

If PPE has not been supplied to you and you have had an accident, you should speak to a solicitor ASAP. We have a great deal of experience in PPE and accidents at work so call Mulderrigs today.