PPE claims
Personal protective equipment claims
PPE or Personal Protective Equipment will vary from one industry to another but generally it refers to any kind of equipment that is meant for personal protection depending on the inherent risks involved. The Personal Protective Equipment Act of 1992 clearly outlines an employers’ responsibilities towards their workers. Under these laws, PPE provided by an employer must meet two important criteria, that it must fit well, and it must offer adequate protection. PPE could may include:
- safety harnesses
- protective masks or respirators for protection against breathing in fine dust particles
- safety hard hat or boots
- medical PPE
- safety eye googles and gloves
- flame retardant coveralls for fire-fighters
- stab proof vests for the police force
What are your employer’s responsibilities according to the PPE Act?
The main requirement of the PPE at Work Regulations 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 also require that PPE:
- PPE is provided;
- It offers adequate protection for its intended use;
- is properly assessed before use to ensure it is suitable;
- is maintained and stored properly;
- is provided with instructions on how to use it safely; and
- is used correctly by employees
What are the duties of employees regarding PPE?
It is also worth noting that The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 also places duties on employees to take reasonable steps to ensure that the PPE provided is properly used.
The Regulations for employees includes:
- PPE must be worn and used in accordance with the instructions provided to them
- PPE should be returned to the appropriate storage unit (if applicable) after use, unless the employee takes their PPE (e.g. footwear or clothing) home.
- PPE must be visually examined before use.
- any loss or obvious defect must be immediately reported to their line manager.
- employees must take reasonable care of any PPE provided to them and not carry out any maintenance unless trained and authorised.
Injuries caused by the lack of adequate PPE or faulty protective wear can cause serious and lifelong injuries and implications for you or your family. We can help with all PPE-related injury claims including, but not limited to:
- broken and fractured bones
- burns
- eye damage
- head and spinal injuries
- serious injuries
- industrial illnesses
- fatalities
Faulty PPE compensation claims
Whilst some industries have a higher level of risk associated with them, every employer is obligated by law to make sure the necessary steps have been taken to reduce the risks to protect the safety of their employees. If you have been injured due to faulty PPE or lack of adequate PPE and your employer failed to meet any of the requirements under the PPE at Work Regulations, it could mean you have grounds for claiming faulty PPE compensation.
Workplace accident solicitors in Blackpool and across the Fylde
Our workplace injury lawyers have the specialist knowledge and expertise to help you. We have represented many clients and their families following an injury or fatality due to lack of PPE, successfully securing compensation from their employers.
If you believe that your injury at work caused by faulty PPE and could have been prevented, then our specialist personal injury solicitors can guide you through the process of making an accident at work claim. – Find out if you can claim compensation by completing the form below or request a call with one of our team
We will provide you with clear and practical advice regarding your case and guide you through the claims process in a sensitive and understanding approach, no matter what your situation. – read more about how to make an accident at work claim.
Get in touch
To find out more about how our dedicated team can help you please call us on 0800 919 635 or email claims@easthams.co.uk